The Marian Center School in the Archdiocese of Miami
The mission of the Marian Center is to educate and empower persons with diverse abilities, and nurture them to wholeness, following the Gospel and the Church's call to love, charity and justice. In this episode, we have a conversation with Sister Lidia Valli, the Executive Director/Principal of Marian Center School in Miami. The Marian Center offers services for people with intellectual disabilities, regardless of race, religion or background, and we offer financial aid to all those who qualify.
Notes
- Marian Center School Website: www.mariancenterschool.org
- The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaching about the dignity of the human person. We are all created in the image of God.
- Marian Center doesn't look at differences for those born with limitations
- In 1963 Archbishop Coleman Carroll envisioned a school whose primary purpose was to serve those with developmental disabilities throughout the Diocese. The Sisters of St. Joseph Benedict Cottolengo was the congregation most renowned within Italy for its work with people with developmental disabilities. The Marian Center was the first endeavor to be operated by the Sisters of St. Joseph Cottolengo outside of Europe.
- The first classes at the Marian Center began in September 1964 and were held in the Convent, then the only building on the beautiful 50 acre property that had previously consisted of mountains of wild grass and trash.
- The Marian Center today includes: a fully-accredited School for students 6-21; an Adult Day Training and Work Program; a full-time residential Cottage for women.