By Teresa Martinez - Belen Jesuit Preparatory School

MIAMI | Belen Jesuit Preparatory School celebrated the 25th anniversary of its observatory Feb. 22 with a reception for alumni and special guests in the Cosculluela Dining Hall.

Continuing a tradition of over 140 years, the Fr. Benito Vines, SJ Observatory is at the service of its students and the Miami community.

Belen Jesuit is the only school in the United States equipped with a 16" telescope with a CCD camera for astrophotography and one of only a few schools in South Florida with an observatory. Weather forecasts are radioed daily to various cities in Florida. The observatory was made possible by donations from the Belen Jesuit Class of 1972.

"The class of 1972 wanted to give back to the school, and they knew that I, their humble teacher, really liked the study of astronom,y" said Jesuit Father Pedro Cartaya, director of the observatory. "I think the school has continued a great Jesuit tradition of science and education through the observatory."

The school includes a meteorology club that is divided by middle school and high school. All students have access to a fully functional meteorology center that can be used to predict and analyze weather patterns throughout the globe. There is also a ham radio station where students communicate with people from around the world.

During the gathering the invited guests heard a presentation from Tony Abella, '59, former school principal (1970-72), Rolando Branly, '84, former president of the Astronomy Club and Jose Garrido, Jr. '72.

"My passion has always been to learn more about the universe, and to pass this passion on to every student who is interested," said Father Cartaya. "The more you study science, the more you learn about God. Science and faith, no matter what people may say, they are not opposites. They go hand in hand."