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Archbishop Coleman Carroll Legacy Society

Donors make a difference by impacting the work and mission of Archdiocese of Miami with their support.

Archbishop Coleman Francis Carroll (February 9, 1905 - July 26, 1977) was the first Bishop—and later Archbishop—of Miami, Florida. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1930 for the Diocese of Pittsburgh, where he faithfully served in parish ministry until 1953, when he was appointed auxiliary bishop.


On August 13, 1958, Pope Pius XII named Bishop Carroll the first Bishop of the newly established Diocese of Miami. He was formally installed on October 7, 1958, marking the founding of the diocese.


At that time, the Diocese of Miami encompassed the sixteen southernmost counties of Florida and served a Catholic population of approximately 200,000. Spanning nearly half the state, the diocese would undergo extraordinary growth under Bishop Carroll's leadership. He laid a strong foundation for the Church during a time of significant social and cultural change, including the influx of Cuban refugees, the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam era, and the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. Among his many contributions, he established the Catholic Service Bureau—now known as Catholic Charities—which continues today as a vital network of social services across the region.


In response to rapid population growth, the Diocese of Miami was elevated to an Archdiocese in 1968 by Pope Paul VI and designated the Metropolitan See for the state of Florida. Bishop Carroll was installed as Archbishop on March 2, 1968.


Less than a decade later, Archbishop Carroll passed away after a brief illness. By the time of his death, the Archdiocese of Miami had grown to include more than 700,000 Catholics across eight counties.


Widely regarded as the "architect" of the Archdiocese of Miami, Archbishop Coleman Carroll leaves a lasting legacy that continues to shape the Church in South Florida today.


Join the Legacy Society Today


The Archbishop Coleman Carroll Legacy Society honors individuals and families who have made provisions for the Catholic Church in their estate plans and have informed the Archdiocese of Miami's Office of Planned Giving. This includes planned gifts benefiting the Archdiocese, as well as its parishes, schools, and ministries. Members are recognized each year at a special induction ceremony.


Ways to Join


  • Include a bequest to the Archdiocese of Miami or any of its affiliated entities (parishes, schools, ministries) in your will or trust.
  • Establish a life-income gift that provides income to you during your lifetime and supports the Church thereafter.
  • Name the Archdiocese of Miami or one of its entities as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement plan.
  • Create a trust that benefits the Church before ultimately transferring assets to your heirs.

Benefits of Membership


  • Invitation to the annual Legacy Society event with Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski
  • Archbishop Coleman Carroll Legacy Society membership pin
  • Commemorative keepsake in honor of Archbishop Carroll
  • Invitations to select Archdiocese of Miami events
  • Recognition in Archdiocesan publications (with your permission)

If you have already included the Church in your estate plans—or would like sample bequest language-please contact the Development Office at (305) 762-1053. We would be honored to acknowledge your generosity and express our gratitude. I/We would like to notify the Archdiocese of Miami of my/our gift intention.