Miami, Fla., Nov 13, 2005 / 22:00 pm
One of the most well-known and admired people in Miami has not gained popularity due to wealth or celebrity but from his commitment to witness to Jesus as the city’s youngest Jesuit.
Fr. Willie Garcia-Tuñon, 35, teaches philosophy and spiritually guides the students at his alma mater, Miami’s boys-only Belén Jesuit Preparatory School.
Fr. Garcia-Tuñon is often seen as the future of Belén, whose history spans more than 150 years, reported the Miami Herald. His love and enthusiasm for the school and the students are evident at Belén sports games, where he is spotted cheering loudly from the sidelines. The appreciation students have for him is evident in their familiar greeting when they see him the school corridors: "Hey, Father Willy."
Many young people and his peers seek him out for counseling and confession and comment on his joy. The crimson birthmark, which stretches across his face, makes the young priest easily recognizable.