National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre De Dios

In the heart of the USA’s oldest city, St. Augustine, lies a place of exceptional serenity and historical depth — the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios. This Catholic complex is considered the cradle of Christianity on the continent, as it was here in 1565 that the first Spanish mission was founded and the first Mass was celebrated. The centerpiece of the grounds is a small, ivy-covered chapel built of coquina stone, dedicated to the nursing Mother of God.

The shrine holds the status of a national shrine and attracts thousands of pilgrims seeking the intercession of Our Lady of La Leche for motherhood and children's health. The architectural feel of the site transports visitors back to the colonial era, combining simple forms with the solemnity of the surrounding landscape. In 2019, the significance of this spiritual center was officially confirmed by the country's episcopate, and the image of the Virgin Mary was granted the rare honor of a canonical coronation.

Rising from the mission grounds is the impressive 208-foot (63-meter) Great Cross made of stainless steel. It serves as a beacon of faith, visible from afar, symbolizing the deep historical roots of the region. A walk through "America’s most sacred acre," as John F. Kennedy once called it, allows guests to feel an unbreakable connection to the past among centuries-old oaks and manicured gardens.

The shrine is conveniently located and open to anyone wishing to touch history or find peace. To plan your visit, you can use the official details of the complex.

A visit to the shrine is primarily an experience of spiritual and aesthetic tranquility. Be sure to step inside the Chapel of Our Lady of La Leche to see the canonically crowned statue created by artisans in Northern Italy. Here you can light a candle, leave a prayer petition, or simply sit in silence, enjoying the intimate atmosphere of the small shrine, which seats only about 30 people.

A stroll through the expansive mission grounds offers many iconic locations to explore. Walk up to the Great Cross to appreciate its grand scale and view the 11-foot bronze statue of Father Francisco López, the first priest of these lands. Those who enjoy leisurely walks will love the Rosary Garden, where prayer stations and memorials dedicated to significant events in American Christian history are nestled among lush greenery.

If you plan your visit for October 11, you may witness the annual solemn celebrations in honor of Our Lady. On regular days, the grounds are open to everyone, regardless of faith. It is an ideal spot for inspiring photographs, learning about Florida's colonial past, and enjoying a quiet break outdoors surrounded by ancient trees and bay views.

The shrine is located at 101 San Marco Ave, making it easily accessible for visitors. If you are already exploring the historic center, it is only a 10–15 minute walk to the mission. Heading north along scenic San Marco Avenue allows you to soak in the old-city atmosphere even before you arrive.

For those who prefer transportation, city trolleys stop right at the entrance. If you are traveling by car, follow US-1 or A1A. A major advantage for visitors is the availability of free parking directly on the complex grounds, which is a rarity for popular tourist areas.

For travelers coming from other regions, the most convenient way to arrive is via Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), which is about an hour's drive by rental car or taxi. Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) is another option, located approximately 90 minutes from the shrine.

The history of this site began on September 8, 1565, when Spanish Admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés landed on these shores. He claimed the land for Spain and named it Nombre de Dios ("Name of God"). It was here that Father Francisco López de Mendoza Grajales celebrated the first parish Mass in the history of what would become the United States, establishing the oldest Catholic parish in the country.

In the early 17th century, the first shrine in America dedicated to Our Lady of La Leche—the patroness of mothers and safe deliveries—was built here. The image of the nursing Mother of God was brought by Spanish settlers and quickly became a focus of deep devotion. Unfortunately, the early wood and stone structures suffered repeatedly from raids and fires in 1702 and 1728.

The charming chapel we see today was built in 1914 using local coquina limestone. In 2019, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops granted the site National Shrine status, highlighting its exceptional historical and spiritual significance. A major milestone was the canonical coronation of the statue of the Virgin Mary, performed by mandate of Pope Francis in October 2021.

To leisurely explore the mission grounds and the shrine itself, most tourists need between 1 and 2 hours. This is plenty of time to step into the cozy chapel, walk the picturesque paths, and stand at the base of the Great Cross.

If your goal is a pilgrimage, attending Mass, or extended meditation in the Rosary Garden, we recommend setting aside about half a day. The peaceful atmosphere here invites long reflection and a break from the city bustle, so it's best not to rush your visit.

The shrine and mission grounds welcome visitors daily. The standard schedule makes it easy to include a visit in any sightseeing itinerary:

• Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Please note that access to the grounds may be limited during special religious ceremonies or on holidays. It is recommended to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.

St. Augustine is a city with an incredible concentration of historical monuments, and the La Leche Shrine is right at the heart of these interesting locations. A walk around the neighborhood allows you to see both archaeological sites and modern entertainment centers in a single day.

Just a few hundred meters from the mission, you will find the famous park dedicated to the search for the fountain of youth, and a bit further south sits the majestic Spanish fortress guarding the bay. Below are the closest sites to the shrine to include in your itinerary: