On Friday, July 25, the Diocese of St. Augustine invites the community to honor the Feast of St. James with a day of prayer, pilgrimage and community in the heart of the nation’s oldest city.
The celebration begins at 12:00 p.m. at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios, where a statue of St. James—housing relics from Spain—will be available for veneration in the Shrine Church. At 5:00 p.m., the statue will be processed from the Shrine along Water Street to the Castillo de San Marcos, where participants will join a walking pilgrimage to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine.
This annual event mirrors the spirit of the Camino de Santiago, the famous pilgrimage across northern Spain that ends at the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela. In that same spirit, a mini-Camino experience will be offered at the National Shrine from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Mission Nombre Dios grounds. Pilgrims are invited to walk to four interactive stations, each featuring a reflection on St. James and the Camino, with insights provided by Deacon Mike Elison.
A special pilgrim booklet will be available for participants to collect stamps at each station. Those who complete the mini-pilgrimage will receive a St. James medal, a wristband and other giveaways while supplies last. The experience is suitable for all ages and is designed to offer both spiritual enrichment and a deeper understanding of St. James’ legacy as the first apostle to be martyred for the faith.
The day concludes with a Feast Day Mass at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica, 38 Cathedral Place in St. Augustine, where all pilgrims and families are encouraged to attend the Mass and celebration.
This celebration of St. James is part of the diocese’s ongoing observance of the Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope, called by Pope Francis as a time for spiritual renewal, mercy and witness throughout the Church.
For more information about the Feast of St. James email Katy Lockard, director of Archives & Records Management for the diocese at klockard@dosafl.com or call (904) 562-6903.
Click here to download a flyer with details of the schedule.
