The Mission of Nombre de Dios traces its origins to the founding of the
City of St. Augustine, America’s oldest city, in 1565. On September 8,
1565, Pedro Menendez de Aviles landed and proclaimed this site for Spain
and the Church. It was here that Menendez knelt to kiss a wooden cross
presented to him by Father Francisco Lopez de Mendoza Grajales, chaplain
of his expedition. It was on these grounds that Fr. Lopez would
celebrate the first
parish Mass and begin the work at America’s first Mission. It was at
this sacred spot that the Spanish settlers would begin the devotion to
Our Lady of La Leche that continues into the present.
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| Great Cross. This massive structure, made of stainless steel and rising
two hundred and eight feet above the marshes of the Matanzas River,
stands as a sentinel over the Mission and a “Beacon of Faith” for all
who pass this way. |
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| bronze statue of Father Francisco Lopez de Mendoza Grajales, chaplain of
Menendez’ fleet; celebrant of the first Mass here; and first missionary
at Nombre de Dios,
stands eleven feet tall |
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| chapel of Our Lady of La Leche |
Great photos! I can feel the peace.
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