On September 8, 1565, Spanish Admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés landed on the shores of what is now St. Augustine, Florida, and claimed the land for both Spain and the Catholic faith. Accompanied by priests, he celebrated the first permanent European settlement in what is now the United States.
From that moment, the Church’s mission of evangelization began in this new land. The missionaries who followed shared the Gospel with Indigenous peoples and established a lasting Catholic presence that continues to this day.
Mission Nombre de Dios and the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche stand as living witnesses to that sacred beginning. The Historic Chapel, Rustic Altar and Great Cross mark the site where faith first flourished on these shores and continue to draw pilgrims seeking grace, peace and renewal.
A welcome message from our Rector, Very Rev. Timothy Lindenfesler
Discover Tranquility: Celebrating our title as the United States’ Most Peaceful Place.
Every contribution helps ensure the shrine remains a place of faith, history and spiritual renewal.
We offer regular Mass times and special liturgies.
