The Diocese of St. Augustine will celebrate the Jubilee of Lay Apostolates and Ecclesial Movements on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios, 101 San Marco Blvd. in St. Augustine.
This diocesan event, part of the worldwide Jubilee Year of Hope 2025, recognizes the many ways lay people share the Gospel through apostolic work, community life and spiritual renewal movements. While the Vatican observed separate jubilees for lay apostolates and ecclesial movements, the Diocese of St. Augustine will unite both in one celebration to emphasize the shared mission of all the faithful to build up the Body of Christ.
“That is the reason why God raises up charisms: to awaken in hearts a desire to encounter Christ and a thirst for the divine life that He offers us,” said Pope Leo XIV in his address to the moderators of lay associations and movements during the Jubilee celebration in Rome.
Locally, the celebration will begin with a procession from the statue of Father López to the Shrine Church, where participants are encouraged to carry banners representing their ministries, associations or movements. Bishop Erik Pohlmeier will celebrate a bilingual Mass with intercessions offered in several languages, including English and Spanish, to reflect the cultural diversity of the diocese. During the liturgy, representatives of lay apostolates and movements will be recognized and receive a special blessing.
Following Mass, the Blessed Sacrament will be transferred to the Historic Chapel for two hours of Eucharistic Adoration, hosted by the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. During this time, Bishop Pohlmeier will offer a series of talks in the Pilgrim Center. Participants may also visit ministry displays in the Shrine Church narthex (church entrance). The celebration will conclude with Benediction at the outdoor Rustic Altar on the mission grounds, closing in thanksgiving and unity.
“Our lay faithful are living witnesses of Christ in the world,” said Bishop Pohlmeier. “Through their apostolic work and participation in ecclesial movements they bring the Gospel into families, workplaces and communities, showing that the Church’s mission belongs to all of us.”
Lay apostolates and ecclesial movements are expressions of the Holy Spirit at work among the faithful, drawing people together in faith, service and community. The diocesan celebration invites all who are part of these movements, and those seeking renewal in faith, to join in this Jubilee of gratitude and hope.
For details and registration, visit https://form.jotform.com/252716047954160.
