There is no other place in the Nation that offers such a long history of Christianity. In fact, it was during the Easter season of 1513 that Ponce de Leon arrived on what is now Florida’s Historic Coast and named the land La Florida in recognition of Spain’s traditional Easter celebration of “Pascua flores” – feast of flowers. Fifty-two years later, Admiral Pedro Menendez arrived here and founded the city of St. Augustine, an event that included the first mass celebrated in what is now the United States. The scene of those historic events and the traditions they inspired remain largely unchanged, especially at the Mission Nombre de Dios – the nation’s most “sacred acre.”

Mission chapel Our Lady of La Leche National Shrine on Florida's Historic Coast

Mission Nombre de Dios

Located at 101 San Marco Avenue, the Mission Nombre de Dios was the first mission created in the United States and its vine-covered La Leche Chapel is the oldest. Pilgrims from around the world visit this more than 400-year old chapel named Nuestra Señora de la Leche y Buen Parto. Located on Matanzas Bay, the centerpiece of the beautiful mission grounds is the towering, stainless steel Great Cross – the tallest free-standing cross in the Western Hemisphere. Father Lopez, who presented the first mass here in 1565, is immortalized with an impressive statue.

Holy Week Events at The Mission

Palm Sunday Mass (April 13) will take place at 1 p.m. in the Outdoor Worship Area.
Holy Saturday (April 19) includes an 11 a.m. Seven Sorrows of Mary at the outdoor grottos
Easter Sunday Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at the Great Cross.

The Mission grounds are open Monday thru Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Parking and admission are free.

Easter Services

In addition to the week-long events at the Mission, dozens of local churches conduct Easter Sunday services. Contact your choice for details

Sunrise Services

Inspiring and beautiful Easter Sunrise Services are conducted by several churches beginning at 7 a.m. at both Crescent Beach and Vilano Beach. These services are extremely popular, so arrive early and bring blankets, towels or chairs for beach seating.