Miami Chapter

Forced to leave Cuba in 1961, the first chapter of the ACU in the United States was established in Miami. After operating from a couple temporary locations, the Miami Chapter settled in the Edgewater neighborhood at 720 NE 27th Street on Biscayne Bay in 1964. For over 50 years, the Edgewater neighborhood was home for the Miami Chapter, and its two (2) acre campus included the six-story Residencia Jesus Maestro, the beloved John Paul II retreat house, the Evangelization Plaza, Salon Loyola, a priest residence, two (2) chapels, and other offices and meetings spaces. Throughout those 50 years, the ACU community flourished under the direction of Fr. Amando Llorente, S.J.. Countless retreats were conducted on the property, the ACU community increased in number, and numerous men were brought to the faith in Christ.

After a period of discernment and recognizing a need to engage high school and university students with the faith, the Miami Chapter relocated its campus to the west side of Miami Dade County near Belen Jesuit Preparatory School and Florida International University. The Miami Chapter is currently renovating its campus located at 12805 SW 6th Street and is temporarily utilizing the facilities at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School located at 500 SW 127th Avenue. The Miami Chapter is home to the ACU’s Director, Fr. Christian Saenz, S.J. The Miami Chapter maintains the tradition of hosting the feast of the Immaculate Conception during which all members renew their consecration to the Immaculate Virgin Mary and new members are received as ACU Congregants.