By Teresa Martinez - Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Bishop Fernando Isern and Jesuit Provincial Father Javier Vidal bless the construction grounds at Belen Jesuit.
MIAMI | Over 40 invited guests joined members of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School's administration, faculty, staff, and students Oct. 30 for the groundbreaking and blessing ceremony of the new kitchen and cafeteria project.
"This project, the cafeteria and kitchen renovation, has been a needed enhancement to our campus," said Jesuit Father Pedro Suarez, Belen's president. "The original facility has not changed much since it was built in 1981, when it was originally intended to feed 500 people. Today the same facilities feed a community of close to 1,500 students, plus 200 faculty and staff."
Jesuit Father Javier Vidal, provincial of the Antilles Province, and Bishop Fernando Isern, emeritus of the Diocese of Pueblo, Colorado, were on hand for this special occasion and blessed the grounds.
"We would like to recognize a very special donor who has generously supported this project and countless others throughout the years. Mrs. Nydia Rodriguez and her family serve as wonderful examples of generosity and love in our community, and we appreciate all they have done and continue to do for Belen Jesuit," said Maria Cristina Reyes-Garcia, principal.
The new multi-purpose facility will provide the school with a larger space for dining and meal preparation, as well as a modern space for learning, community meetings, and formal gatherings. The goal is to provide a more comfortable and efficient dining experience. The estimated date of completion for the entire project is the fall of 2016.
From left to right: Nydia Rodriguez, benefactor; Jesuit Father Pedro Suarez, Belen president; Maria Cristina Reyes-Garcia, principal; Jesuit Father Guillermo Garcia-Tuñon; and Danny Dager, Student Council president, take part in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new kitchen and cafeteria.
