NOV. 14TH FRI. ★★★ BIRTHPLACE of CHRISTIANITY in FL & more – ST. AUGUSTINE

NOV. 14TH FRI. ★★★ BIRTHPLACE of CHRISTIANITY in FL & more – ST. AUGUSTINE

See St. Augustine like never before on this fun tour and learn where Christianity began in Florida. Our first stop, a guided tour of the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios. In August 1565, a Spanish fleet landed in St. Augustine and Father Lopez celebrated the first Catholic Mass in what is now the United States, planting the roots of faith in the New World. From the beginning, Spanish settlers carried a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 1620 they built a small chapel at the mission and dedicated it to her, which spoke of her love as both mother and protector. From there we will go to Historic St. George Street, where you can visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. Just steps from St. Augustine’s historic city gates, also on St. George Street, the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine. This institution of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, is dedicated to the first colony of Greek people who came to America in 1768. The Shrine consists of exhibits depicting the life of early Greeks in America and the development of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, and the beautiful St. Photios Chapel. You will have free time for lunch on your own, and shopping or take the Old Town Trolley Tour for a fee.