National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios

Overview

This is the historical site of the first parish Mass and first shrine dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the United States. The Mission Nombre de Dios traces its origins to the founding of the city of St. Augustine, America’s oldest city. On September 8, 1565, Pedro Menéndez de Aviles landed and proclaimed this site for Spain and the Church. Each year, Catholics and the local community celebrate Founder’s Day with a re-enactment of the landing followed by Mass. In the early 1600’s, a statue of Mary nursing the infant Jesus was placed in the chapel and more than 450 years later, she graces the current chapel rebuilt in 1915. Other sites within the mission grounds include: the Mission museum, Shrine Gift Shop, Great Cross, Rustic Altar, and stations of the Seven Sorrows of Mary.

We offer tours for groups including students, home school organizations, and parishes. We invite you to plan your next retreat or pilgrimage with us. Please call our main number to schedule.