The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine, will commemorate the 461st anniversary of the founding of St. Augustine during the annual Founder's Day Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 12, with a historic reenactment, civic proclamation, outdoor Mass and procession.
The celebration begins at 10 a.m. at Mission Nombre de Dios, 101 San Marco Ave., with a reenactment of Pedro Menéndez de Avilés’ landing presented by the Historic Florida Militia. Their portrayal brings to life the arrival of the Spanish settlers, their meeting with the native inhabitants and the founding of St. Augustine. Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline will deliver the traditional Founder’s Day proclamation.
Among the civic and community leaders expected to attend are St. Augustine City Commissioners Cynthia Garris and Jim Springfield, City Manager David Birchim, Communications Director Melissa Wissel and Honorary Consul General to Spain Sonia San Juan.
Following the reenactment, Bishop Erik Pohlmeier will celebrate Mass at the Rustic Altar. The liturgy continues the tradition of giving thanks to God that began with the Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated after the Spanish expedition arrived in 1565. Guests are encouraged to bring folding chairs for the outdoor Mass.
At noon, participants are invited to join the annual procession from Mission Nombre de Dios to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, retracing the route associated with the city’s earliest days.
The annual celebration commemorates the Sept. 8, 1565, founding of St. Augustine and honors 461 years of faith, history and community at the place where the Catholic faith took root in our nation.
Admission and parking at Mission Nombre de Dios are free. Regular admission rates apply for those wishing to enter the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park following the procession.
Here is the event schedule:
Saturday, Sept. 12
10 a.m. — Reenactment of Pedro Menéndez de Avilés' landing presented by the Historic Florida Militia, followed by the traditional Founder’s Day proclamation by Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline
Following the reenactment — Mass celebrated by Bishop Erik Pohlmeier at the Rustic Altar
Noon — Procession from Mission Nombre de Dios to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
For more information, go to missionandshrine.org or call 904-824-2809.
Mission Nombre de Dios and the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche in St. Augustine are ministries of the Diocese of St. Augustine. Mission Nombre de Dios marks the historic site where Spanish settlers arrived in 1565, establishing St. Augustine and celebrating the first parish Mass on these shores.
Within the mission grounds is the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, recognized as the oldest Marian shrine in the United States and a centuries-old place of devotion to Mary under the title of Our Lady of La Leche.
Together, the mission and shrine preserve the Catholic heritage of this sacred site while welcoming pilgrims and visitors for prayer, worship and reflection.
