A LE T T E R TO T H E CO MMU NI T Y O F

My dear neighbors,
SA T UGUSTINE
Today we mark the beginning of Holy Week when Christians celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
It is a traditional time of prayer and unity for all Christians.

I want to take this opportunity to clarify our intentions and plans regarding initiatives at Mission Nombre de Dios
and correct the inaccurate information that has spread throughout our community.

Mission Nombre de Dios lives up to the name attached to it decades ago, “God’s Sacred Acre” because for more
than 450 years it has been one of the most faith-based historical sites in the country. Pilgrims and tourists from all
over the world come to visit the country’s first Marian shrine named as “Our Lady of La Leche and Good
Delivery.” And we know, it is a beloved site to many St. Augustine residents.

The property was severely damaged by Hurricanes Matthew and Irma. Repairs required a significant investment,
and so, we took this opportunity to beautify the property to enhance the religious experience of our visitors. And
this beautification project would not be possible without the strong support of our generous donors – many of
whom call St. Augustine home.

Some of the improvements include a master landscape plan with new walkways, signage, 240 trees, a walking
rosary garden, and an outdoor worship area behind the shrine church that can seat 800 people for the use of the
current six events that happen each year. People think busloads of people will be coming to the shrine on a regular
basis. That will only happen a limited number of times.

The diocese is happy to coordinate large events with the city to manage traffic. We have never entertained the
thought of renting the shrine and mission to outside groups for commercial purposes or booking rock concerts in
our outdoor worship area.

Residents have raised legitimate questions about increased traffic and parking issues. The city faces a challenging
problem, and it is not our intention to make it worse! On the contrary, we were hoping to provide some relief with
a parking garage.

Currently, the shrine has 120 parking spaces, which can accommodate most of our visitors most of the time. But
we are sensitive to residents who are aggravated by shrine visitors parking along residential streets. We have
explored the idea of building a garage to confine parking for visitors to the shrine. However, in dialogue with City
officials and in listening to the community, for the foreseeable future, we intend to use our green space for those
few occasions each year when larger numbers of pilgrims visit the shrine.

A fence was installed on the 26-acre perimeter of the property for added security and reverence. We feel it is
important that we protect this historical and national treasure. We have two outdoor altars, and the shrine’s sacred
acre is holy ground that should be respected by all, at all times. The gates are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and
there is no charge for anyone who wants to visit this beautiful shrine.

We are committed to being good citizens and good stewards of this historic property. We join our neighbors and
other members of the community to work together to find constructive solutions for the challenges and to
celebrate the beauty and history of our very special city.

I invite you to join me for the celebration of the Easter Mass (April 21) at the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at
Mission Nombre de Dios, 27 Ocean Avenue, St. Augustine. The Mass begins at 10 a.m., and all are welcome.

On behalf of my brother priests, I wish for each of you to discover the depth of God’s love in the mystery of the
Cross which is lifted high at the Mission Nombre de Dios as a sign of the Lord’s love for the salvation of all.
Blessed Easter to all.

Most Rev. Felipe J. Estévez

Bishop of St. Augustine

Rev. Timothy Rev. Thomas Willis Rev. John D. Gillespie Rev. Guy Noonan, S.T.D.
Lindenfelser, J.C.L., V.F Pastor, Cathedral Pastor, San Sebastian Parish Pastor, Our Lady of
Pastor, St. Anastasia Basilica of St. Augustine Good Counsel Parish

Rev. Edward Murphy Rev. Steven Zehler Rev. Erlin Yoan Garcia, ICC
Pastor, Corpus Christi Parish Pastor, St. Ambrose Parish Rector, Shrine of
Our Lady of La Leche