Church of the Little Flower

Is this magnificent structure really the result of a dream during the Great Depression? The Church of the Little Flower, standing before us, seems almost too grand to have been born from such challenging times. Yet, history, especially the history of this sacred place, is full of surprises. The Church of the Little Flower was born from a desire to serve a burgeoning Catholic community in the new town of Coral Gables. In the spring of 1926, at the behest of a dedicated group of locals, Bishop Patrick J. Barry proclaimed the establishment of this parish. It was named in honor of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, France, the “Little Flower,” a Carmelite Sister canonized just the year before. Now, imagine the year is 1927. The Great Depression is looming. Resources are scarce, but the spirit of faith is not. A young, determined Irish priest, Father Thomas Comber, dreams of a church, a “dream church.” Architects drafted plans for a glorious Spanish Renaissance structure. However, the economic climate demanded a more modest approach. The first building to grace these grounds was actually the parish center and auditorium, designed with a capacity of 800. It served as a temporary church, symbolizing the community’s unwavering faith. It wasn’t until 1951, well after World War II, that Father Comber’s dream was finally realized. The Church of the Little Flower, as we know it today, was built and dedicated. The original structure, a testament to the parishioners’ tenacity and resourcefulness, was renamed Comber Hall, honoring their devoted founding pastor. The Church of the Little Flower stands today as a symbol of resilience, faith, and the enduring power of community.