Since being approved by the Vatican in 2012, the Diocese of St. Augustine has joyfully celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of La Leche on Oct. 11. The devotion to “The Nursing Mother” dates back to 1577 and is the oldest Marian Shrine in the United States. Those that seek her intercession often pray for the gift of fertility or healing, a safe pregnancy and delivery, and families, as well as thanksgiving for answered prayers.

There are two major celebrations for this diocesan feast day at both the the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios and the Santa Fe Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche. The feast day will also be celebrated in all parishes throughout the diocese.

At the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios, 101 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine, the schedule of events is as follows:

10:30 a.m. Rosary in the Historic Chapel
11:30 a.m. Novena in the New Shrine
12 p.m. Holy Mass concelebrated by Bishop Felipe Estévez and Father Erlin Garcia with a Special Announcement
2 to 5 p.m. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
6 p.m. Marian Vespers in the Historic Chapel

A special Novena will begin Oct. 3. For details, call (904) 824-2809.

HELLO

Another celebration at the Santa Fe Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, 17155 NW U.S. Highway 441, High Springs, will take place as follows:

8:30 a.m. Morning Mass
9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
9:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rosaries prayed every hour
12 p.m. Angelus & Litany of Our Lady of La Leche
3 p.m. Divine Mercy Chaplet Chanted
5:30 p.m. Eucharistic Procession from Shrine to Church
6 p.m. Evening Mass celebrated by Father Hugh Gillespie & Consecration to Our Lady of La Leche
7 p.m. Reception in Father Sebastian Hall

A special Novena will begin Oct. 2. Click here for a guide to praying the Novena to Our Lady of La Leche. For details, call (386) 454-2358.

A special Consecration to Our Lady of La Leche will take place among the feast day events, during the 6 p.m. Mass.