By Karen Barry Schwarz, Special to the Florida Catholic
In response to a gracious invitation from the Most Rev. Erik Thomas Pohlmeier, Bishop of St. Augustine, and the Most Rev. Felipe de Jesús Estévez, Bishop Emeritus of St. Augustine, the Diocese’s new shepherd Bishop Emilio Biosca Agüero, O.F.M. Cap., will lead his first pilgrimage for the Diocese of Venice in October.
Bishop Emilio invites the young adults of the Diocese of Venice to join him on a special two-day, weekend pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine on Oct. 10–11, 2026.
It was at the National Shrine that the first Catholic Mass in the United States was celebrated, and the nation’s first Catholic parish community established.
“Surrounded by the very ground where the Catholic story of our nation first began, we will join generations of pilgrims in giving thanks to God and entrusting ourselves to the Blessed Virgin Mary,” said Bishop Emilio in an invitation to young adults of the Diocese.
The History
The history of Mission Nombre de Dios began on September 8, 1565, when Spanish Admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés arrived on the shores of present-day St. Augustine. Shortly after landing, Father Francisco López de Mendoza Grajales celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving near this site. Spanish settlers brought with them a profound devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Shrine is now recognized as the oldest Marian shrine in the United States, making it one of the most significant places in both American and Catholic history.
During the 17th century, a chapel was established at Mission Nombre de Dios and dedicated to Nuestra Señora de la Leche y Buen Parto, Our Lady of the Milk and Happy Delivery. Its image of Mary tenderly nursing the infant Jesus became a source of hope and consolation, especially for couples seeking to conceive, expectant mothers, families, and all those entrusting their needs to Mary’s maternal intercession. Over the centuries, the chapel was damaged and rebuilt, but the devotion continued to flourish. More than a historic landmark, the Shrine remains a living place of encounter with Christ and a powerful witness to the Catholic faith that took root there more than 460 years ago.
The Pilgrimage
After an afternoon and evening of prayer and fellowship on Saturday, the pilgrims will begin a three-mile walk to the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche on Sunday morning, the Shrine’s annual feast day. The group plans to arrive in time for Mass at 11 a.m., to be celebrated by the bishop at the Shrine’s outdoor Rustic Altar, followed by a closing lunch at 12:15 p.m.
“This is an opportunity to journey together in faith, deepen our friendship with Christ and one another, and entrust the young people and the entire Diocese of Venice to the maternal care of the Blessed Mother,” Bishop Emilio said.
Young adults, ages 18-35, are invited to participate for the entire weekend pilgrimage. Families, parish groups, and the entire Diocese of Venice community are invited to join the pilgrims on Sunday for Mass and lunch.
“This pilgrimage invites the young adults of the Diocese of Venice to step away from the distractions of daily life and journey together in faith,” said Andres Prias, Youth and Young Adult Outreach Director for the Diocese of Venice. “May this pilgrimage help us encounter Christ more deeply, discern His call in our lives, and return to the Diocese of Venice strengthened in faith and in our bonds with each other, ready to serve.”
Registration is required for everyone attending the pilgrimage, Mass, and lunch. Individual and group registration options are available. To register, visit dioceseofvenice.regfox.
For additional information please contact Andres Prias via email, prias@dioceseofvenice.org, or phone, 941-441-1122.
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Optional BOX Pilgrimage Weekend Itinerary
Saturday, October 10, 2026
2:00 PM Arrival at KOA Holiday Campground, St. Augustine. Tent setup. 3:30 PM Welcome and Opening Prayer at the Pavilion 4:00 PM Group Fellowship and Community-Building Activities 5:00 PM Dinner 6:00 PM Walk to the Beach 6:30 PM Rosary on the Beach 7:00 PM Evening Prayer 7:30 PM Free Time at the Beach 8:30 PM Return to the Campground 9:00 PM Campfire, Marshmallows, and Fellowship 10:00 PM Night Blessing and Conclusion of the Day
Sunday, October 11, 2026
6:00 AM Wake-Up, Tent Breakdown, and Packing Vehicles 7:00 AM Breakfast 7:30 AM Instructions for the Pilgrimage Walk to the Shrine 8:00 AM Departure for the Shrine 10:00 AM Arrival at the Shrine; Preparation for Mass 11:00 AM Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Emilio 12:15 PM Lunch 1:15 PM Conclusion of the Pilgrimage. Campers will be transported back to the KOA Holiday campground by shuttle bus following lunch. |
