Celebrating 60 Years

Zeida Comesañas Sardiñas
(This article first appeared in the Belen Jesuit President's Report, 2020-21 edition)

During the 2021-2022 academic year, Belen celebrates the 60th anniversary of the school’s reestablishment in Miami and it has been 10 years since I began writing “Men for Others: The Belen Jesuit Story”. Many things about Belen’s history impacted me during the book writing process. Those I interviewed ranged in ages from 12 to 101 years old and I was deeply moved by their heartfelt testimonies, which were filled with profound life-changing experiences. Particularly striking was how “miracle” and “divine intervention” made their way into so many of the stories that the Jesuits, faculty, staff, students, and alumni recounted. It is true that Belen’s success in both Cuba and Miami has greatly benefited from the support and generosity of its alumni and its community of families who have remained faithful to the school’s principles as well as to the mission and goals that have furthered its many achievements and growth. But what I also realized while conducting those interviews is that at its core, Belen’s history remains first and foremost, a testament to what men of faith, wisdom, and determination can accomplish when they remain steadfast as the true “Men for Others” that God has called them to be. Undoubtedly, Belen’s history is also emblematic of St Ignatius’ advice: “Act as if everything depends on you; trust as if everything depends on God.” 

BELEN IN CUBA
The establishment of Belen as a Jesuit school started in 1853, when three wise and determined Jesuits (Fr. Bartolomé Munar, S.J., Fr. Cipriano Sevillano, S.J., and Brother Manuel Rubia, S.J.) arrived in Havana, Cuba with a royal decree from Isabella II of Spain. The Jesuits founded their school at a Bethlehemite religious order convalescent hospital/convent on Compostela Street where the existing chapel was dedicated to Our Lady of Belen. On March 2, 1854, the Real Colegio de La Habana opened its doors to 40 students. The school later came to be known as the Colegio de Belén by association with this original location.

Belén remained at the Compostela campus until 1925 when the Jesuits relocated the school to an educational complex in the Marianao section of Havana. In Marianao, the Jesuits continued to solidify the school as an exemplary educational institution whose service to Cuba extended way beyond education to provide spiritual services, financial assistance, and community service to those in need in neighborhoods throughout the island. The school resided in Marianao until April/May of 1961 when the newly declared Cuban communist government nationalized Jesuit holdings throughout the island and expelled most of the Jesuits. Their expulsion culminated in September of 1961 when 26 of them were taken at gunpoint to board a ship (the Covadonga) bound for Spain.

But after 107 years of service to Cuba’s youth, families, and the disadvantaged, the foresight of Belén’s Jesuits was not to be underestimated. Conscious of the Cuban revolutionary turn to socialist/communist ideals, and aware of that ideology’s stance against Christian education, the Jesuits had begun to prepare for the worst since late 1959. Providentially, when the school was overtaken by the Cuban military on April 16, 1961, the Jesuits had already set their eyes on Miami as the place to reestablish their school.

ARRIVAL IN SOUTH FLORIDA
Since 1960, several Jesuits had visited Miami looking for a way to reestablish Belen. After the loss of all their holdings and their expulsion from Cuba in 1961, however, even to the most faithful and determined of Jesuits, the task of reestablishing a private Catholic-Jesuit school in Miami without funding, facilities, or materials must have been overwhelming. Moreover, the prospect of educating the children of the exiled Cuban community suffering from loss, displacement, language barriers, family separation, and financial destitution posed many challenges. How could these exiled families possibly afford private school tuition? Given their own circumstances, how could the Jesuits offer even partial financial aid to their children? Even more heart-wrenching was the steady influx of unaccompanied children, arriving from Cuba under the Operation Pedro Pan program. How could the Jesuits hope to assist them if they lacked the financial resources and infrastructure necessary to care for them?

During this time, the Jesuits constantly reminded each other of God’s “divine providence,” as they also remained on a clear and steadfast plan of action. To establish their school and assist the Pedro Pan children, the Jesuits [Fr. Richard C. Chisholm, S.J. ‘25, Fr. Luis G. Ripoll, S.J. ‘36, Fr. Felipe Arroyo, S.J., and others] requested the assistance of Miami Diocese Catholic Bishop Coleman F. Carroll and Monsignor Bryan Walsh. In August 1961, Bishop Carroll provided official approval for opening a Jesuit school within the Diocese of Miami. The Jesuits also leased two homes in the Brickell Avenue area to establish both a Jesuit residence and a Pedro Pan boarding home. 

They also traveled to Rome where Jesuit Superior General Fr. Jean-Baptiste Janssens, S.J. gave them a letter of support, which Fr. Chisholm took to every Jesuit Province in North America to request financial assistance for reestablishing Belen in Miami. Two Canadian provinces, and others in New Orleans, Maryland, New England, New York, Missouri, and Detroit provided financial support and English-speaking teachers to assist them. The Jesuits also received specific assistance from the New Orleans Province’s Gesu Catholic Church parish at its parochial school in downtown Miami where they were offered classroom space.  

How all these efforts coalesced to achieve the reopening of the school was nothing less than a miracle. Just as it would have done in Havana if it had not been nationalized, on September 18, 1961, Belen reopened its doors without interruption and began its 108th school year in the Gesu School/Centro Hispano Católico building behind the church. The initial roster showed that 80% of the 172 students who attended that first 1961-1962 academic year, did so at no charge, and the remaining 20% paid only $5.00 per month. 

A PLACE OF OUR OWN
While they were grateful to the North American provinces, the Gesu parish, and Bishop Carroll for their support, the Jesuits at Belen also understood that the school needed its own location to establish an identity of its own. Using their support, during the summer of 1962, the Jesuits purchased a former dancing academy in Little Havana which they remodeled into four classrooms and a “multi-purpose” hall that functioned as an administrative office, cafeteria, teacher’s lounge, and school chapel. On September 19, 1962, Belen Jesuit opened in Little Havana with 166 students, 60% of whom were enrolled at no charge. Another 15% of students’ families were making only minimal contributions in place of tuition. 

Gradually, over the 19 years that the school spent in Little Havana, the Jesuits developed a comprehensive strategy to ensure the school’s survival as well as its growth. They employed qualified lay educators to complement the Jesuit faculty, and implemented a rigorous curriculum, as well as an athletic program. Belen stressed Catholic values, community service, and Jesuit educational principles. It also established vital links with student families, Belen alumni, and the surrounding community to fundraise, not only to finance the school’s growth and expansion, but also to continue to provide financial assistance to those families who still had limited ability to afford tuition.

The Jesuits’ comprehensive approach, at its core, was also based on the call that Jesuit General Fr. Pedro Arrupe, S.J. formally made in 1973 for Jesuit schools to educate Men for Others. The Jesuits at Belen thus set themselves on the path of educating young men who would become leaders in service, striving for the ideal of Jesus Christ, and who, with competence, conscience, and compassionate commitment would be convinced that love for God also takes issue with the injustice of others, and that only through dedicated service and education can that injustice be overcome.

The work of numerous Jesuits characterized the 19 years that Belen spent in Little Havana. Those who served as rectors/presidents at the Little Havana campus included Fr. Ripoll, Fr. Ceferino Ruiz, S.J., Fr. Chisholm, Fr. Daniel G. Baldor, S.J., and Fr. Arroyo. In 1962, Fr. Francisco Barbeito, S.J. re-established the Alumni Association. In 1968, he was joined by Fr. Juan M. Dorta-Duque, S.J. ‘40. In 1968, the school also reestablished the school’s Tombola carnival to raise funds for scholarships. In 1974, Fr. Eduardo Alvarez, S.J. (‘63) founded the Belen Youth Missions, establishing a tradition that for over 45 years has allowed Belen students to contribute to disadvantaged communities in the Dominican Republic. Through continued fundraising campaigns, the school undertook two expansions in Little Havana (1965 and 1972), the last of which included the purchase of an adjacent building. In 1972, a generous inheritance grant funded the establishment of the Ramón Guiteras Memorial Library at the school. The athletic program also worked hard to establish team sports that included the start of basketball (1964), baseball (1965), cross-country (1970), track & field (1971), football (1971), tennis (1974), swimming (1975), and soccer (1976). The Social Studies Department also established student participation in the Close-Up program (1971).

These expansions and accomplishments allowed Belen’s enrollment to rise during Fr. Arroyo’s tenure as president (1972-1980) from 375 to 535. But space in Little Havana was at its limit, and it had become clear that Belen needed to find a permanent home elsewhere if it was going to continue its mission and growth. Belen’s endurance in Little Havana had been miraculous in its own way, exemplified by stories of confined quarters (closets turned into offices) and bussing students to public parks to practice sports; those who worked and attended Little Havana related how those experiences deeply impacted their development and their faith. But the Jesuits, led first by Fr. Baldor, and later by Fr. Arroyo, were resolute in their fundraising mission and Belen families responded. Even under the confines of inflation and long gas lines of the late 1970s, and even if they could only afford to give a little, it was not about the amount. It was about contributing to the education of their children as well as to that of their future generations. It was thanks to the generous support of alumni and the school’s families (students even donated their daily allowance to buy their Coca-Cola during lunch), that in the late 1970s, the Jesuits were finally able to purchase and construct the first few buildings at the west Miami-Dade campus where the school resides today. 

A PERMANENT HOME
The 1981-1982 academic year began at the new campus in West Miami-Dade on September 14, 1981. A sense of satisfaction and accomplishment filled the arrival of the Jesuit administration, faculty, staff, and the 598 enrolled students. The initial campus only included the main building, the Chapel, and the library. There was plenty of land though, and the Jesuit community quickly got to work. What would transpire over the next 40 years would prove to be truly exceptional as well as remarkable. It would also set the stage for the bright future that lies ahead.

At first under the leadership of Fr. Francisco Pérez-Lerena, S.J. ‘44, and later, through the 25-year tenure of Fr. Marcelino Garcia, S.J., the school grew its enrollment as it also continued to fundraise, not only to grow the campus but to also be able to provide financial aid to students who would not otherwise be able to attend Belen. During the 1980s, long-standing school traditions began at the new campus such as the Belen Gala (1981), the Academic Achievement Awards Ceremony (1982), Field Day (1983), Peer Ministry (1984), Father & Son Day (1985), and the Belen Summer Camp (1984). In 1984, the school inaugurated its first tennis courts. And in 1986, Belen added sixth-grade education, and the Gian Zumpano Swimming Pool was built. As the decade ended, in 1988 the Fr. Benito Vines, S.J. Observatory opened, continuing a legacy that began in Cuba.

In the 1990s, Belen installed its first language and computer labs (1992) as well as its first running track (1992). Student participation started in Model UN (1993), the Overseas Studies Program (1994), the Mini-Olympics (1996), Grandparent’s Day, and Mother & Son Day (1996). In 1994, Belen celebrated its 140th Anniversary, and in 1995, its commitment to the athletic program culminated with the inauguration of the Roberto C. Goizueta Athletic Center. The development of athletic team sports continued at Belen with wrestling (1984), golf (1984), volleyball (1986), water polo (1997), crew (2000), and lacrosse (2008). In 1996, the school received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In 1998, it inaugurated the Vincam wing, enlarging the cafeteria, adding eight new classrooms, and a guest dining room. 

In the new millennium, Belen continued to add to its campus. In 2002, the campus expanded substantially as the Villa Javier Jesuit Residence, the Raúl and Nidia Rodríguez Science Pavilion, as well as new outdoor basketball courts and tennis courts were inaugurated. In 2003, the inauguration of the Ignatian Center for the Arts, which included the Ophelia and Juan Js. Roca Theater, the Olga & Carlos Saladrigas Art Gallery, seven classrooms, and a music rehearsal hall established the school’s commitment to arts. That same year, the school also improved and dedicated the De la Cruz football, track, and soccer stadium. In 2004, the school celebrated its 150th anniversary, and in 2007, it established the Magis Mentoring Program to assist students in need of academic tutoring. In 2007, Belen also purchased “La Casita” for housing the Belen Alumni Association of Jesuit Schools from Cuba and Miami across the street from campus.

In 2008, as Belen’s enrollment reached 1,500 students, the school completed the Administration Building, and Fr. Pedro Suárez, S.J. ’58 began his tenure as president.  In 2009, Belen inaugurated the Communications, Arts & Multimedia Center, and the Carlos Barañano Technology Center. In 2010, the Wall of Martyrs was installed in the administration building. In 2011, Belen celebrated its Golden Jubilee (the 50th anniversary of the re-establishment of the school in Miami) and renovated the central patio, renaming it the Garrido Family Plaza. In 2012, the school implemented a one‐to‐one program using the Apple iPad device utilizing all-digital textbooks and debuted the Sánchez artificial turf football field. In 2013, it unveiled the St. Ignatius of Loyola statue at its main entrance and inaugurated the Nike Hill & Tunnel extending the cross-country course. In 2014, the school inaugurated the artificial turf Hernández athletic field and the historical book, “Men for Others: The Belen Jesuit Story'' was published, documenting the story of how the Jesuits founded Belen in Cuba and Miami.

In 2016, Fr. Guillermo M. García-Tuñón, S.J. ‘87 began his tenure as president, as work progressed on the new Dining Hall, which was inaugurated at the start of the 2017-2018 school year. In 2017, the newly renovated St. Joseph’s Patio, located between the school’s kitchen and Vincam Wing was adorned with a new statue of St. Joseph and a European Olive Tree. In 2018, the school replaced its original Gian Zumpano swimming pool with the Gian Zumpano Aquatic Center featuring a state-of-the-art Olympic-sized pool. In 2019, the school added four multi-functional tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts behind the Aquatic Center. Lights were also turned on at the De La Cruz stadium, as the football team played its first night game. Lights were also added to the varsity baseball field beginning the shift to night games. Belen also launched the public phase of the “For the Greater Glory” campaign which aims to raise $38 million towards the school’s strategic vision. Also in 2019, Belen inaugurated the Arroyo Quad. Located behind the Dining Hall, the Quad recognized those courageous Jesuits who worked to ensure that Cuba’s tyranny would not have the last word and that Ignatian education would flourish with the reestablishment of Belen in Miami. Memorialized in the Quad are the many Jesuit priests and brothers who have served at Belen Jesuit. In 2020, Belen inaugurated the Fides Et Ratio Patio with a bronze statue of Fr. Matteo Ricci, S.J. and on March 16, because of the global Covid-19 pandemic, the school transitioned to a distance learning model to complete the 2019-2020 school year. The campus was closed, and all sports and activities were canceled or postponed.

The 2020-2021 school year began with virtual classes but by mid-September, Belen transitioned to a hybrid model, and in January 2021 reinstated full in-person classes. For the 2020-2021 academic year, the Roberto Goizueta Athletic Center was expanded and renamed the Roberto C. Goizueta Innovation Center. While the gym and locker rooms remained intact, the lobby was remodeled, and the second floor was dedicated to a state-of-the-art STEAM Center, offering a mix of traditional classrooms, maker space, and a science lab. The STEAM Program gives students access to a large selection of tools and is home to the robotics teams and engineering classes. 

As the 2021-2022 “60th Anniversary in Miami'' academic year began, it is evident that Belen has come a long way since its reestablishment in 1961 at the Gesu School building behind the church in downtown Miami. In 2021, Belen will inaugurate the Our Lady of Belen Chapel and will also break ground on a new Athletic Facility. Throughout the years at the west Miami-Dade campus, Belen has won State Championships in the following crew (3), cross country (12), soccer (2), swimming (7), tennis (1), track and field (1), and water polo (3) as well as Academic State Championships for baseball (1),  basketball (5), bowling (1), cross country (2), football (7), soccer (3), tennis (2), track and field (1), volleyball (1), water polo (1), and wrestling (2). It also won the All-Sports Award 5 times while also winning the 2019-2020 FHSAA Academic State Champions Overall Award. Remarkably, 7,898 Belen alumni can now be found all over the world. Clearly, the journey has been filled with much hard work, sacrifice, the spirit of giving, and the willingness to hold stead-fast to Jesuit ideals and educational principles. Under Father Willie's leadership, the school continues to fundraise as it has historically done, not only to finance the school’s growth and expansion, but also to continue to provide financial assistance to those families who would not otherwise be able to send their sons to Belen. Currently, 20% of Belen students (300 young men) receive aid from the Belen Financial Assistance Program.  But while Belen’s future is bright, the greater task is still at hand. As Father Willie reminded us on August 21, Belen’s last 60 years have been filled with “dedicated and committed service to Jesus Christ… Now, more than ever, the world needs committed Christian men who can lead and serve, and Belen intends to provide them. It has been doing it for 167 years, and it will continue to do it for many more years to come.”
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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
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.