Miami Chapter Hosts Fr. Blair Gaynes
Various Agrupados from the Miami Chapter have been leading monthly formation sessions in Ignatian Spirituality for the Catholic Gators men's group at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Gainesville Florida, which operates the Catholic Gators ministry at the University of Florida. Recently, Fr. Blair Gaynes was announced as the new Pastor at St. Augustine Parish. Fr. Blair succeeded Fr. David Ruchinski, who was appointed Pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Jacksonville. We hope to continue our apostolate at St. Augustine under Fr. Blair and develop the same trust and confidence we had with Fr. David.
Fr. Blair was ordained Priest for the Diocese of St. Augustine at Christmas 2012 by Bishop Estevez. From 2011-2023 Fr. Blair served as the chaplain/director of Catholic Campus Ministries in the Duval County and surrounding area. In 2017, in addition to Campus Ministry, he was appointed as the Pastor of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Jacksonville. Fr. Blair has over 35 years of experience in youth and young adult work in social services, education, parish, and campus ministry fields.
Last week on Thursday evening, the Agrupados involved in the Catholic Gators apostolate hosted Fr. Blair for dinner at Casa Mariano. The Agrupados in attendance were Jay Velasco, Gerry Portela, Cesar Guerrero, Ramon Ferrer, Efrain Zabala, Ray Cacicedo, Ignacio Abella, and Andres Manrara. The dinner provided an opportunity to introduce Fr. Blair to the ACU and the various university apostolates we undertake. Then, on Friday morning, we hosted Fr. Blair for breakfast at the Miami Chapter to introduce him to our Campus and to a standard Miami breakfast of Cuban pastries and cafe con leche. We continued the conversation with Fr. Blair on additional opportunities for collaboration.
