Father Lopez, founding pastor of the the parish of St. Augustine, wrote in his diary, "On Saturday the 8th the General landed with many banners spread, to the sounds of trumpets and salutes of artillery. As I had gone ashore the evening before, I took a Cross and went to meet him singing Te Deum Laudamus. The General followed by all who accompanied him, marched up to the Cross, knelt and kissed it. A large number of Indians watched and imitated all they saw done." This sets the tone perfectly for Mission Nombre de Dios. Tucked amongst the beautiful salt marshes of St. Augustine, Florida, this Mission is both a place of peace and tranquility.
When you first look upon "The Great Cross" it is easy to see why Father Lopez documented that moment in time and how it is so clearly edified in a cross that can be seen by Google Earth's satellites. It is made of stainless steel and ascends 280 feet above the beautiful marshes that surround it. It is truly a breathtaking sight.
As you stroll towards the Chapel of Our Lady of La Leche you will follow a path along "The Seven Sorrows of Mary." These are tabby monuments with carvings placed almost as if they are headstones upon the tabby, save for the first which is an actual statue of Mary holding Jesus, the cut from which poured water boldly displayed on His side. They are referred to as "meditations" for they afford us "an opportunity to meditate on some of the major events in the life of Jesus."
All paths lead to the chapel. The present-day chapel is actually the fourth in its place. Originally erected in 1615, the previous chapels were victims of war, storms and even pirates! The latest version of the chapel was erected in 1918 and definitley still has that old world charm. It is small and quaint but feels no less spiritual in size.
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