Magis: José Toledo '96
Growing up in a family that cherished service as a fundamental value, José Toledo ‘96 discovered a profound happiness derived from helping others. The pivotal moment that laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to service occurred when his family extended their home to another family, offering refuge until they could stand on their own. This act of kindness became the catalyst propelling José into a world shaped by the transformative power of service.
José’s trajectory of service took a profound turn when he witnessed the selflessness of his then-girlfriend’s family, now his wife, Loli. This experience imparted the invaluable lesson of serving without expecting anything in return. It shifted his perspective, emphasizing the paramount importance of keeping Christ’s love at the center of every action. Grounded in the principles of Ignatian Spirituality instilled by the Jesuits at Belen, José grasped the profound meaning of life: to praise, revere, and serve the Lord, and made it the cornerstone of his life.
For José, service is not merely an action but an expression of love — a philosophy cultivated at Belen Jesuit and reinforced through the fabric of his family. His approach to service projects is deeply rooted in the understanding that service without Jesus is just a deed, but with Jesus, it transforms into a profound and genuine expression of love.
Among the myriad causes close to José’s heart, Belen Youth Missions (BYM) stands out prominently. Describing the mission, José passionately states, “This mission goes beyond evangelizing and serving, providing young students with a transformative experience, allowing them to help the poorest of the poor and instilling in them a sense of service and faith through firsthand experiences.” José’s unwavering commitment to BYM spans years, and he eagerly anticipates continuing his life of service with Belen Youth Missions.
José emphasizes the significance of understanding service as a family guiding principle in a powerful message. He shares, “Serving not just individually but as a unit, my wife and I discovered the transformative power of giving from a position of nothing. This realization emphasized that service without Jesus is merely an action, but with Jesus, it transforms into an expression of love.”
The Toledo family’s commitment to service extends to their children, imparting the understanding that giving up time with parents for the sake of those in need is a powerful and transformative act.
The impact is evident as José’s oldest son, José, and daughter Sofía, embark on their own service missions, guided by the example set by their family. Even the youngest son Luca follows suit, embracing service as an altar boy.
José leaves readers with an encouraging reflection: “May you find inspiration in the transformative power of service guided by love, faith in God, and the unity of family. As you consider this narrative, may it encourage you to embrace the beauty of giving from a position of nothing and discover the profound impact it can have on both your life and the lives of others.” José Toledo’s life is a testament to the enduring legacy of MAGIS, an inspiration for all to embark on a journey of selfless service that transcends generations.
BELEN JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: webmaster@belenjesuit.org
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: webmaster@belenjesuit.org
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School was founded in 1854 in Havana, Cuba by Queen Isabel II of Spain. The task of educating students was assigned to the priests and brothers of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), whose teaching tradition is synonymous with academic excellence and spiritual discipline. In 1961, the new political regime of Cuba confiscated the School property and expelled the Jesuit faculty. The School was re-established in Miami the same year, and over the next decade, continued to grow. Today, Belen Jesuit sits on a 30-acre site in western Dade County, only minutes away from downtown Miami.