Contact: Marivi Prado, Director and C.M.O., St. Thomas University, 305-205-2656 cell, 305-474-6880, mprado@stu.edu

MIAMI, Sept. 27 /Christian Newswire/ -- St. Thomas University is proud to announce the opening of the Archbishop John C. Favalora Archive & Museum at the University Library October 2, 2008. The inaugural reception and dedication launches the new archive, museum and research center at the Archdiocesan university. The institution will be devoted to collecting, exhibiting and making accessible documents and artifacts related to the history of Catholicism in South Florida, where immigrants and the Cuban exodus played a crucial part. It will encompass the archives of the Archdiocese of Miami, St. Thomas University, National Office for Black Catholics and other special collections.

The materials include a collection of over 200,000 photographs, 2,000 video recordings, historical documents and publications such as the Archdiocesan newspapers The Voice and La Voz. In addition to hosting exhibitions, the Archive and Museum will also launch a web portal to provide public access to selected materials in digital format.

The October 2 inaugural event also marks the opening of the exhibit "United in Faith" celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Archdiocese of Miami. The exhibition includes artifacts, photographs, and video recordings selected from the permanent collection and from private collectors and parish churches throughout the Archdiocese.

WHO: The Most Reverend John C. Favalora, Archbishop of Miami; Reverend Monsignor Franklyn M. Casale, President of St. Thomas University; and St. Thomas University Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and students.

WHAT: Inaugural Reception/Dedication of the Archbishop John C. Favarola Archive and Museum

WHEN: Thursday, October 2nd, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: St. Thomas University Library, 16401NW 37th Ave., Miami Gardens, FL. 33054

Event RSVP: 305-628-6664