Dedication of the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche

St. Augustine's commemoration of its 450th anniversary continues on Sunday, October 11, 2015, at 2 p.m., when Bishop Felipe Estévez will dedicate the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at the Mission Nombre de Dios. The mass is open to the public.

The Prince of Peace Votive Church at the Mission has been under renovation since February 2015, with 2,500 square feet added to the church, which now serves as the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche. A chapel has been added to the shrine dedicated to Prince of Peace and the intercession of Our Lady of Fatima.

A new altar configuration features a large statue of Our Lady of La Leche and smaller statues depicting St. Joseph, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Katherine Drexel, and St. Kateri Tekawitha, all of whom have been influential in the history of St. Augustine, America's first parish.

Structural improvements include two offices for priests, confessionals, a new sacristy and narthex or entrance area, as well as a new sound system, flooring and seating for 200 to 300 people. The total cost of construction was $1.5 million.

October 11 was approved in 2012 by the Vatican as an annual diocesan feast-day to honor Our Lady of La Leche.

When? Sunday, October 11, 2015, at 2 p.m.

Where? The Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche is located at Mission Nombre de Dios at 27 Ocean Avenue, just north of downtown St. Augustine.

All photos are courtesy of Scott Smith.