Photography and Artistic Renderings Policy
The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios, including its buildings, monuments and grounds (hereafter referred to as the “Shrine & Mission”), is a Roman Catholic sacred site established by the bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine. It was built through the generosity of Catholics and other supporters across the diocese and the nation.
The Shrine & Mission is owned and operated by the Most Rev. Erik Pohlmeier, bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine, a corporation sole, and his successors in office. Therefore, all property and structures of the Shrine & Mission are private property owned by the Diocese of St. Augustine.
Protection of Property and Artworks
All works of art located within and around the Shrine & Mission — including the Great Cross, Historic Chapel, Rustic Altar, statue of Father López and other devotional shrines — are protected.
The diocese reserves all rights to the reproduction, public distribution, public display and use of representations of the Shrine & Mission in any medium. This includes, but is not limited to, photography, videography, filming and artistic renderings of any type.
Any publication, broadcast or public display of such images — whether in whole or in part — must receive prior written approval from the Diocese of St. Augustine. The diocese reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to withhold or revoke permission to photograph or reproduce images taken on the premises.
Visitors
- Still photography is permitted for private, non-commercial use only.
- Video recording is prohibited unless prior written permission is granted.
- Images of the Shrine & Mission may not be published, sold, reproduced, distributed or otherwise commercially exploited in any manner.
- Photography or videography of worship services, sacraments or events on the Shrine & Mission grounds is not permitted.
- The use of tripods, freestanding lighting or other equipment is not allowed without prior written approval and arrangements.
News Media
Members of the news media seeking to photograph, film or record events or services at the Shrine & Mission must obtain advance permission from the Director of Communications for the Diocese of St. Augustine (kbagg@dosafl.com).
The use of tripods, lighting and other equipment may be restricted for safety reasons or to maintain the flow of visitors. Placement and operation of such equipment are subject to the discretion of the Shrine & Mission and/or the Diocese of St. Augustine.
All freelance photography or videography assignments must be coordinated through the Director of Communications. Unless otherwise approved, the diocese retains copyright ownership of any images created under such assignments.
Other Photography Requests
Posed or staged photography not related to Shrine & Mission events, such as wedding parties, family portraits or reunions, requires prior approval from the Operations Manager of the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios (operations@missionandshrine.org).
Permission for Publication
Requests to use images of the Shrine & Mission in any publication — including books, magazines, journals, articles, websites, blogs or social media — must receive prior written approval from the Director of Communications for the Diocese of St. Augustine (kbagg@dosafl.com).
The diocese will determine the terms and conditions of such use. This includes all forms of visual or artistic representation, as well as archival photographs or film footage.
Contact Information for News Media inquiries and all other requests Director of Communications for the Diocese of St. Augustine
Kathleen Bagg | Phone: (904) 262-1705