Fr. Michael Martínez, S.J. ‘09
President of the School
There are so many phrases and sayings associated with the Society of Jesus taken from the wisdom of our founder St. Ignatius of Loyola. Anyone involved in some way or form with the Jesuits seems to not only know them, but adopt them as personal mantras. It makes sense since axioms are catchy and strike a chord. For example, if you studied at a Jesuit school, “ad majorem dei gloriam” or “magis” or “cura personalis” are familiar words.
There is one, in my opinion, that rises above most: “men for others.” To those of us who studied at Belen Jesuit, those words are etched in our hearts. Not only are they repeated often, but they are the motto of our school. Those three little words, when strung together, mean a lot and stand as the litmus test for success of the true Belen student and alumnus.
For as common as they may be, most would be surprised to know they were never uttered by St. Ignatius. In fact, throughout the five centuries of Jesuit education, it was only fifty years ago that these words first appeared. Fr. Pedro Arrupe, S.J. was the superior general of the Society of Jesus in 1973 when he gave an address that popularized the term. Speaking to graduates of Jesuit schools in Europe, he suggested that the Society’s mission in education should respond to the “signs of the times” and seek God’s justice on earth. The portrait of a Jesuit school alumnus was laid out. He should be a “man for others.”
The speech was meant to challenge schools and their graduates to do better and do more. Fr. Arrupe wrote, “To be just, it is not enough to refrain from injustice. One must go further and refuse to play its game, substituting love for self-interest as the driving force of society.” This call to love hit a chord and would go on to motivate the continuous development of Jesuit pedagogy.
When Belen adopted Arrupe’s words, it not only set the stage for future generations, but described what had been a part of its culture from the very beginning. Fortunately, there are thousands of alumni who live their lives according to these words, even before they officially became Belen’s motto. This edition of the alumni magazine highlights extraordinary examples.
On the first day of June, we were blessed to witness the ordination of Fr. Mike Martínez, S.J. ’09. After years of formation in the Society of Jesus, Fr. Mike was ordained a priest and assigned to begin his priestly ministry in Cuba. Being privy to his discernment while at Belen and throughout college, I was able to witness how the call to being a man for others expressed itself in a religious vocation. What motivates a young man to completely surrender his life to serving God, the Church, and the world? The answer lies in a choice. Not only his own, but God’s to set him aside for greater service.
However, a vocation to the priesthood is not the only way. Being a man for others is a call bestowed on everyone. This edition recognizes in a particular way the many alumni who chose to be men for others in the military. It is a selfless vocation in service of one’s fellow man and country. Both in Cuba and the United States, scores of alumni have volunteered their lives in all branches of the military. We owe them immense gratitude and applaud their commitment to being men for others.
As we begin to celebrate the 170-year anniversary of Belen Jesuit, it is a privilege to send you this summer edition of the alumni magazine. Its content is a testament to the tireless efforts of so many Jesuits, faculty, and staff committed to transmitting the values of a Jesuit education. The example of these alumni whose names and stories are found within these pages are proof that our school motto, “men for others,” is not simply a catchy phrase, but a standard of life.
Auspice Maria, Fr. Willie, S.J. ‘87
Fr. Guillermo M. García-Tuñon, S.J., Ed. D., ‘87
Roberto Borbolla ‘56 Alumni Content Editor
Carlos Bravo ‘86 Alumni Association Excecutive Director
Carlos Cristóbal ‘16 Communications Specialist
Felipe “Phil” Fernández ‘94
Carlos Jiménez ‘15
Teresa Martínez
Mirna Menéndez Copy Editor
Alumni Association Board of Directors
José “Pep” López Varela ‘87 - President
Alberto Paradela ‘11 - Vice President
Eduardo “Eddie” Macías ‘02 - Secretary
Thomas Pla ‘00 - Treasurer
Ramón Branger ‘92
Vicente Cossío ‘72
José “Joey” Gómez ‘08
Alejandro “Alex” Gómez-Pina ‘93
Carlos Hernández ‘88
Derek León ‘00
Xabier Martínez-Cid ‘11
Carlos Pérez-Abreu ‘88
Luis Pérez-Codina ‘01
Rogelio Ribas ‘83
Carlos Suárez ‘00
Fr. Manuel Dorta-Duque, S.J., ‘40+ Emeritus Spiritual Director
COMMUNITY NEWS
CONFIRMATION
On February 10, the Auxiliary Bishop of Managua, Nicaragua, Silvio Baez presided over the confirmation Mass. Several students were also initiated into the Catholic Church (receiving the three sacraments of Christian initiation, Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist).
GRANDPARENTS DAY
The class of 2029 celebrated their gradelevel activity on March 2. Grandparents Day was a wonderful opportunity for grandparents to bond with their grandsons. Activities ranged from Mass to playing table games to campus tours.
SPRING CONCERT
The music program was displayed during the Spring Concert, held on May 1 in the Roca Theater. Students performed and showcased what they’ve learned at this endof-the-year concert, which was directed by Musical Director Marlene Urbay.
IGNATIAN WEEK
From February 26 to March 1, our school celebrated Ignatian Week. Throughout the week, we celebrated our Catholic-Jesuit identity and reflected on how we try to live our mission at Belen. Br. Eric Couto, S.J. ‘13 and Br. Hunter D’Armond, S.J. shared their vocation stories with students.
OF MICE AND MEN
The spring production, which took place at the Roca Theater from March 6 to 9, featured our thespians center stage. The stagecraft class built the set, and over 25 Belen students made up the cast and crew. Theater Director Carlos Acevedo directed the show.
8TH GRADE PIN MASS
Congratulations to the class of 2028 who received their 8th Grade Pin at a special Mass on May 9 presided over by Fr. Willie, S.J. ‘87 in the Our Lady of Belen Chapel.
PLUNGE 305
In February, students in 10th-12th grades participated in an Ignatian Service Immersion experience with their brothers from Fairfield Prep in Connecticut. The students participated in the 4th annual Urban Plunge. They served in many locations around Miami, including Notre Dame d’Haiti Catholic Church, Lotus House, and the Everglades.
ORLANDO MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Belen Jesuit Jazz Band earned a superior rating for their performance at OrlandoFest. The band was also Grand Champions of the competition, earning the highest score of all bands in attendance. These awards are a testament to the hard work and talent of the students and band faculty.
BACCALAUREATE MASS
The class of 2024 celebrated its Baccalaureate Mass on May 20 at the Our Lady of Belen Chapel. The Mass was presided by Fr. Willie, S.J. ‘87. Congratulations to Nicholas Lebeña ‘24, who was presented with the St. Oscar Romero Service Award, and Daniel Real ‘24, who was presented with the St. Peter Faber Peer Ministry Award.
CLOSE UP PROGRAM
Members of the class of 2025 participated in the Close Up program in February. The students not only learned about the intricacies of our government, but they also visited monuments and museums in Washington, D.C.
SOLAR ECLIPSE
Students in the Belen Jesuit Astronomy Club and from many science classes watched the solar eclipse on April 8, from the Fr. Benito Viñes, S.J. Observatory. Fr. Cartaya, S.J. ‘54 and Fr. Willie, S.J. ‘87 were on hand to take in the phenomenon.
GRADUATION
The class of 2024 celebrated its graduation on May 24 at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Congratulations, and best of luck as you go forth and set the world on fire! Special thanks to His Eminence Christophe Cardinal Pierre for being the commencement speaker. This year’s Brigadier, Joseph Kanjiramkuzhey, delivered the class speech.
ATHLETICS NEWS
The Varsity Basketball team finished the season 14-12. The JV team finished the season 15-5. The Freshman team ended the season 17-1. The Middle School Gold team finished the season 23-0. The Blue team ended the year 9-9.
The Varsity Water Polo team finished the year as District Champions with a record of 19-6. The Middle School Water Polo Gold team finished 9-0, and the Middle School Blue team finished 8-1, only losing to the gold team.
The Varsity Wrestling team ended the season as District runner ups with a record of 13-10. The team had two Individual District Champions, five Finalists and nine Regional Qualifiers.
The Varsity Soccer team finished the season as District Champions with a record of 11-8-5.
The Varsity Track and Field team finished in 3rd place out of 50 scoring teams at the Class 3A State Championship. Tiago Socarrás won the 1600 M race with a new Florida state record at 4:04.53. Joshua Ruíz came in second place in 3200 M and was also part of the second place 4x800 M relay with Matthew Viña, Chuck Carreño and Joey Ruíz. Joshua also finished 5th place in the 1600 M. Marcelo Mantecón came in 3rd place in the 1600 M with a 4:10.88.
The Varsity Lacrosse team finished the season as District Champions with a record of 13-7. The JV team ended the season with a record of 11-3. The Middle School Gold team ended the season 8-0, and the Middle School Blue team ended 7-2.
Varsity Tennis ended their season as District Champions. They had a clean sweep at the event, winning singles positions 1-5 and doubles positions 1-2. We also had two representatives at the state tournament. Julian Vinals ‘27 advanced to the quarterfinals in singles competition, while Vinals and Julio Nuñez ‘25 advanced to the semifinals in doubles competition. The Middle School team ended their season with a 2-3 record.
The Varsity Crew Team ended the season with 44 Gold, 22 Silver and 9 Bronze finishes. The Freshmen team had 13 Gold, 4 Silver and 6 Bronze finishes. The Middle School team had 3 Gold and 1 Silver finishes.
Congratulations to our Student-Athletes who were recognized during the Athletic Awards Ceremonies. The following were named during the varsity awards: The Rising Wolverine Award was given to Marcelo Mantecón ‘27, Joseph Ruíz ‘24 won the Iron Wolverine Award, the Carlos Barquín Sportsman of the Year Award was given to Khamani Alexander ‘24, the Best All-Around Athlete Award was given to Evan Torres ‘24, Joseph Santiago Socarrás ‘25 and Lorenzo Rodríguez ‘25 won the Athlete of the Year Award, and the Most Accomplished Athlete Award was awarded to Joshua Ruíz ‘24.
The Varsity Volleyball team finished the season 23-6, District Champion and Regional runner-up. The team ranked #25 in the nation and #6 in the state. The JV Volleyball team ended the year with a record of 10-10.
The Varsity Baseball team finished the season with a record of 19-9. The team ended the year as District runnerups and Academic State Champions.
Congratulations to the 15
(University of Pennsylvania),
Cordero (Santa Fe College), and
(Ohio State). Christian Díaz
University. Cross
(University of Pennsylvania), Joshua
team
(University of Florida), and Evan Torres (University of Miami). Football: Nashunbie “Bo” Humphrey (John Carroll University), Khamani Alexander (Appalachian State University), Javier Brito (Southern Methodist University), Jah’Son Felix (John Carroll University), Gavench Marcelin (Florida Atlantic University), and Andrés Miyares (University of North Carolina). Andrew Candela will join the Lacrosse team at Oberlin College. Morrison Hadad will play Volleyball at St. Thomas University.
Wolverines who committed to play at the next level. Baseball: Ernie Echevarría
Jordan
Brandon DeGoti
will join the Crew
at Stetson
Country: Joseph Ruíz
Ruiz
CLASS OF 2024 ACADEMIC AWARDS
JOSEPH KANJIRAMKUZHEY BRIGADIER
Sebastián Alejandro Lazo
Andrea Pozzo, S.J. Humanities Award
Mauricio Espina
José Rubinos, S.J. World Languages Award
Lucas Antonio Sabogal
Gerard Manley Hopkins, S.J. English Award
Henry Agustine Amador
Robert Bellarmine, S.J. Theology Award
Nicholas Duque VALEDICTORIAN
Daniel Alejandro Real
SALUTATORIAN
Nicolás Jesús Abreu
John Carroll, S.J. Social Studies Award
Raymond Adolfo Pérez Jr.
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, S.J. Science Award
Kevin Austín Rodriguez Athanasius Kircher, S.J. STEAM Award
Joaquín Luis Mestre
Christopher Clavius, S.J. Mathematics Award
Marcos RodríguezLapido
Archbishop's Leadership Award
Ernie John Echevarría
Francis Xavier, S.J. Scholar Athlete Award
Nicolas Abreu | Georgetown University
Victor Alberni | Florida State University Honors Program
Khamani Alexander | Appalachian State University
Diego Alvarez | Georgia Institute of Technology
Sebastian Alvarez | Santa Fe College
Henry Amador | Florida State University Honors Program
Rafael Antun | Florida State University
Edrien Argote | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Mauricio Arias | Florida International University Honors College
Ilan Asis | University of Chicago
Anthony Azcuy | University of Florida
Marcelo Balepogi | Florida International University
Gabriel Belfort | Indiana University, Bloomington
Ezra Bergquist | University of Central Florida
Matthew Berrocal | Florida State University
Andres Bertorelli | Indiana University, Bloomington
Giancarlo Berumen | Fordham University
Rodrigo Blanco | University of Florida
Andrew Borgen | University of Notre Dame
Javier Brito | Southern Methodist University
Samuel Bustos | Marquette University
Santiago Cacchione | University of Miami
William Campo | Loyola University New Orleans
Andrew Candela | Oberlin College
Nathan Canino | Miami Dade College
Nicholas Canovas | Florida International University
Charles Carreno | Florida State University
Denys Castillo | Florida International University
Vincent Castro | Florida International University
Jacob Caudle | University of Florida
Jordan Cordero | Santa Fe College
Christopher Cotte | University of Miami
Alexander Cruz | Florida International University Honors College
Juan de Lapuerta | University of Central Florida Burnett Honors
College
Nicolas De Solminihac | IE University
Brandon DeGoti | The Ohio State University
Christian Diaz | Stetson University
Lazaro Diaz Marrero | University of Central Florida
Daniel Diez | Syracuse University
Hugo Dorta | Florida International University Honors College
Nicholas Duque | Vanderbilt University
Dominic Dyer | Florida International University
Daniel Dyjak | United States Naval Academy
Ernie Echevarria | University of Pennsylvania
Mauricio Espina | University of Southern California
Otto Espino | Georgetown University
Railey Estrella | Florida International University
Julian Falero | Florida State University
Ignacio Falla | Tulane University
Maximo Fanjul | University of Florida
Tomas Feijoo | University of Miami
Jah’Son Felix | John Carroll University
Andres Fernandez | University of Florida
Andres G Fernandez | Miami Dade College
Javier Fernandez | Florida State University Honors Program
Lucas Franco | Florida State University
Matthew Gadinsky | University of South Florida
Carlos Garcia | Florida International University Honors College
Carlos Julio Garcia | Fairfield University
Ethan Garcia | University of Florida Honors Program
Lucas Garcia | University of Florida
Lucas Alejandro Garcia | Florida State University
Marcos Garcia | Georgia Institute of Technology
Massimo Garcia | University of Michigan
Martin Garriga | University of Florida
Marc Gipps | Southern Methodist University
Armando Gonzalez | Boston College
Daniel Gonzalez | University of Florida
Ethan Gonzalez | University of Florida
Tulio Gonzalez | Northeastern University
Markus Gonzalez | St. Thomas University
Iñigo Gonzalez del Rey | IE University
Jose Gonzalez Irigoyen | Miami Dade Honors College
Gabriel Gonzalez-Quevedo | University of Florida
Juan Antonio Granados | Miami Dade College
Eduardo Gross | Tallahasse Community College
David Guillaume | University of Central Florida Burnett Honors College
Santiago Guinot | Wake Forest University
Manuel Gurdian | University of Notre Dame
Morrison Hadad | St. Thomas University
Diego Halvorssen | Florida State University
Diego Hamud | Florida State University
Daniel Handal | University of Florida
Thomas Haring | Bucknell University
Esteban Herdocia | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Andrew Hernandez | Florida International University
Cristian Hernandez | Florida International University
Nicholas Hernandez | University of Miami
Nashunbie Humphrey | John Carroll University
Thomas Iglesias | Tallahassee Community College
Nicholas Iglesias | University of Notre Dame
Anthony Iturbe | Rice University
Liam Jacobsen | Maine Maritime Academy
Tyler James | Santa Fe College
Brandon Jimenez | Miami Dade College
Joseph Kanjiramkuzhey | Georgetown University
Sebastian Lara | Miami Dade Honors College
Andres Larrea | Florida State University
Sebastian Lazo | University of Florida
Nicholas Lebena | Florida State University
Nicholas Leon | Dartmouth College
Diego Leon-Aguilar | University of Michigan
Salvador Leos | Universidad de Navarra
Vincent Lima | Tulane University
Henry Lisamore | University of Michigan
Matthew Llau | University of Florida
Juan Lopez | Florida State University
Luis Lopez | University of Miami
Eduardo Lopez-Seda | University of Notre Dame
Daniel Lurigados | Florida State University Honors Program
Dimas Mackinlay | University of Florida
Alejandro Madrigal | Florida International University
Brian Malagon | University of Central Florida
Richard Maloof | Baylor University
Gavench Marcelin | Florida Atlantic University
Federico Marino | Northeastern University
Jack McClintock | Florida Institute of Technology
Freddy Melgar | Santa Fe College
Juan Diego Meseguer Grillo | University of Florida
Santiago Meseguer Grillo | Florida International University
Joaquin Mestre | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Honors Program
Andres Miyares. Jr | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Alec Molina | Indiana University, Bloomington
Ivan Montane | Florida International University
Alejandro Mouhaffel Mattey | Florida State University
Joseph Muniz | Indiana University, Bloomington
Michel Musi | Santa Fe College
Charles Nunez | Florida International University Honors College
Marc Orta | University of Florida
Nicholas Ortega | University of Florida
Omar Ortega | University of Michigan
Andres Paredes | University of Michigan
Jaime Parlade | Santa Fe College
Adrian Pena | University of Miami
Alejandro Perez | Northeastern University
Daniel Perez | University of Florida
Lucas Perez | The University of Alabama Honors College
Raymond Perez | University of Miami
Alejandro Portuondo | Florida State University
Marcelo Prugue | Indiana University, Bloomington Hutton
Honors College
Andres Pulles | University of Michigan
Gabriel Quesada | Florida International University
Kyle Quintana | Florida International University Honors College
Peter Raymond | Wake Forest University
Daniel Real | University of Pennsylvania
Julian Recio | New York University
Philippe Riobe | Tallahassee Community College
Andres Rionda | Tallahassee Community College
Aurelio Rodriguez | Santa Fe College
Christian Rodriguez | The Ohio State University
Eduardo Rodriguez | Florida International Univeristy
Kevin Rodriguez | University of Florida
Marcos Rodriguez-Lapido | University of Florida
Daniel Rodriguez-Meneses | Fordham University
Nicolas Rodriguez-Meneses | Indiana University, Bloomington
Juan Romanach | Indiana University, Bloomington
Adrian Romero | Boston College
Joaquin Rosado | Florida Gulf Coast University
Joseph Ruiz | University of Pennsylvania
Joshua Ruiz | University of Florida
Lucas Sabogal | Tallahassee Community College
Ignacio Sagi-Vela | Saint Louis University - Madrid
Nicolas Sainfort | University of St. Andrews
Charles Salas | Santa Fe College
Victor Salas | University of Wisconsin, Madison
Emery Salom | Florida State University
Frank Sanchez | United States Merchant Marine Academy
Alvaro Sanson | Syracuse University
Marco Santa-Cruz | Auburn University
Hector Santaella | Washington and Jefferson College
Santiago Santamaria | Purdue University
Carlos Santana | Tallahasse Community College
Sebastian Sanz de Acedo | Northeastern University
Andrew Schmidt | Bucknell University
Peter Schmidt | Bucknell University
Jose Sepulveda | University of Florida
Alejandro Silva | Florida International University Honors College
Christopher Silva | Boston University
Nicolas Smith | University of Florida
Alejandro Socarras | Florida State University Honors Program
Cristian Souto | Tallahassee Community College
Ivan Sweeney | University of Miami
Kristian Torrecilla | Florida International University
David Torres | University of Florida
Evan Torres | University of Miami
Lorenzo Torres | University of Florida
Felipe Torres de Navarra | University of Florida
Tyler Torres-Ferrer | University of Florida
Noé Trap | Maastricht University
Otto Travieso | Santa Fe College
Alejandro Ulvert | Cornell University
Julian Urrutia | Florida International University Honors College
Jake Usallan | University of Florida
Luca Valenti | Tallahassee Community College
Gabriel Vazquez | Northeastern University
Sebastian Victoria | University of Miami
Avery Villasuso | University of Florida
Matthew Vina | Florida State University
Adam Walker | Florida International University
Brandon Zahn | University of Florida
View the graduation program book online, www.belenjesuit.org/graduationbook
Carlos Barquín
Carlos Batlle '80
Pablo Carreño '42
Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll
Fr. Richard Chisholm, S.J. '25
Carlos M. and Rosa de la Cruz
Manuel Díaz '73
Mike Fernández
Andrés '60 and Lucila Jiménez
Fr. Francisco PérezLerena, S.J. '44
Raúl and Nidia Rodríguez
Dr. Eduardo Rodríguez '84
Francisco Ruiz '73
Bishop Enrique San Pedro, S.J. '41
Roberto Suárez '46
Roberto Surís is a member of the Belen Jesuit class of 1979. In 2019, the vision for a new athletic center on campus led to a conversation with Roberto, and from that moment, a passion for seeing the project come to fruition was ignited. In 2022, the groundbreaking was held for the Roberto Suris Athletic Center and the dream started to form into reality. The state-of-the-art center will open at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year and will be used for classes, conditioning and training and will be the centerpiece of our athletic program.
“In the tapestry of my life, Belen stands as the sacred thread, woven with the bonds of friendship and brotherhood,” said Surís. “Together, we were held in the embrace of love and compassion, guided not only by earthly mentors but also by the presence of Jesus, whose teachings echoed through the halls. Through their spiritual guidance and unwavering support, our priests and teachers became pillars of strength, shaping our academic years and the rest of our lives, imbuing us with the values we now impart to our families.”
Roberto’s story begins like many of his Belen brothers. Born in Cuba to a successful publishing family, his parents’ and siblings’ lives were uprooted when Fidel Castro took power, and the family business was confiscated. The family arrived in Miami in the early 1960s. Faith in the Lord kept his parents focused. In 1974, Roberto started in the 9th grade at Belen’s “East” Campus, then located on “Calle Ocho” and 7th Avenue. He made many lifelong friendships there with whom he still shares his life today. He succeeded in his studies,
Alumnus of the Year
By Teresa Martínez
lettered in his sports and, his senior year, was named “King of the Dust Bowl.”
After college, Roberto’s thirst for success led him to expand into the multifamily development market. By 2005 and 2006, he had purchased, designed and either built or sold over 27 multifamily projects, always drawing on the deep relationships and inspirations he acquired during high school. In 2011, Roberto created The Estate Companies, a vertically integrated real estate development and general contracting operation with a focus on the institutional, highly amenitized multifamily rental market. Roberto has achieved great success and has built close to 9,000 units in more than 35 uniquely exquisite projects throughout the tri-county area. Remembering his roots, The Estate Companies’ management team is highly composed of other Belen graduates.
Roberto’s biggest influence and best friend has always been his father, from whom he learned to be faithful, committed and ethical. During his Belen years, his mentors and peers reinforced these life-shaping qualities of faith, honesty, integrity and respect.
“What began as a conversation with a Belen alumnus about helping his alma mater with the athletic project, has flourished into a friendship fueled by a common love of God and Belen Jesuit,” said Fr. Guillermo M. GarcíaTuñón, S.J. ‘87. “In the years I have gotten to know Roberto, he has demonstrated his commitment to the place he recognizes had such a strong impact on his life. He is a true example of what it is to be a Belen alumnus.”
JAVIER CRUZ '04
SERGIO FERNÁNDEZ-SOTO '10
MARIO DÍAZ '94RICHARD DOYLE '76
ALBERTO LEY '68
NICHOLAS MENOCAL '11
JUAN CARLOS SAGUE '87
Golf Tournament
MAGIS
Celso González Falla ‘53
By Lisa Metro | Contributing Writer
Magis isn’t simply a word; it is a way of being and of living in the world.
Ask a Belen Jesuit alumnus, student, family, teacher, administrator, or staff member and they will describe Magis as “doing more.” More, not in terms of consumption, but in the spirit of generous excellence. What more can I do for Christ? What more can I do for the world?
Celso González-Falla ’53 has not stopped living the Magis since he left Belen. In fact, he considers his most important accomplishment to be “trying to help people.” “I believe in education,” he said. “I believe in the beauty of art. I help support the theater and organizations that help people create something they need to create.”
Upon graduating from El Colegio de Belén in Havana, he attended Universidad Católica de Santo Tomás de Villanueva (St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic University). He earned a law degree, married, and started a family. Then, life as he knew it changed. González-Falla was involved in the counterrevolution against Fidel Castro. Following the failure of the Bay of Pigs invasion, an order of arrest was issued against González-Falla, causing him to go underground.
He left Cuba in 1961 and settled in Texas, eventually becoming an executive in the oil & gas and banking industries. He built a life, became a United States citizen, practiced law and flourished.
“The only thing I had when I left Cuba was my education,” he said.
These days, González-Falla splits his time between his home in Corpus Christi, Texas and his apartment in New York City, that is, when he is not traveling the world. While he has redefined “home” throughout the decades, the roots of his Belen education have remained firmly planted.
“The important thing is to remain active, to create,” he said. “And to have good friends.”
Community continues to be an important value for González-Falla. His late wife, Sondra M. Gilman, inherited land near St. Mary’s, GA, when her first husband died. Sondra and Celso developed the land for real estate, primarily to serve families at the nearby Lockheed Martin facility and the Naval Submarine base. The community they created includes four schools and a four-year college, further demonstrating his commitment to and passion for education.
That passion was instilled, not surprisingly, during his days at Belen. “Education is the only thing that can save you,” he said. “The Jesuits understand education.” He firmly recognizes his education at Belen prepared him for life because Jesuit pedagogy encourages students to think more deeply, and to look at any given situation from more than one vantage point. At Belen, he said, “we had debates, we read poetry, and we wrote for the newspaper. Physical education was important as well.” And, of course, “there was a beautiful church.”
Beyond that, González-Falla appreciates the inner work a Jesuit education provides. That self-reflection comes from the daily Examen. “The Examen invites you to reflect on your life,” he said. “What areas do you want to improve? That is impressed upon students from the beginning. I still do a lot of self-analysis.”
Indeed. Seeking the Magis.
Love ought to show itself in deeds more than in words. — St. Ignatius of Loyola
Living a full life and embracing opportunities that have come his way, González-Falla is generous with all that he has, graciously sharing his time, talent, and treasure. A magnanimous supporter of the arts, he is a member of the American Theatre Wing. In that role, he is tasked with seeing all new Broadway shows as a Tony Award voter. While that seems to fall into the category of “it’s a tough job, but someone has to do it,” González-Falla is cognizant that he must also see the bad plays.
He is a past president of, and is still involved with, Aperture, a nonprofit publisher established to advance and support creativity, particularly photography. His late wife was an avid collector of photography and together they supported and shared their own collection through numerous exhibitions within the United States and abroad. González-Falla is a photographer in his own right, believing that photography is a way for people to go deeper into an understanding of what matters most. To him, photography should beckon the viewer to come back and look again and again.
“Art is important to society because it represents life,” he said. “It reflects what is happening today.”
His work in the arts doesn’t stop there. He has produced three movies and is the author of a book of poetry and the novel, “My Lost Cuba,” a story of the Cuban countryside juxtaposed against the glamour of Havana in the 1950s.
Perhaps closest to his heart is his work with the Cintas Foundation, the organization formed to support and encourage the development of creative artists in architecture and design, literature, music composition and visual arts. The foundation is named after its founder, the late Oscar B. Cintas, former Cuban ambassador to
the United States, industrialist, and patron of the arts. The Cintas Foundation awards fellowships to creative artists of Cuban citizenship or lineage. One of the fellowships is exclusive to photography and is named in honor of Sondra Gilman González-Falla.
Of Cintas, González-Falla said, “We help others create. Creation is the most important thing we can do. It’s an expression.”
Recollections of Colegio de Belén, Havana
González-Falla describes the large campus with its patios, dining rooms, church, basketball court and pool. He mostly remembers the strong and deep friendships formed there, many of which continue today. He remains in touch with fellow classmates. Most are in Miami now, but he also wistfully acknowledges that his class is “getting smaller.”
“I love Belen,” he said without hesitation. “I think Belen really formed us and that is important for life.”
His advice to current Belen students is simple: study hard, do your best, and create friendships. And, of course, live the Magis.
The Radical Joy of a Priest’s ‘Open Hands’
By Teresa Martínez
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School alumnus Michael Anthony Martínez S.J. ‘09 was ordained to the priesthood on June 1, 2024, at the Our Lady of Belen Chapel in Miami. Over 700 people were in attendance at the Mass held at the campus of his alma mater.
The main celebrant and homilist was the Archbishop of Miami, the Most Reverend Thomas Wenski, concelebrated by Fr. Martin Lenk, SJ, Provincial of the Caribbean Province, along with over 20 Jesuits, priests and deacons from the Archdiocese of Miami, as well as Chicago, Cuba, Haiti and Dominican Republic.
Fr. Martínez, 33, was born and raised in Miami and graduated from Belen in 2009. He graduated from Fordham University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science and Arts in Psychology and Philosophy. Soon after, he entered the Society of Jesus and began his formation as a Jesuit in the novitiate in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. In 2015, he professed his First
Vows of perpetual poverty, chastity and obedience on August 28, 2015 at a school-wide Mass of the Holy Spirit at Belen Jesuit. Next, he continued his Jesuit formation by completing his First Studies at Loyola University Chicago, graduating with two Masters in Communications and Social Philosophy. After graduating, he began his Regency at Belen Jesuit, where he taught theology and worked in the current Office of Mission and Formation for two years.
“I first heard of Belen from my Jesuit grand-uncle Fr. Gerardo Calixto Freire, SJ (ordained in “La Capilla del Colegio de Belén”, Havana, on June 7, 1956), who told my mother, I needed to attend Belen. My own journey in Jesuit education began in the sixth grade and continued through college at Fordham University in the Bronx,” said Fr. Martínez. “I also studied abroad at the Jesuit University of the UCA (Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas) in San Salvador, El Salvador, in 2012, where I felt confirmed in my desire to join the mission of the Jesuits in Latin America. At the age of 22, and after many years of challenging and fruitful discernment, I entered the Society of Jesus. My Jesuit education profoundly shaped the way I saw and experienced the world and my mission in it.”
After having studied three years of theology at the FAJE (Faculdade Jesuita de Filosofia e Teologia) in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, he was ordained a transitional Deacon on the vigil of St. Francis Xavier, December 2, 2023.
During the solemn Mass, the Archbishop ordained Martínez a priest through the laying of hands and the prayer of ordination. All concelebrating priests also offered their prayers by the laying on of their hands, symbolically passing down their own priestly ministry. Fr. Guillermo “Willie” García-Tuñón, S.J. ‘87, a former teacher and spiritual counselor, played a significant role in the ceremony. He guided Fr. Martínez as he vested for the first time as a priest, removing the stole of the diaconate and replacing it with the stole and chasuble of Christ’s priesthood. The stole, a symbol of being sent out to Evangelize, hangs over his neck, worn beneath the larger vestment or chasuble, a symbol of the love of the Church, which embraces and covers his entire life.
“The rite of Holy Orders is a beautiful ceremony in our Church,” said Fr. Willie. “There are many who believe, for good reason, that this beautiful chapel at the entrance of our campus is the clearest evidence of the Catholic identity of Belen Jesuit. Others believe, again with good reason, that the clearest evidence is the orthodoxy of our theology curriculum and the way it permeates every subject taught by every teacher on campus. Still, others will claim it’s the retreats or Marian Sodality or devotion to Our Lady of Belen or the robust activity of Campus Ministry. If you ask me, at a time when vocations to the priesthood and religious life are so hard to come by, it is the ordination of one of our alumni that presents the greatest body of evidence. I’m very proud of Fr. Mike and look forward to witnessing his priestly ministry.”
Missioned to serve as a Deacon for and with the people of Cuba for the past five months in the Jesuit Parish of Reina, as well as collaborating in nationwide Ignatian Youth Ministry (Pastoral Juvenil Ignaciana) and vocation promotion, he returns to Havana, but now as a priest of Jesus Christ. His First Mass in Miami was celebrated at his home parish of St. Raymond’s Catholic Church on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi on June 2nd. His First Mass in Cuba was celebrated on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 7th in Reina.
Fr. Mike is ready to continue to love and serve the people of God anywhere and everywhere he is sent – with the radical joy of a priest’s ‘open hands’.
A.M.D.G.
Before I go to sleep at night, I examine my hands, I make sure they are empty
for this means I have given it all in my day.
Before I wake up in the morning, I examine my hands, I make sure they are empty
For this means I am ready to receive it all in my day.
When I follow Christ, I examine my hands, I make sure they are empty and bear his wounds — For now giving and receiving have become one.
”Open Hands” Poem by Michael A. Martínez, S.J.
Men For Others Wolverines Serving our nation
By Kathy Mabry | Contributing Writer
Seeking the Magis: Belen Alumni Reflect on Their Experiences as U.S. Military Academy Graduates and How Belen Jesuit Impacted Their Decision to Serve.
“Belen teaches you to be a man for others, to be a “servant leader.” My entire adult life has been dedicated to serving our nation. To be clear, our nation is not a flag, it’s not an anthem, it’s not a monument. Our nation’s essence is its people. Over the years I’ve discovered service takes on many forms, but it starts (and ends) with taking care of people.”
Col. (Ret.) Armando Fiterre ’86 U.S. Air Force Academy ’92
Students at Belen Jesuit learn early that the school’s Jesuit education has a special emphasis — that of educating them to become men for others. “My classmates and I heard it at least once a day,” said Lt. Cmdr. Giancarlo Bertaina ’01 (U.S. Naval Academy ’06). He added, “I really took it to heart.” While serving others can take many forms, perhaps the risks and sacrifices that come with military service best embody St. Ignatius’ appeal to “Give without counting the cost.”
It also perfectly represents the Ignatian precept of Magis — moving out of one’s comfort zones, striving for excellence, giving more of oneself in the service of others. Several Belen alumni, also graduates of our country’s military academies, spoke recently about the sacrifices and rewards of military service — deployments
around the world, time away from family, maintaining battle readiness on land and sea, monotonous but essential duties juxtaposed with dangerous missions and terrifying moments, but also an unrivaled sense of purpose. Capt. Sebastian Wermuth ’13 (Air Force Academy ’17) noted, “St. Ignatius himself served as a soldier as a young man.” He continued, “From the moment I arrived at Belen in August 2006, the entire faculty — teachers, priests and even disciplinarians — imparted to us the importance of serving others.”
Bertaina also acknowledged Belen’s focus on service propelled him toward military service, but there was another reason. He is a first-generation American whose parents and grandparents were forced to leave their home in Cuba, moved to the U.S. in 1964 and built a new life. “This country allowed them to reestablish themselves. I wanted to give something back to the country that gave them so much,” he said. The sentiment was echoed by Lt. (Ret.) Erik Bethel ’87 (U.S. Naval Academy ’92). “My desire to serve came from an appreciation and respect for the United States — a country that took in my family from communist Cuba,” he noted.
Lt. (Ret.) Juan Fanjul ’89 (U.S. Naval Academy ’93), also recalled that Belen instilled in its students a sense of gratitude for the United States. “As part of the Cuban exile community, there is great appreciation for the defense of freedom and capitalism and the notion that ‘freedom isn’t free,’” he commented.
Midshipman Gabriel Nguyen ’21 (U.S. Naval Academy ’25) recounted how both his grandfathers served in their countries’ militaries — Nicaragua and South Vietnam — and were ultimately banished from their homelands because of civil war. “They came here with nothing,” said Nguyen, “And were able to create a great life and provide for their families.” He credits the opportunity given to his family by the U.S. and Belen’s imperative to be men for others, leading him toward a military career.
Cadet Joseph Duran ’23 (Air Force Academy ’27) remembers Belen’s president, Fr. Willie, S.J. ‘87, telling
him and his classmates to “run to the fire.” He continued, “Without Belen and the way I was brought up over the last seven years, I would not have been able to make the same choice. Belen’s biggest point is that they want us to leave as Jesuit-educated men who can go out and do whatever we set our minds to, and to do so with the intent of making the world a better place.”
And Wermuth talked about his great-grandfather and grandfather’s military experiences. “Both my greatgrandfather and my grandfather served in the U.S. armed forces. My great-grandfather served with the Marine Corps through World War II and Korea — he was actually in command of the Marine detachment aboard the U.S.S. Argonne at Pearl Harbor during the attacks on December 7, 1941. My grandfather served in the Navy and flew the P-2 Neptune during the Vietnam War. He was a proud Naval Academy grad and I remember how highly he spoke of the service academies throughout my childhood.”
What would they tell Belen’s young men who might be considering military service? Fiterre offered this advice, “Those who join the military or earn a slot at a military academy need to have the self-motivation to see themselves through the challenges that will be thrown their way. Once you commit yourself to seeing these challenges through, nothing will stop you.”
Fanjul advises students who feel a calling to serve and would like to attend a military academy to study hard and get physically fit.
Nguyen acknowledged that although he had prepared himself for a tough “Plebe” year, it was even harder than expected. He reflects, “It’s been harder than I’ve expected, but the bonds I’ve created have been stronger than I expected.”
Bertaina offered, “Military service can be repetitive and boring, and it can also be challenging and terrifying, but at the end of the day it’s meaningful and fulfilling; you understand why life is so precious and you want to protect it at all costs.”
But perhaps Bethel’s words sum it up most cogently: “Military service aligns with the concept of Magis by encouraging the pursuit of excellence, integrity and continuous improvement. It embodies selfless service and sacrifice for the greater good... Ultimately, viewing military service through the lens of Magis transforms it into a lifetime dedicated to justice, peace and working for the greater glory of God.”
“We plan to honor the service of those men who have served in the U.S. armed forces at a place of distinction on campus,” said Fr. Willie ‘87. “There is no question that their efforts are valiant, and we are proud of each of them who has served to protect our nation.”
Scan this QR to complete a form to be included in the database. If you have any questions, email them to alumni@belenjesuit.org.
The Belen Alumni Office is creating a database of those who graduated from a U.S. military academy or served in one of the United States Armed Forces branches.
Rooted in Cura Personalis
By Dr. Thomas de Quesada ‘94
Belen Jesuit is celebrating a banner year in admissions, welcoming a record number of applications for the upcoming academic year. This surge in interest reflects the school’s continued commitment to its Catholic identity, Jesuit tradition, academic excellence, vibrant extracurricular program, and state-of-the-art learning environment.
The energy is palpable, particularly for the incoming sixth-grade class. Applications for this crucial transition year reached an all-time high, with students eager to embark on their middle school journey at the school. This enthusiasm is further amplified by the strong representation from feeder schools like Epiphany, St. Thomas Episcopal, St. Thomas the Apostle, Somerset SOMI, St. Theresa, Pinecrest Elementary, and St. Philip’s Episcopal.
The excitement extends beyond the sixth grade. The ninth-grade applicant pool also significantly increased, reflecting the school’s reputation for rigorous academics and a supportive learning environment. Top feeder schools included St.Timothy, Epiphany, George Washington Carver, St. Theresa, St. Patrick, St. Rose of Lima, and St. Mary’s Cathedral.
The Admissions Team has been highly successful in its proactive approach to connecting with prospective students and families. Over the last academic year, they organized a series of events tailored for students from parochial schools, particularly those in the crucial 7th and 8th grades. In addition, they provided personalized tours of our beautiful campus to over 200 families,
giving them a firsthand experience of our exceptional facilities and vibrant learning environment.
The Admissions Team is already hard at work preparing for the next admissions cycle. With the exceptional work of our dedicated faculty, the diverse and engaging academic and extracurricular programs, and the stunning facilities showcased by the soon-to-beopened Roberto Surís Athletic Center, we are confident that Belen Jesuit will continue to attract a talented and enthusiastic student body that aligns with our mission.
Prospective families are encouraged to visit our admissions webpage at www.belenjesuit.org/ admissions. The application opens on Thursday, August 22nd. The Open House will be held on Saturday, October 5th, and we hope to see the campus filled with future Wolverines. Details are available on our website.
The Brigadier’s Address
Joseph Kanjiramkuzhey
Mahatma Gandhi said “Life brings tears, smiles, and memories. The tears dry, the smiles fade, but the memories last forever.”
His Eminence Christophe Cardinal Pierre, Fr. Guillermo M. Garcia-Tunon, S.J. ‘87, President of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, Mr. José E. Roca, my 10th-grade math teacher and principal, Jesuit Fathers, board of advisors, administration, alumni association, faculty, staff, families, friends, all of those who could not be here today, and most importantly, the class of 2024.
I am honored and humbled to address you on behalf of the graduating class. When I was told I was to give the commencement speech, I knew it had to embody the Belen spirit. Therefore, there was only one way I could make this happen. I sat in my chair, created a Google Doc, and began typing at 11:59 PM last night.
I would like to take a moment to express our gratitude to our teachers. Teachers are hard to find, difficult to part with, and impossible to forget. You didn’t just teach us, you guided and inspired us. You encouraged us to think differently, to question, and to dream. It wasn’t just about the lessons taught though, but rather the memories that were made.
As I began to trace back my journey through Belen, I remembered what my grandmother told me last summer. At 96 years of age, she still remembers her teacher’s lesson about Columbus sailing the ocean blue. It made me ponder why she remembered this of all things. It came to me once I started reminiscing on the memories made at Belen and how precious and valuable each one is. Belen wasn’t just about the textbooks and the exams, it was a journey of self-discovery, pushing the limits, exploring the frontiers, and taking on challenges not because they were easy, but because they are hard. That was exactly how our four years began.
Our high school journey began like none seen before. Navigating the twists and turns of the pandemic was a challenge, however, COVID couldn’t stop us from creating memories. Seeing half of our classmates on a screen at 8 in the morning, knowing full well, they had just woken up, to having a split lunch between the dining hall and the less desired tent. Or even Ms. Kenna who told us to trust in the process while we were running on Cuban coffee and 4 hours of sleep doing Kenna notes. To Mr. Lansingh with the 60 picture project that we all did the day before. Even through all the ups and downs, we got through our first year and learned the value of perseverance, but we also hoped the end of high school would come faster. Little before we knew it, the year came and went.
Sophomore year arrived and with it came Dr. D’s door-breaking and the enlightening seminars, guided readings in bio that were too long, going on our first overnight retreat in Cardoner, and learning Spanish with boom cards. With the COVID-19 pandemic passed us, we came together and once again enjoyed the livelihood of Tombola. The band of brothers grew stronger but just like freshman year, the year came and went.
Junior year: the most dreaded of them all. Yet the most transformative. From Mr. Collins always saying in class, “it is not like something it either is or isn’t,” To being called Pookie in physics, and seeing our math grades posted within 30 minutes as Mrs. Aguilla worked her magic. To going on a boys road trip to Washington, DC, for Close Up. Waking up at 4:30 in the morning with my friends during election week and seeing all the memes made. These memories taught me what brotherhood is all about.
Senior Year came and the excitement of reaching the end was upon us. This was also the year in which we came together as a band of brothers to achieve greatness. The football team making the playoffs for the first time since our time at Belen, bringing the Polar Palooza trophy back home, introducing new activities for homecoming week, and submitting our last college application, in the blink of an eye, the first semester was behind
us. With one semester left, we were committed to ending the year with a bang. So, we brought back the live performance of the senior skit for the first time in 6 years. We finally went to Grad Bash, after our Gradventure was canceled and many of us could say Velocicoaster was THAT ride. Coming together at senior gratitude to show our appreciation to one another, brought connection to each other. Our class with everything we did, not only made history, but created a legacy.
These 4 years would not have been possible without our parents. You are probably wondering where these years have gone. As you marvel at your son’s accomplishments, it doesn’t seem that long ago when we were toddling off to start 6th grade. Thousands of pictures were taken and shared in the group chat, bringing our iPads to school when we forgot, and rushing to Walmart to buy supplies for our project due the next day. Thank you for your endless support and belief in us, even when we doubted ourselves.
Now as we stand on the brink of our future, let us carry with us the curiosity to learn, the courage to dream big, and the determination to make those dreams a reality. As Robert De Niro said, “you aren’t just following dreams, you’re reaching for your destiny.”
As we reach for our destiny, we will fall. As Mr. Maza said in class, “This is what being an adult is all about.” But it is not about how many times you have fallen, but rather how many times you get back on your feet and stand taller than ever before. Your brothers will not be by your side everyday, but they have left you with years of memories that have taught you valuable lessons in life. Lessons we can use to get back on our feet and be the true Belen men we are meant to be. This is what made me realize why my grandmother, 85 years later, remembers what she had learned in school. These memories are precious, never forget them, because you’ll never know what life will throw at you. You can only be prepared.
As Dr. Jordan ‘08 would tell us in class, “everything comes full circle.” My final message is an embodiment of what Fr. Willie has told us and how these last seven years have come full circle: Do not be afraid to run to the fire, be worth your salt and surrender yourself to being a man for others. Remember to see all things new in Christ because He is the sign you will use to conquer, In Hoc Signo Vinces.
So, here’s to us, we are not just high school graduates; we are adventures, setting off on the most exciting journey- life. Change is constant and adaptation is a superpower. To the class of 2024, I would like to say thank you for all the wonderful memories, congratulations, and to all that are here, good night. This is the class of 2024 officially signing off.
Now, I ask the class of 2024 to please stand with me as we sing the Salve Regina one last time as a class.
Our Lady of Belen Pray for us.
10 Questions 1 Alumnus
Marcello Hernández ‘15
Cast Member on NBC’s Saturday Night Live
What was your experience like at Belen?
It was great. My friends from Belen are still my friends now, so I am very grateful to Belen and Head Soccer Coach Tanger Mendonca (legendary 3x State Champ).
What type of student were you?
I was a good student and graduated with a 3.5 GPA, but my conduct was not as good as that.
Can you describe one funny moment while you were a student?
I went to summer school to bring a C to a B in Chemistry, but I got a D in summer school Chemistry, so I had to ask if I could keep my original C. I think that’s funny.
What is one thing you will never forget you learned in school?
What a Penance Hall is.
Who made an impact in your life (at Belen)?
Tanger Mendonça helped me grow up and become a better man and soccer player. He’s more than a coach; he’s a great leader at Belen. Shoutout to Julio, the legend. Also, Professora Fariñas and Pancho Padura got me into acting.
How has your Jesuit education shaped you and helped you in your life?
It’s helped me balance work and fun. Belen is a very fun place, but you also have to work.
Who in the industry has changed your view on fame?
I wouldn’t say anyone changed my view. Still, people like Pedro Pascal, Benito, Ana De Armas, and SNL legends like Kenan Thompson, Colin Jost, Kristen Wiig, Amy Poehler, etc, have shown me a lot about work ethic and being a good person.
How has your life changed since joining Saturday Night Live?
I name-drop a lot more now, and I am working more than I’ve ever worked, and I’m very grateful for it all.
How do you make your role on the show a representation of who you are?
I write about what I know or what I have lived through.
What advice would you give to students interested in pursuing a career in TV/film?
Start somewhere, anywhere, and then just be consistent—never take breaks. Whether interning for people you want to be like or teaching yourself how to do stuff, I spent six years doing stand-up and making videos, making little to no money before anything happened for me. I interned at comedy clubs, cleaned tables, sold tickets on the street, worked on social media, etc. Just work hard and don’t give up, and someone will notice.
Announcements Sacrament of Marriage
Jennifer Jaime-Marín & Francisco Lacayo ‘06
Lauren Valdés & Gregory Fontela ‘07
Carolina Masvidal & David Cabarrocas ’08
Aline Pereira & Andrés Rodríguez ‘09
Jessica Palacio & Christian Marrero ‘12
Nicole Gómez & Kevin Valiente ‘12
Daniela Arévalo & John Pendas ‘13
Laura López & Joseph Cirera ’15
Juliette Danielle Hernández & Esteban Bruna ‘14
Amanda Yancoskie & William Elías ‘15
Alexis Vega & Nicholas J. Fernández ‘10
Elizabeth Pérez & Raúl de la Heria ’11
Katarina Rodríguez & Elliot Clemente ‘12
Mónica Fernández & Michael Iglesia ’12
Teresa Muñiz & José López Varela ‘15
Amy Raad & Rafael Mármol ‘16
Giana Padilla & Daniel Sixto ’16
Daniela Delgado & Manny Becerra ‘19
Vocation to Family
1. Santiago, son of Eduardo Gómez ’95
2. Mateo Andrés, son of Carlos A. Manrara ‘05
3. Sebastián Everett, son of Marshall Thomas ‘06
4. James Patrick, son of Joseph Cabrera ‘07
5. José Antonio III, son of José Antonio de la Torre II ’08
6. Luke N, son of Nicholas D. Fernández ’10
7. Cami Lou, daughter of Eduardo Valle ‘13
8. Catalina, daughter of Daniel Sixto ‘16
9. Joseph Alexander, grandson of Principal José E. Roca ‘84
10. Sonny Fernández, daughter of Baseball Head Coach Jesús Fernández
11. Owen Cruz, son of Assistant of Mission and Formation Rebecca García
In Memoriam
Please remember in your prayers these members of the Belen Jesuit community who have passed away recently.
• Jorge Betancourt ‘38
Alumni
• José R. Bertrán-Lamar ‘45
• Emilio Fernández ‘49
• Oscar Echevarría ‘53
• Angel Hernández ‘55
• Antonio Gálvez ‘56
• José A. Herrero-Bulnes ‘57
• Salvador Miranda ‘58
• Raúl P. Masvidal-Jury ‘59
• Antonio “Tony” Moreno De Ayala ‘61
• Mario Dávalos Sardiña ‘65
• Dr. Fermín P. González ’75
• Roberto Pérez-Villa ‘00
• Josué Cardona ‘07
• Marley Case ‘11
Family & Friends
• María Cristina Fuentevilla, wife of Roberto Solís Sariol ‘54, and sister of Ramón Fuentevilla Carneado ‘58 +
• Michelle M. Deeb, wife of Kevin Deeb ‘86, and mother of Brandon ‘21 and Dylan Deeb ‘26
• María Coalla López, wife of Alfredo López Aguiar ‘58 and sister of Henry López Aguiar ‘61
• John-Paul, son of Asis López ‘07
• Olga Arias Muñiz, mother of Nicolás José ‘80, Antonio Eugenio ‘82 and Carlos Alberto Muñiz ‘85, and grandmother of Carlos Manuel ‘13, Nicolás Andrés ‘19, and José Antonio Muñiz ‘23
• Ana María Monte Flores, mother of Juan Ignacio Flores ‘00, and grandmother of Máximo ‘27 and Lucas Anderson ‘30
• Rosa de la Cruz, mother of Carlos de la Cruz Jr. ‘81
• Rolando Sánchez-Medina, M.D., father of Roland SánchezMedina Jr. ’83
• Miguel Angel Hernández, father of Michael ‘89 and Dr. Mark Hernández ‘92, and grandfather of Michael Hernández ‘22
• Amaro Taquechel, father of former Belen Jesuit teacher
Pablo Taquechel
• Augusto Andión, father of José Andión ‘00
• Juan Estévez ‘67, grandfather of Antonio Franyie, Jr. ‘26
• Margaret Reyes, grandmother of Rocco Branger ‘25
• Tomás Fernández-Travieso, brother of Fr. Ernesto Fernández-Travieso, S.J.
• Beatriz Loret de Mola, sister of Mariano Loret de Mola ‘58
Class notes
1950s - 1960s
The Vatican Observatory helped name Asteroid Cartaya #623031 after Fr. Pedro Cartaya, S.J. ‘54, who has dedicated much of his life to the Belen Observatory and is passionate about science and astronomy. A fitting tribute to a remarkable Jesuit we have at Belen.
Fr. Eduardo Álvarez S.J. ’63 celebrated 50 years as a Jesuit.
1970s
Javier Pérez Abreu’s ‘78 firm, PérezAbreu & Martin-Lavielle, P.A., was recognized in the 14th Annual Edition of the Best Law Firms publication, a reflection of the Miami-based firm’s 35+ years of experience in Family Law.
1980s
Enrique “Henry” Doce ‘80 was sworn in as the Chief of Surfside Police.
Edward Fidalgo, MD ‘82 was named Chairman of the Board and Interim CEO of Femwell Group Health.
Juan Barinaga ‘86, along with his wife Zoe, spoke to our students about their experience in the engineering field, and how
understanding different cultures can take you further as a professional.
Manuel García-Linares ‘87 was named Litigation Department Chair at Day Pitney LLP.
Joseph “Joey” I. Zumpano ‘87 was named by FORBES to America’s Top 200 Lawyers 2024, the only attorney in the United States to be named in the field of Health Law.
1990s
José E. Cueto ‘88 was appointed as the new President and Chief Operating Officer of Grove Bank & Trust.
2000s
Dr. Gabriel Suárez ‘04 gave a presentation to parents about raising children in the digital age and help them optimize their children’s health.
Raúl Duarte ‘09 (of RTD Talent), and the Career Development Office, taught our junior class how to build a high school résumé appropriately and offer tips for future college, scholarship, or professional interviews.
2010s
Juan Carlos González ‘10 graduated with a PhD in Philosophy from UC San Diego. He is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Colby College in Waterville, Maine.
Manny Vázquez and José Juara from the class of 1990 attended the Cabalgata de Los Reyes Magos in Madrid, Spain.
Ramón Branger ‘92 spoke to the Entrepreneurship class about what his company does, the steps he took to become an entrepreneur and the ups and downs of being a business owner.
Octavio “Tab” Verdeja ‘99 was named managing partner of Verdeja and Alvarez LLP Certified Public Accountants.
Alexander Durant ‘12 visited Joshua MuñozJiménez ‘12 on his 35,000-cattle ranch in Argentina.
Cristian García ‘13 was named Defensive Quality Control Coach for the Dallas Cowboys.
Alexander Lorenzo ‘13 was inducted into the Loyola (New Orleans) Athletic Hall of Fame for baseball. He is on nine of their program’s Top-10 career and individual season batting totals.
Alex Adams ‘14 (Associate of JP Morgan Private Bank) spoke to our freshman Intro-toBusiness students about personal
finance and different characteristics of business etiquette.
Tavish Rice ‘16 was featured in Princeton Alumni Weekly as Tiger of the Week for his innovative company, Ikigai, which makes sleek, durable, and easier-to-use pill cases.
Fr. Willie, S.J. ‘87 and Eric Lastres, S.J. ‘18 at St. Louis University, where Br. Eric is studying philosophy.
Tomás Bello ‘16, Richard Pérez ‘16, Albert Pérez Abreu ‘17, Nick Milton ‘17, Giancarlo Pinto ‘16, Stéfano Santamaría ‘17, Christian Winch ‘17 and Francisco Melo ‘17 graduated from St. Thomas University Law School.
2020s
Giovanni Cueto ‘21 was featured in a Miami Herald article regarding his college baseball career.
Andrés Caballero ‘22 was featured on The Fordham Ram for making a difference in the community through “food walks.” Students can use their extra meal swipes to purchase food oncampus and take them to a local food bank.
Armando González ‘24 was awarded the Silver Knight for Vocational Technical. Nicholas León ‘24 was given an Honorable Mention for Social Science.
Alumni Pin Ceremony
Class of 2024 Delegates
Alumni Gatherings
Alumni
Annual Alumni vs. Current Student Lacrosse Game
Ileen and Eddie Delgado ‘91, Germán Delgado ‘90, Marcello Hernández ‘15, Belen teacher Adriana Delgado, and Keonte Cash ‘13 at the Miami Improv.
gathered to celebrate Coach Rubén Marrero’s ‘75 retirement celebration at his final game as the head coach of the JV Basketball team.
Members of the class of 2010 playing a round of golf in Key Biscayne.
Annual Alumni Glory Mile
Annual Copa Wolverine Soccer Alumni Tournament
Alumni Gatherings
Alex Peña ‘06, Michael Aparicio ‘18, Rolando “Roly” Díaz ‘87, Pat Collins, Giancarlo Bertaina ‘01, Alejandro Burgos ‘98, Gabriel Gutiérrez ‘01 and Jason Burrows ‘01 spoke to members of the Class of 2025 at the Close Up/Belen Alumni Day in Washington, D.C.
Roberto Henao ‘23 (FIU), Gabriel Suárez ‘22 (GA-Tech), and Eric Díaz ‘19 (UCF) at the Eastern Collegiate Volleyball Association (ECVA) Southeast D-1 divisional play at Georgia Tech.
Felice Gorordo ’01 was sworn-in by Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen for the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Attending: Jonathan Leyva ’01, Tony Jiménez ’00, Raúl Moas ’06, Carlos Saladrigas ’67, former Belen teacher Aimeé Busquet, Mike Fernández (father of Alex ‘00 and Michael’13), and Manela Diez (wife of Tony Diez ‘58).
Gainesville Alumni Tour
Tallahassee Alumni Tour
Alumni in the annual Disney on Wheels event. Belen alumni at the engagement party of Carlos Díaz ‘18.
Alumni Gatherings
Orlando Alumni Tour
Annual class of 1984 basketball reunion with Coach Rubén Marrero ‘75 at Casa Cuba.
Alumni in SAFE (Section of Accounting, Finance, and Enterprise) at John Martin’s Irish Pub & Restaurant to network with alumni from Our Lady of Lourdes Academy and Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart.
Members from the class of 1992 celebrated a few of their 50th birthdays in Punta Cana.
Alumni gathering for the Multi-Section Happy Hour & Toy Drive at The Tank Brewing Co. All toys were given out at the Reyes Magis Toy Drive at Gesu Catholic Church.
Alumni Gatherings
The Section of Accounting, Finance, and Enterprise (SAFE) and the Architecture, Construction, Real Estate and Engineering Section (ACRES) co-hosted a networking happy hour at Empire Social in Dadeland.
Alumni at John Martin’s Irish Pub & Restaurant to welcome our new head football coach, Nicholas Oyarzun.
Felice Gorordo ‘01, Carlos A. Saladrigas ‘67, and Dr. Frank Mora ‘82 at the Vatican Embassy / Apostolic Nunciature in D.C. with the Nuncio, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, and Father Yosvany Carvajal of el Centro Felix Varela de La Habana.
Juan “JC” Alexander ‘99, President of the FIU Alumni Association, and Michael Aparicio ‘18 at our nation’s capital.
Alumni Director Carlos Bravo ‘86 visited Cali García-Vélez ‘85 and Damián Penichet ‘03 from Banesco Bank.
The class of 1970 got together for an informal luncheon at Las Vegas Restaurant in Downtown Doral.
The Belen Innovation Technology Section (BITS) hosted a networking happy hour at John Martin’s Irish Pub & Restaurant.
Fr. Willie, S.J. ‘87 blessed Manny Portuondo’s ‘85 Cervecería La Tropical. Robert Pupo ‘85, Coach Richard Stuart, Coach Carlos Barquín, and Eric Álvarez ‘85 were present.
Brick Laying Ceremony
The Class of 2023 Cementing their legacy
For the Classes ending in ‘4 & ‘9
Grand Reunion
2ND
Fishing Tournament
In honor of Belen’s 170th anniversary, a special gala will be held on November 2, 2024. In addition to celebrating this milestone, the gala will raise funds for the school’s Financial Assistance Program. The “Over the Top” Gala presented by My Father Cigars will be held at the JW Marriott Marquis.
Sponsorship opportunities are listed on our website, at www.belenjesuit.org/gala and are the best way to ensure you can attend this year’s festivities. Thank you to the companies who have already committed their support. A limited number of tables will be sold on our website on Thursday, August 29, at 10:00 a.m.
Celebrating 170 Years of Belen Jesuit
By Rebeca Lowell
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Janny García P ’20, ’23, ‘27 from My Father Cigars and her family for their unwavering support. Their decision to become our title sponsor once again is a testament to their commitment to our cause and the values we uphold.
The key reason for the gala is to raise funds for Belen Jesuit’s Financial Assistance Program. Thanks to the generosity of many, we’ve increased the number of families receiving financial assistance, helping over
20% of current students. We hope to increase the level of giving so that we can offer a Jesuit education to more students so that they can proudly call Belen Jesuit their second home. To that end, it is our responsibility to continue to provide the support they need and to do so in a fiscally responsible manner.
If you have any questions regarding the gala, please email advancementoffice@belenjesuit.org.
BeLegend
Ms. María Elena Cartaya
By CJ Cristóbal ‘16
Ms. María Elena Cartaya is a person who has become synonymous with Belen Jesuit. She is an amazing person who cares deeply about the students and has built incredible relationships with her peers. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from her beloved University of Florida. As Assistant Disciplinarian for the Middle School, she has been pivotal in forming young boys into men who take responsibility for their actions. Whether it is a loose tie, shoes worn incorrectly, or maybe something more serious, Ms. Cartaya treats every moment with a student or parent, with incredible attention and respect. Congratulations on 50 years dedicated to Belen Jesuit.
“Ms. Cartaya makes history as only the third person to reach the milestone of 50 years as a Belen educator, and she is the first woman to celebrate the distinction of this Golden Anniversary,” said Mr. José E. Roca ‘84, principal. “We are truly grateful for her passion and dedication to Belen.”
Ms. Cartaya started working at Belen in 1974. She worked as a Spanish teacher, a French teacher, and a disciplinarian. Throughout the years she has always found the perfect balance between a stern look and a warm smile. You will often hear her through the hallways and in the dining hall reminding you to “Please tuck in your shirt, put your shoes on correctly, and get a haircut,” always emphasizing the importance of personal discipline and making the right choices. Looking back at her time at Belen Ms. Cartaya said, “My time at Belen has been amazing, quite an experience. I’ve gone from 500 students and a building where most classrooms didn’t have windows to a ‘College Campus’ with over 1300 students. I went from no sports facilities, except for the ‘dust bowl’, to an Olympic size pool in the Gian Zumpano Aquatic Center, the Roberto Goizueta Innovation Center, Leyva Court, De La Cruz Stadium, Hernández Field, Maury Park, and the Roberto Surís Athletic Center. I have met and worked with some very wonderful people; some of them have passed away and I miss them every day. Fifty years? Time flies when you’re having fun.”
“On her 50th anniversary at Belen, we honor Ms. Cartaya for her unwavering dedication, profound impact, and tireless commitment to the school and thousands of students. Her decades of service exemplify the essence of selflessness and inspire us all to strive for excellence with compassion,” said Fr. Willie Garcia-Tuñon, S.J. ‘87. “Her legacy resonates deeply within our hearts, shaping the very fabric of our institution with her boundless passion and profound grace.”
Working at the same place for five decades ensures you’re going to have some great memories. Moments like Fr. Ripoll standing in the front of the school shouting at the cars coming in that school was closed for the day due to flooding (something that she looks back on with great joy), to the awesome moments shared with fellow faculty members. She loves thinking back on the bus trips with students to away sports games, and other field trips, but Ms. Cartaya specifically remembers a time when she went on a field trip with Mrs. Beatriz Jiménez, Mr. Frank Pichardo, Deacon Eduardo Blanco and their spouses. Mr. Pichardo and Deacon Blanco’s antics were enough to get them kicked out of the park, but thankfully, they weren’t!
As we commemorate her 50-year milestone, Ms. Cartaya wishes to express her heartfelt gratitude to the Belen community. “I would like to let the Belen community know how much I appreciate all the support and love that everyone has shown me throughout the years. I thank God every day for my family and every one of them! So, here is to another 50 years!”
Letter from the Alumni Association Director
As another year comes to a close, we celebrate the growth and memorable achievements of the Alumni office. The level of engagement and fundraising this year has been incredible. Each event has brought more alumni together, strengthening our bonds and furthering our mission. I am delighted with the increased participation and enthusiastic response from our alumni. Here are some highlights from this past year:
• The Rick Raimúndez ‘90 Tailgate & Homecoming Game: We kicked off the year in October with our 3rd annual tailgate in the Garrido Family Plaza (Central Patio), with over 500 guests in attendance.
• Beyond Belen: This initiative saw enhanced collaboration between our alumni and students, pairing over 200 juniors and seniors with more than 100 alumni from various industries for professional mentorships and onsite career discernment.
• Class of 2024 Integration: We welcomed our new graduates into the Belen Jesuit Alumni network by assisting them with their LinkedIn profiles and updating their profiles on BConnected.
• Belen Pin Prayer Service: In May, we inducted our seniors into the Alumni Association with a beautiful
prayer service held for the first time in the Our Lady of Belen Chapel.
• Grand Reunion: On June 2nd, we held our Grand Reunion for alumni classes from the 4s and 9s. The festivities included the traditional Bricklaying Ceremony for the Class of 2023, a Mass at Our Lady of Belen Chapel, lunch, and campus tours. Over 600 alumni and their families attended.
• Father Sardiña Memorial Fishing Tournament: We concluded the year with this popular event in June, which benefited our Scholarship Fund and raised over $60,000. Once again, it was one of the top fishing tournaments in Miami.
Next year, Belen Jesuit will celebrate the 170th anniversary of its founding in Havana. This milestone, achieved despite political upheaval, a communist revolution, and subsequent exile, is a testament to our enduring Jesuit values. To commemorate this incredible achievement, we are planning an “Over the Top Gala” on November 2nd at the JW Marriott Marquis. We look forward to seeing all of you there and at our events throughout the year. There is always a friendly face and warm embrace waiting to welcome you back home. Whether it’s with a cigar in hand or a cold mojito at Tombola, or over a plate of “arroz con cosas,” this 170-year-old institution eagerly anticipates hearing about all the ways you are living the Magis.
Thank you for your continued support. See you again soon,
A.M.D.G
¡Un abrazo fuerte!
Carlos Bravo ‘86
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
500 Southwest 127th Avenue
Miami, FL 33184
Mass presided by Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola Bishop Enrique Delgado, Auxiliary Bishop of Miami.
Con-Celebrated by Fr. Guillermo García-Tuñón, S.J., ‘87 and theMiami Jesuits
Wednesday, July 31 at 7:00 p.m.
Our Lady of Belen Chapel Our Lady of Belen Chapel