When the Diocese of Miami was created in October 1958, it included 16 southern Florida counties, 51 parishes, 65 diocesan priests and 21 religious order clergy ministering to 185,000 Catholics. Today, with the state's population explosion and the influx of immigrants, the Archdiocese has about 800,000 registered members in 111 parishes, seven missions and one national shrine in just three counties: Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe. More than 360 priests celebrate Mass in 17 languages.

Its reach touches practically every aspect of South Florida life: 40,000 students in its schools; thousands of other students at St. Thomas University and two seminaries; two hospitals and several health-care, day-care and senior citizen centers; more than 75 ministries run by lay people; and a media network that includes radio, newspaper and television. Its Catholic Charities provides services to tens of thousands of needy families.

As the archdiocese culminates its year-long 50th anniversary celebration with a gala dinner at the Doral Resort & Spa on Saturday, we profile three long-time parishioners and two members of religious orders who have contributed to the growth and reach of their church.

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