Live-Streamed Only
In the early 1600s, Spanish settlers brought with them to the New World a special devotion to Our Lady of La Leche y Buen Parto. Four hundred years later, the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche has kept this devotion alive through countless people of faith. And the Holy Father himself has recognized the importance and sanctity of this devotion by granting a Canonical Coronation for Our Lady of La Leche on Sunday, Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. This once-in-a-lifetime and completely unique event is an incredible blessing for the Diocese of St. Augustine and the oldest Marian shrine in the United States!
A canonical coronation is a formal act of the pope to crown an image of Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or St. Joseph in the name of the Holy Father. The crowning acknowledges that the specific image, while having local significance, also has universal importance for the Catholic Church as it pertains to the Salvation Christ won for us by the Paschal Mystery of his death and resurrection. The practice began in the 17th century but became increasingly popular in the late 1800s. Many people are familiar with a May crowning as many parishes and schools annually have one as a sign of their devotion to Mary. A canonical coronation is different in that this will only happen once to this specific image of Our Lady of La Leche.
While the Mass for the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of La Leche, on Sunday, October 10, is by invitation, the once-in-a-lifetime event will be live-streamed from the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. That means Catholics will be able to view the Mass and the crowning at home, on their smartphone and at church with fellow parishioners.
Another way to participate on October 10 is to travel to the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine. At 1:30 that afternoon, pilgrims will begin gathering to watch the ceremony on a Jumbotron screen outdoors. The Santa Fe Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche in High Springs will also have the live stream available for the momentous occasion.
But, the most important aspect of this gift from the Holy Father is preparing our hearts to be worthy of receiving Our Lady as our Queen. This can easily be done through prayer, through the Eucharist, going to confession, or by performing works of mercy.