Our Faith on the Road journey takes us back to a beautiful site in St. Augustine Florida but with a new section opened, we get to revisit anew.
Nombre de Dios Mission – National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche – was founded by the Spanish on September 8, 1565 when they celebrated the first Catholic Mass in what would become America on this site. Sharing the grounds with the National Shrine of Our Lady of LaLache, known as the most sacred acre for over 450 years.
Since our last visit, they’ve opened a whole new walking section. You can stroll or pray your way through a walking Rosary. Start off at the Cross then proceed to Our Lady of LaLeche. Both done beautifully in statues. Our Lady rests in a small grotto as she is depicted feeding our Lord. Wow! The imagery of this statue is overwhelming. You then walk the Rosary. With ten Hail Mary beads done in large globes connected by a chain, you are led to the Our Father plaques that also contain each mystery. Breathtaking! These picture don’t do it Justice. You must visit!
What Spanish Mission would be complete without our Lady of Guadeloupe – on the back of this image is depicted the scene of St. Juan Diego showing the famous cloak to the Archbishop. the blue sky and perfect day made our prayers at this site more perfect.
In this new section, you can walk right up to the bronze cross which stands tall over the grounds and water.
As we know from our first visit to the Shrine, this is the site of the first ever Catholic Mass and parish in the Americas. It is incredible to think that some 460 years ago, Father Grajales raised the Eucharist and gave thanks to God the Father through the Holy Spirit. The Eucharist alone is mind blowing but this though – wow!
The chapel to our Lady of La Leche is the oldest shrine in America. Visit to see the interior – no pictures are permitted plus I didn’t want to distract the prayers of the dozen women within.
Nombre De Dios Mission and the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche are must sees if you come to northeast Florida. Located within blocks of historic St. Augustine.
Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing!