Pilgrimages & Retreats
As the site of the first Catholic parish mass, the first Marian shrine and the founding of St. Augustine, the oldest city, all in the United States, the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios provides a great opportunity for spiritual growth. Pilgrimage permits us to step off the rollercoaster of everyday life, listen intently to the Word of God, and reverently share in the Eucharist. A pilgrimage to “America’s First Marian Shrine”, allows us to be in touch with some of the earliest history of the Church of Florida.
We welcome you to visit this beautiful National Shrine! May you grow closer to Christ through Mary. From the 1930s to the early 1960s, large numbers of clergy, religious and laity made their way to the Mission Nombre de Dios and the, now, National Shrine Our Lady of La Leche . Pilgrimages are once again coming to be viewed as important sources of inspiration, community prayer and devotion. St. Pope John Paul II invited and encouraged pilgrimages to designated shrines during the Jubilee Year of 2000. The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche is one such shrine.
Preparing Your Pilgrimage Group
We greatly appreciate advanced notice of groups over 15 people (suggested donation of $100).
To celebrate Mass, all priests outside the Diocese of St. Augustine must have a Letter of Good Standing submitted to and approved by our Chancellor’s office PRIOR to celebrating Mass. Monday-Saturday we will not schedule groups after 3:30pm and on Sundays no groups after 3pm for Masses. It is best that visiting priests bring their own vestments and Mass kit, please double check with us if this will be a challenge.
Looking for a private gathering place? The Pilgrim Center & Pavilion, located on the ‘Sacred Acre’, can serve as a great meeting space for your school, parish, or ministry group. This facility can be rented for a half or full day and can accommodate groups of less than 100 people (during our hours of operation).
Please complete the ‘event request’ form and our pilgrimage coordinator will be in contact with you. If you have any questions, contact Mackenzie Tucker.
Forms & Agreements
Online Forms
Downloadable Forms
