little piece of history.

Jason and I decided to take a ride to St. Augustine last Saturday, a trip I never tire of. It was a lovely day for a ride and for a visit to this lovely and quaint mission. This little chapel was the first Shrine ever to be dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the United States. The original chapel, built in the earyl 1600's, was ruined in the early 18th century during an attack on St. Augustine. In 1915, the present Chapel was reconstructed and enshrines a replica of the original statute of Nuestra Senora De La Leche y Buen Parto~Our Lady of the Milk and Happy Deliviery. It's a beautiful little shrine, so peaceful and serene. As one walks through the mission's historic grounds, one retraces the steps of America's first founding fathers more than 400 years ago. It was here that Spanish explorers founded our nation's first permanent community and pioneer priests first planted the cross of Christianity. Standing 208-feet high, it is a beautiful and comforting site, the home of Christianity on the shores of America.

A neat little slice of American history on this glorious holiday, Thanksgiving. Have a blessed day with your loved ones...I'll be over for leftovers.

P.S. Head over to my brother's blog, Marching On, for a cheerful description of the birth of our American Thanksgiving tradition. Does that even make sense? I didn't think so...