Mission of Nombre de Dios, St.

St. Augustine is our nation's oldest city. It's also home to the Mission of Nombre de Dios, an evangelical outpost established in the “Name of God” and in honor of the Holy Name of Jesus.

And who wouldn't want to be in St. Augustine on Aug. 28, feast of the city's namesake (or the day before, feast of St. Monica, Augustine's long-suffering mother)?

When Pedro Menendez de Aviles landed on the east coast of Florida on Sept. 8, 1565, he claimed the patch of land for Spain and for the Church. The site was then dedicated at the hands of Father Francisco Lopez de Mendoza Grajales, the chaplain of the expedition. Not only would this site become the first American mission, but it would also be the first place in America where a Mass would be offered, as well as the first place at which a shrine would be dedicated to the Blessed Mother.

These events took place a good 55 years before the pilgrims set foot on Plymouth Rock.

When I visited, I was quick to note that the site's historical significance is matched by its physical beauty. Located just north of St. Augustine's bustling historic district, the mission is flush with varied foliage; it also affords lovely water views and provides a serene setting for exploration as well as reflection.

As I entered the mission, my attention was immediately drawn to Prince of Peace Church. Able to accommodate 200 people, the church was built in 1965 to commemorate the mission's 400th anniversary. The church is constructed of coquina, a unique building material that is formed under water and consists of a combination of shell, rocks and other particles.

Coquina provides the foundation upon which St. Augustine is built and is featured in numerous historic sites in the area. As a votive church, Prince of Peace was dedicated to the prayerful intention that God would spare the world from atomic war. Now, 38 years later and in light of the world's tumultuous political climate, this intention seems to be more timely than ever.

A Path Well Trod

After visiting Prince of Peace, I followed a path that led first to a picturesque lake and then to a statue of Father Lopez, the mission's first pastor, depicted in priestly garb, with hands and eyes raised heavenward. The imposing image was created by Ivan Mestrovic, a renowned artist who received the 1954 Christian Culture Award.

A little further on, I was treated to views of Mantanzas Bay and a variety of devotional sites, including a small Byzantine shrine as well as one dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe. At this end of the mission, it is impossible to miss the towering Great Cross, which extends 208 feet into the air and was constructed for the mission ’ s 400th anniversary.

A short walk from the cross brings visitors to the Rustic Altar, an outdoor commemoration of the first Mass celebrated in the New World. Mass is still celebrated here on special occasions.

The mission is perhaps best known for being home to the Shrine of Our Lady of la Leche. Many 16th-century Spaniards had a special devotion to “La Senora de la Leche y Buen Parto” (“Our Lady of the Milk and Happy Delivery”) for the kindnesses granted to expectant mothers by the Blessed Virgin.

By 1598, this devotion had taken root among many in the new settlement, and the first Marian shrine in America was established under her patronage.

The original chapel, built around 1615, was destroyed in an attack on St. Augustine during the early 1700s. It was subsequently rebuilt and then partially destroyed again by a hurricane.

The current chapel, made of coquina and bedecked with ivy, was reconstructed in 1915. Nestled in a wooded grove, the tiny sanctuary can accommodate 30 visitors and exudes a sense of warmth, beauty and simplicity. Its centerpiece is a beautiful reproduction of the statue of Our Lady of la Leche. This small, lovely statue is one of the few images to depict the Blessed Virgin nursing the baby Jesus.

The chapel hosts a steady stream of visitors and has become a special place of pilgrimage for expectant and nursing mothers, as well as for those who seek the blessing of motherhood.

Nursing Motherhood

This lovely image and title of Our Lady of la Leche has also found a place in history beyond the parameters of the Church. When the La Leche League, a group dedicated to providing information and support for nursing mothers, was founded in the 1950s, the group took its name from the title of Our Lady. Since then, many advocates for the benefits of breastfeeding, both Catholic and non-Catholic alike, have made a visit to St. Augustine to see the unique and beautiful image of the nursing Mother.

After leaving the Shrine of Our Lady of la Leche, visitors may wish to wander the mission grounds and take in the other sights and bask in the pristine surroundings.

The Mission of the Nombre de Dios provides a backdrop for a richly prayerful experience that allows visitors to contemplate a significant slice of Church history — and what it can teach us about the cares and concerns of the present-day world.

The power of the apostolic priesthood, the beauty of motherhood, the tangible link between prayer and world peace — all those facets of our faith, and more, are on display in this special place.