At a recent Mass attended by more than 1,500 parishioners and University of Miami students and community members, the St. Augustine Church and Catholic Student Center unveiled its newly renovated church and installed Father Richard J. Vigoa as pastor.
Thomas Wenski, archbishop of Miami, celebrated the event along with more than 38 priests and members of the Order of Malta, a lay religious institute. He congratulated Vigoa on his new role and the church community on the beautiful renovations.
The restoration project was the first significant renovation the church has received in more than 50 years. It included installation of new windows, pews, flooring, air-conditioning, lighting, a choir space, and an altar that is now adorned by a new rug that replicates one that also can be seen at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. In addition, a statue of Mary, the Blessed Mother, and St. Joseph now flank the altar.
Vigoa thanked the St. Augustine community, especially the donors whose contributions made the renovations possible. He praised the incredible work of various contractors, architects, and church and City of Coral Gables officials who made the completion of the project possible in just nine months. He also gave special recognition to the church choir and musicians; Vince Lago, mayor of Coral Gables; and Patricia Whitely, senior vice president for student affairs, who represented the University of Miami at the event held in late March.
“Thank you to everyone who had a part in making it happen. Let’s all remember, it is not the building or the beautiful appointments that make this place a parish,” he pointed out. “My priority since my first day here has been to communicate to you that our lived faith is truly what makes this our home.”
Although his role as pastor is new, Vigoa has been with the church since 2019 as its parish administrator. Prior to joining St. Augustine, he served as priest secretary to the archbishop for nine years. The church serves as home to the University’s Catholic Student Center and is used by the University community.
“Congratulations to Father Vigoa on his new role,” said Whitely. “The St. Augustine church renovation is simply stunning and has added more beauty to a sacred space that will serve our University of Miami students and community for years to come.”
