History

 Our Lady of Lourdes, founded in 1985, continues to serve the Catholics in the fast-growing West Kendall area. The first Mass was celebrated in the gymnasium at Boystown, adjacent to the current parish property. On the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy dedicated in 1990 the parish’s present temporary church and facilities. Hurricane Andrew in 1992 caused extensive damage to the parish and to parishioners’ homes but together everyone helped to rebuild.

With more than 1,000 families by 1994, and more than 400 children and 10 adults enrolled in religious education classes, parishioners began establishing a school. It opened in fall 1997 with 240 students in pre-kindergarten-3 to fourth grade and through the years expanded to include grade eight.

Between 1995 and 1998, the parish family, under the pastorship of Reverend Anthony J. Massi, renovated the temporary church, patio and land facilities, as well as built and opened the present elementary school. Our Lady of Lourdes Parish School opened in the Fall of 1997, offering classes from pre-school to the fourth grade. The building of additional classrooms began during 2000, and with continuous expansion, the first 8th grde class graduated in the 2001/2002 school year. "We are called to build the house of the Lord" was the next phase of the building campaign, in conjunction with Vision 2000, the historic campaign of the Archdiocese of Miami, led by Archbishop John Clement Favalora.

The dedication of the new Mediterranean-style church, with the capacity to seat 1,200 people, occured on May 26th, 2002. What a positive impact this spiritual and structural Church has had on our community.

Our Parish

The parish facilities now encompass Our Lady of Lourdes Parish School, Founders Hall, and a meeting room. This is the place where we pray, contribute, and celebrate as one family in Christ Jesus.

On March 30th, 2003, Reverend Fernando Isern became the Pastor. Under his leadership, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish continues to grow, developing many wonderful spiritual and social ministries, events and traditions. The first Parish Carnival took place in February 2004, with financial blessings as well as the incredible opportunity for the building of community among Parish families. The Perpetual Adoration Chapel opened its doors on the Feast of Corpus Christ, June 2004, providing a beautiful and sacred place for continual reflection and renewal. Emmaus retreats for both men and women continue to grow and flourish, deepening relationshipos with Jesus and enhancing spirituality. Many other ministries have developed to serve the needs of our multi-cultural Parish population.

With a Parish census of over 6,000 families, Our Lady of Lourdes is a vibrant community poised and ready to minister to many, creating a spiritual foundation for a multi-cultural community in West Kendall.

Together, we build the House of the Lord on a daily basis for our New Generation in Christ.