By Archbishop Thomas Wenski - The Archdiocese of Miami
This October, we Catholics will observe the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of Miami, and 50 years since it became an Archdiocese. 60 years might not seem like a long time in a Church that is almost 2,000 years old, but here in South Florida where most everything seems to have been built “the day before yesterday,” 60 years is certainly something to celebrate!
In Gaudium et Spes, the Fathers of Vatican II wrote: “The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ.”
These words also well described the Archdiocese of Miami and its involvement in the life of our South Florida communities. This local Church that is the Archdiocese of Miami has been, for 60 years, an integral part of our South Florida community, from Deerfield Beach in the north, to Key West in the south:
Our Archdiocese led the way in welcoming successive waves of refugees and immigrants, from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and many other countries; our Archdiocese led in efforts to promote racial peace and justice during the Civil Rights era (our schools were the first in the region to desegregate). The diocese (and later Archdiocese) responded to the explosive growth of our region by an impressive and daring expansion of parishes, schools, and social and health services. And just as the Diocese of Miami was created from the southern part of the Diocese of St. Augustine in 1958, in 1984 the Diocese of Venice and Palm Beach were created from the western and northern parts of the Archdiocese.
Of course, the history of this archdiocese – like all human history marked as it is by human sin as well as by God’s grace – has its lights and shadows. Unfortunately, the scandals of clergy betraying their vows and abusing the trust of God’s people form a sad chapter in our local Church’s history here. Yet, the Church is holy – and she is holy not because of us but because of the Spirit that is given to her. Despite the shortcomings and foibles of her human members, the Church of God has continued to grow here in South Florida. Thanks to the presence of the Holy Spirit, who could say that these past 60 years have not been years of grace? As St. John says in the prelude to his Gospel: “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Many have come and gone – among them were some saints, and to be sure not a few sinners – and we lift up in prayer those pioneers – priests and people – who were here at the beginning and built the parishes and schools we enjoy today. But during these 60 years – with the help of God’s grace which is always more than enough against our own inadequacies – the Catholic people of South Florida have built more than buildings – you have built community, a community of faith, hope and love, a community where Christ is known, adored and encountered.
On October 7 (the actual date of beginnings of this local Church), we will celebrate in prayer with Solemn Vespers at St. Mary’s Cathedral and parishioners, who represent the good work being done today in our parishes, will be recognized. On October 20, we will celebrate our “Diamond Anniversary Gala” on the air-conditioned infield of Marlins Stadium. And so that we can invest in the next 60 years, the funds raised will benefit our seminaries. Later, on October 28, we will have a more informal but fun event: a Parish Life Picnic for the whole family on the grounds of Nativity Parish and School.
So, after 60 years, we remember the past with gratitude; we embrace the present with enthusiasm; and we look forward to the future with hope.
