Evangelize the Future
Father Jose Luis Menendez was born in Havana, Cuba. He attended Belen in elementary school where his second grade teacher was Brother Arrieta. He was a major influence for young Menendez, who to this date, can still recall how impressed he was with the large classes, and the different grade levels. Another major influence throughout his life at Belen was Father Oraa, who helped Menendez figure out his true vocation in his life.
Unfortunately, Father Menendez never finished his schooling at Belen. Along with his family, he left Cuba in September of 1960 and travelled to Spain, where he attended another Catholic school. In Father Menendez's eyes, Belen has always been a gift given to him in order to teach him how to develop his personal ideas, how to help others, and most importantly, how to discover his purpose and mission in life.
It was during those brief years in Belen that he became acquainted with God and developed a relationship with Him. He attended retreats and avidly participated in the spiritual life that the school offered in its daily curriculum. After years of study, he became a priest in Madrid in September of 1977.
“Evangelize was the most important word to my faith. It helped me find what I really wanted to do and grow stronger with God,” said Father Menendez.
Around 1980, he travelled to Miami where he took over as one of the priests at the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity (La Ermita de la Caridad del Cobre) and also a Spiritual Director in the school of
Immaculata LaSalle. He was later assigned to be the priest at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Miami. Here, he took over the youth ministry group and encouraged the young people to get involved with God and their community. He believed that it was important for the people in the parish to participate and grow as human beings, both culturally and religiously.
“The youth love to work in the area I’m working in now, many people are shy and scared to help but many of them are very good people,” said Father Menendez.
It was at Corpus Christi that he developed a program to help the community. His goal was to engage the community and create a place where many of the youth could develop culturally and
learn more about God. He welcomed the neighboring homeless population and provided meals for them. He opened the doors of the church to educate the youth on issues of morality and faith, which they often lacked.
learn more about God. He welcomed the neighboring homeless population and provided meals for them. He opened the doors of the church to educate the youth on issues of morality and faith, which they often lacked.
Most importantly, his desire to bring others closer to God and His church prompted him to build a chapel on the grounds of Corpus Christi Catholic Church that is a replica of a church in Peru.
Using authentic pieces and period decor, Father Menendez created a small museum of Peruvian art and history. The project, funded by donations, has attracted many people to the church. They go to see this amazing room and appreciate the beauty and unique aspects of
the Peruvian culture. The small church has been a huge hit among the parishioners, making its purpose to bring the people closer to God a reality.
Using authentic pieces and period decor, Father Menendez created a small museum of Peruvian art and history. The project, funded by donations, has attracted many people to the church. They go to see this amazing room and appreciate the beauty and unique aspects of
the Peruvian culture. The small church has been a huge hit among the parishioners, making its purpose to bring the people closer to God a reality.
On any given day, you can find Father Menendez tending to his flock at Corpus Christi or helping those in need. Aware of the lack of faith and charity that looms over modern society, he is always on hand to bring people one step closer to God.
“I want to leave people with the want to fight for the kingdom of God and to live and learn under God," said Father Menendez.
Anyone can help and follow along with him if he’s approached at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Father Menendez's goal is to help as many people as he can to establish strong bonds with God. He has evangelized many and has turned shy people into productive, hardworking people. He has taught his parishioners how to help others in need and how to make an impact on their lives. Father Menendez is a hero to many and he will continue to work on
his projects to help others, until his last breath. That is his mission.
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BELEN JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: webmaster@belenjesuit.org
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: webmaster@belenjesuit.org
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School was founded in 1854 in Havana, Cuba by Queen Isabel II of Spain. The task of educating students was assigned to the priests and brothers of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), whose teaching tradition is synonymous with academic excellence and spiritual discipline. In 1961, the new political regime of Cuba confiscated the School property and expelled the Jesuit faculty. The School was re-established in Miami the same year, and over the next decade, continued to grow. Today, Belen Jesuit sits on a 30-acre site in western Dade County, only minutes away from downtown Miami.