Our Lady of Lourdes, founded in 1985, continues to serve the Catholics in the fast growing West Kendall area. The first Mass was celebrated in the gymnasium at Boystown, adjacent to the current parish property. On the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy dedicated in 1990 the parish’s present temporary church and facilities. Hurricane Andrew in 1992 caused extensive damage to the parish and to parishioners’ homes but together everyone helped to rebuild.
With more than 1,000 families by 1994, and more than 400 children and 10 adults enrolled in religious education classes, parishioners began establishing a school. It opened in fall 1997 with 240 students in pre kindergarten 3 to fourth grade and through the years expanded to include grade eight.
Now with more than 5,000 families from more than thirty nine countries, the nine weekend Masses attract about 15,000 worshipers. A dedication of a new Mediterranean style church that seats 1,200 worshipers took place in 2002. Parishioners participate in an array of spiritual and service ministries, including Emmaus retreats; they host an annual carnival to support parish activities.