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About Us

"The Marian Center is a place of beauty and peace. While walking on its property you find unexpected treasures. Some of them need to be cured because of age or illness, and need the hands of a good arbor culturist. We found him! It costs something, but who has the heart to neglect such need? God's creation deserves the best."

- Sr. Lucia -

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An older woman wearing glasses and a white robe is praying

Her vision, principles, and her dedication

What Marian center is today cannot be separated from the influences of Sister Lucia. She did so much more than that. Her vision, her principles. and her dedication remains fundamental to who we are and how we operate in today's society.


"This was our calling... God, through the Catholic Church of Miami, and the Archbishop's voice, called us. We believed in the call and followed it."

-Sr. Lucia

More about Sr. Lucia
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Our Mission

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.

Over 50 Years Strong

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.

A man in a suit is standing in front of a fountain.

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.

In March 1965 a new school building was dedicated on the grounds, in the summer of 1966 the swimming pool and adjacent locker-rooms were inaugurated, in 1968 the Multi-Purpose Building was dedicated, in 1971 the Cottage, and in 1979 the Workshop (now the Adult Day Training).

Eleven Sisters traveled to Miami from Italy on October 21, 1963:

Sisters Lucia, Consolata, Enrichetta, Giuseppina, Carla, Paola, Ada, Enrica, Maria, Giovanna, and Giuliana.

Marian Center is currently under the leadership of Sister Lidia Valli, who came from Italy in 1996.  There is also a specialized and caring staff of professional teachers, aids, therapists, and support staff.


Since the beginning, the Sisters of St. Joseph B. Cottolengo, have worked with a large group of highly qualified and trained staff members who have helped keep the vision alive.

Marian Center Today

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.


Each of these programs welcomes students of all races, religions, and background and provides financial aid to all those who qualify. Currently, over 80% of the student population receives some form of assistance.

Meet The Sisters

Meet The Faculty

Meet The Boards

Our Current Members

Mr. Sean M. Clancy 

Mr. John F (Bud) Farrey

Mrs. Maria Fogarty

Mr. Tom Przybojewski

Mr. William Kent

Mr. David M. Long

Sr. Lidia Valli

Sr. Filomena Mastrangelo

Sr. Fausta Rondena

Mr. Julian Rubio

Mrs. Toni Acocella

Mrs. Sudi Bredemeyer


Marian Center Action Team

The MCAT, is made up of parents and staff members who collaborate together, to not only help the Marian Center fulfill their mission but to give extracurricular activities and experiences to the students and clients. We are always looking for new ideas and a fresh perspective. And welcome all who are interested to join us.


For more information please contact: 

Mrs. Toni Acocella

toniacocella@gmail.com

Our Auxiliary Members

The Marian Center Auxiliary is a group of volunteers committed to raising funds needed to help support the mission of the Marian Center. The auxiliary hosts social events throughout the Miami-Dade area and have built a community of supporters who truly believe in the cause of the Marian Center


For more information please contact: 

Mrs. Toni Acocella

toniacocella@gmail.com

Our Other Programs

Learn more about our other programs and services here

Learn More
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