Mark your calendars and plan to celebrate the founding of America’s First Parish – the Cathedral of St. Augustine – and St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city. Both were founded together on September 8, 1565, by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, one of Spain’s most experienced admirals.
The Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios will host Founder’s Day on Saturday, September 8, from 10am to 1pm.
The day begins with a 10am historical re-enactment of the Spanish landing led by the Historic Florida Militia’s Men of Menendez and the St. Augustine Maritime Heritage Foundation Chalupa at the Mission Nombre de Dios. At 11am, Bishop Felipe Estévez will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving at the rustic altar on the mission grounds just as Father Francisco Lopez de Mendoza Grajales did 453 years ago.
The afternoon will provide opportunities for children and families to meet the historical re-enactors and have their photo taken with them at 12:15pm at the Mission. At 1pm, there will be a grand procession from the mission grounds to the Fountain of Youth. At 1:30pm, there will be a First Thanksgiving Meal and re-enactment.
Free parking is available at the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios. Admission is free at the Mission Nombre de Dios.
To learn more about Founder’s Day activities, call Beth Walt (904) 824-2809 or visit www.missionandshrine.org.
