Saint Augustine / Florida / United States
The Mission of Nombre de Dios traces its origins to the founding of the City of St. Augustine, Americas 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 Americas 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. 27 Ocean Avenue, FL 32084 St. Augustine- (904) 824-2809 or (800) 342-6529