By Tom Tracy - Florida Catholic
MIAMI | Archbishop Thomas Wenski was inducted into the Belen Jesuit High School Hall of Fame 2026 as one of nine distinguished figures for his leadership and service to the Catholic Church in South Florida.
The ceremony took place during Belen’s annual Hall of Fame awards dinner, held this year March 21, 2026, at the InterContinental Hotel in Miami.
“A spiritual shepherd and steadfast advocate for justice and dignity, Archbishop Thomas Wenski has served the Church with humility, conviction, and deep pastoral care,” the school said in a statement concerning his nomination to the Hall of Fame.
“His leadership reflects a profound commitment to faith, service, and the common good. His lifelong dedication to guiding the faithful stands as a powerful witness to servant leadership. … (H)is unwavering support for Belen Jesuit during its growth and innovation is a testament to his belief in Jesuit education.”
Photographer: (COURTESY KENAI SUAREZ)
Archbishop Thomas Wenski receives the Hall of Fame award from Jesuit Father Guillermo “Willie” García-Tuñón, president of Belen Jesuit, and Peter Montadas, Hall of Fame chairman, during the Belen Jesuit Preparatory School Hall of Fame induction ceremony March 21, 2026.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski received the award from Thomas De Quesada, Belen class of 1994, executive director of enrollment and community outreach and the night’s emcee.
“Our first inductee is recognized not just across South Florida, but far beyond. For more than 15 years as archbishop of Miami, he has stood firmly with Belen Jesuit. Today, we honor his priestly vocation and his leadership as a true shepherd of the archdiocese,” De Quesada said.
For Jesuit priest Guillermo “Willie” García-Tuñón, Belen Jesuit president, each individual inducted tonight into the Hall of Fame is a light that has helped shine in the darkness. “They are individuals who have responded to the call of Jesus Christ to lead in a world so desperately in need of goodness.”
The Belen Hall of Fame honors members of the community who have participated in, excelled within, strengthened, or continuously supported Belen, and who, through their personal and professional lives, embody the Jesuit ideals upheld by Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, El Colegio de Belén, and the Jesuit Schools of Cuba.
These honorees represent lives of service, leadership, integrity, and excellence — living testimonies to what it means to be men and women for others, according to Belen.
Since its establishment in 2022, 65 individuals have been inducted into the Belen Hall of Fame.
Photographer: (COURTESY KENAI SUAREZ)
Archbishop Thomas Wenski, center poses for a photo with several guest at the Belen Jesuit Preparatory School Hall of Fame induction ceremony March 21, 2026 at the InterContinental Hotel in Miami. With him are front left, Conchi Argiz, Tony Argoz, and Katie Blanco, president of the Archdiocese's Development Corporation, and, top row from left, Beatriz Pereira, Jeanette and Dito Mas, Fr. Agustin Estrada and Matt Bourdeau.
During the presentation, Belen regaled the audience with a short video on Archbishop Wenski’s life, noting his birthplace in Palm Beach County to Polish immigrants, his entry into the minor seminary in Miami at a young age, and his subsequent ordination to the priesthood for the Miami Archdiocese.
The video tribute noted the archbishop’s language and cultural studies and his special ministry to Haitians in South Florida, before he was appointed director of Catholic Charities of the Miami Archdiocese. Later, he would be ordained an auxiliary bishop of Miami and later bishop of the Diocese of Orlando.
Archbishop Wenski, who turned 75 last year, has submitted his mandatory retirement letter to the Pope upon reaching this age, as required by canon law. However, the archbishop is not retiring immediately and will continue leading the Archdiocese of Miami until Pope Leo decides on a successor.
This year’s inductees to Belen Hall of Fame reflects the extraordinary breadth of talent and vocation shaped by Belen, including from educators and Jesuits to physicians, architects, journalists, business leaders, and philanthropists.
The other honorees include Belen alumni:
Alex Adams, a leader in the business community.
Dr. Joaquín Albarrán, a medical doctor and extraordinary late 19th-century urologist whose early career was in microbiology and histopathology in Paris. He died in 1912, at the age of 52, the same year he was nominated for a Nobel Prize in Medicine.
Dr. Alberto Arán, a medical doctor recognized as the first ophthalmic surgeon in Florida to use the FDA-approved excimer laser.
Eduardo García, a businessman known for his commitment to the community.
Jorge L. Hernández, an architect who designed the Our Lady of Belen Chapel as a gift to the Jesuits.
Tom Llamas, an award-winning journalist and trusted voice in national media, who serves as the anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News.
Dr. Orlando Puente, a general and vascular surgeon at Baptist Health’s Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute.
Armando Rodríguez, a former Belen teacher and administrator and a beloved educator and guiding presence within the Belen community.
