Archaeological evidence tells us this was the site of Florida's first established mission, and as close as can be determined, the landing site of Pedro Menendex de Aviles - founder of St Augustine. Here, on September 8, 1565, Father Francisco Lopez de Mendoza Grajales led the first Mass to be said in the New World, as Menendez and his men knelt to kiss a wooden cross at a hastily-built rustic altar. The Indians who occupied the village on the site watched in fascination, and imitated the strangers and their "odd" practices; they had never seen or participated in a Christian worship service before.

Enter the Mission grounds by way of an arched bridge over a tranquil lake, and begin your visit in the shadow of the Great Cross. Be sure to pause on the bridge and watch for a fish or two to jump; they do, quite frequently.

Stop and visit the statue of Father Lopez as you leave the bridge. It is a beautiful work of art and one of St Augustine's great secrets. Immortalized by Dr Ivan Mestrovic, Father Lopez seems almost to breathe as he stands with arms raised and face turned to the heavens in gratitude to God for a safe arrival in a new, strange land. I love this statue; it always gives me goosebumps when I visit it. I am in awe of Dr Mestrovic's ability to portray something so monumentous, so perfectly.

The Great Cross stands 208 feet tall and was erected in honor of the Mission's 400th Anniversary in 1965. You probably saw it when you first entered St Augustine; it is visible for quite a distance and is particularly beautiful at night, when it is lighted. A reader shared a very special memory of Mission de Nombre De Dios with me...

"As a child, I was part of the religious procession and dedication ceremony for the cross at the shrine, it is a great memory for me. Our parish priest told me that day that as a native of Florida, the fort and the shrine belonged to me. It made me feel very special.
~ Sheila L, Gainesville, FL

The Mission site has served as a place of worship ever since that first Mass. A slow walk through the beautifully landscaped grounds among gravestones and monuments and places of reflection leads to the Shrine of Our Lady of la Leche; the first shrine in the United States dedicated to Our Blessed Mother. The tiny Chapel dates from sometime in the 1700's; the present Chapel was reconstructed in 1914 of coquina, replacing the one before it and the one before that. This pretty Chapel, now almost covered with ivy, looks as though it grew there. I love nice days when the windows are opened and breezes drift through the little Chapel. I especially love the way it smells... it just smells clean and dry, like old churches do! The tranquil grounds and Chapel provide visitors with a quiet place to pray and meditate.

Take a few more moments and explore the rest of the grounds. Squirrels and birds will follow you around, hoping for a handout, as you discover the gazebo, bell tower, fountain, old gravestones and other interesting things scattered here and there. When you are ready to visit the Mission gift shop, follow the pathways to yet another of St Augustine's wonderful secrets!

The "Menendez Room" in the Mission gift shop houses another great treasure: the outer coffin in which Pedro Menedez de Aviles was originally buried. This coffin was presented to the Mission by the city of Aviles, Spain, and is on display, along with a large diorama depicting the first Mass held at the site. An extraordinary portrait of Pedro Menendez hangs in the room, above the outer coffin. The portrait was painted by one of Don Pedro's descendants; the gifted and talented artist Mark Menendez of Andrews, North Carolina. I have recently had the pleasure of making contact with Mark, who is a warm and delightful person. Please check out Mark's art at Menendez Art Enterprises.

Please click here or click the logo below to visit a special page dedicated to Mark Menendez, his father Jose Menendez, and their famous ancestor.