Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche - St. Augustine, Florida

 (Photo/www.missionandshrine.org)

Destination: Spanish settlers in the New World began their devotion to Our Lady of La Leche (The Milk) at St. Augustine’s Mission of Nombre de Dios (Name of God) in the 1560s. It is on the site of the first parish Mass celebrated in what is now the United States, on Sept. 8, 1565, the feast of the Nativity of Mary.
Today, it is a popular site for expectant mothers to pray for healthy babies and couples to pray for children.
Regular Mass is not offered at the shrine, but check the Diocese of St. Augustine website (www.dosafl.com) for nearby churches.
Why to go: Eric P. Johnson, director of the shrine, knows the power of this place and its history, according to an article in St. Anthony Messenger. The historic Mass there in 1565 marked St. Augustine as the birthplace of Christianity in America, not only for Catholics but for Christians of all denominations.
“This is where the Gospel was preached to the native people for the first time,” Johnson explains.
The shrine is also known as a place, according to the article, where the sorrowful also come to pray.
“They come seeking solace and forgiveness,” says Johnson, in the article. “This place offers an incredible sense of peace and an atmosphere of prayer. It allows the small but significant miracles to take place in the heart and the spirit.”
There are several other smaller shrines on the grounds, including one for Our Lady of Guadalupe and one for Lady of Perpetual Help. Prince of Peace Church is also on the grounds.
The site has also been researched by archeologists from the University of Florida, who have discovered a moat from a 16th century Spanish fort on shrine grounds.
Access: Depending on where you go on the grounds, there are some stairs to manuever.
Amenities: The shrine gift shop is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
(Grand) Kid friendly: The shrine offers a good place for a quiet walk with children who may have been in a car too long.
Info: Address: Shrine of Our Lady of Leche, 27 Ocean Ave., St. Augustine, FL 32084. Phone: 904/824-2809 or 800/342-6529. Web: www.missionandshrine.org

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org