History - Pastoral Center

Soon after arriving, he reorganized the chancery staff into seven ministries and announced plans for the construction of a permanent chancery. This new Pastoral Center is the sole physical structure closely identified with Archbishop McCarthy, who even had a hand in its architectural design.

The sprawling, airy, Spanish-styled edifice with a barreled red tile roof, creamy white paint and pockets of green foliage is remarkable for its illusory simplicity. Its three-story façade blends beautifully into the South Florida landscape while subtly recalling the Hispanic heritage of the state. Inside, a breezy, sky-lit atrium and the gurgling sound of cascading water provide a soothing welcome to visitors. Only white ramps, large windows and banners blowing in the breeze are visible from this vantage point, a pastoral scene which belies the mammoth complex of offices, computers and people housed within.