2025 Miami Experience

Come to Miami! Unlike other visits to Miami, which focus mainly on South Pointe Park and Miami Beach, we will take a look at the Cuban and Catholic heritage of Miami from historic churches and chapels, to galleries and gardens, the coast and panoramic views. Immerse yourself in sacred art and quiet moments before the Virgen de la Caridad. Enjoy the sights of Little Havana and Miami’s premier culinary destinations; see natural wonders such as its dynamic beaches and tropical views. In beauty, we can encounter the presence of God.

Nov. 4 – Welcome Mass and Reception with Archbishop Wenski

Nov. 5 – The Cuban Heritage of Miami
We will visit the Belen High School and tour its beautiful chapel, Our Lady of Belen (Bethlehem), featuring paintings of five saints from North America and five Saints from Latin America by the Spanish artist, Raul Berzosa. Belen High School was originally founded by the Jesuits in Havana, Cuba, with a charter given by Queen Isabel II of Spain in 1854. In 1961, upon their expulsion from Cuba, the Jesuits reestablished their High School in Miami. We will have lunch and tour in Little Havana; there will be a chance to explore cafes, shops, and Calle Ocho. In the evening, we will have a dinner reception with Cuban-American Leaders.

Nov. 6 – Sacred Art and Natural Wonders
Today begins with a visit to Gesù Catholic Church, built in 1925, it is the oldest parish in Miami, recently restored to its original splendour. It is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. We head to Corpus Christi Cultural Center which offers a wonderful collection of Colonial Peruvian Art. It recreates a Spanish-Colonial Baroque Chapel inspired by those found in Lima, Peru; it is also a repository of archival information about Cuba’s history from its beginnings to Independence, and the Spanish-American War. In the afternoon, we will visit famous South Pointe Park and Miami Beach.

Nov. 7 – Closing Mass, Last Day in Miami
To cap off our visit, we will have the First Friday Mass at the Ermita, or the National Shrine to Our Lady of Charity. Built by Cuban Refugees, it houses a replica of the ancient image of Nuestra Senora de la Caridad del Cobre. It is under this title that St. John Paul II designated the Virgin Mary as the
patroness of all Cubans. The afternoon will comprise a visit to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, and to the nearby American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora. We conclude our visit to Miami with a festive Dinner.

Nov. 8 – Morning Mass will be offered; Departure of guests.