Our Lady de la Leche Shrine — Attraction in Saint Augustine

My family and I had a lovely experience walking around the beautiful and peaceful grounds of the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche. The outdoor setting was serene and welcoming — truly a sacred place for reflection and prayer.

However, our positive experience quickly changed once we stepped inside the church. After spending a quiet moment in prayer, we noticed a small table with free, blessed rosaries available for visitors. We were thoughtfully looking through them, trying to choose one that felt meaningful to each of us, when we were abruptly and rudely confronted by an older woman who accused us of trying to take more than one rosary.

We politely tried to explain that we were simply deciding which rosary to take, but she cut us off and continued speaking to us in an extremely condescending and disrespectful tone. When we calmly said we would be leaving because we did not appreciate being spoken to that way, she became even more aggressive — going so far as to accuse us of touching private property.

At that point, we simply shook our heads, told her we would pray for her, and left. It was a disheartening and upsetting encounter, especially in what is supposed to be a sacred, peaceful space of compassion and kindness.

No one should be made to feel shamed or attacked in the house of God — especially for something as simple and well-intentioned as choosing a rosary to take home in faith. The spirit of this shrine deserves to reflect love, humility, and grace — not hostility...

After 5 years of trying to have a baby and 4 miscarriages and Doctors not giving any hope because of my age and basically zero egg count; time was not on my side. I then heard of Our Lady of La Leche and the power of Her intercessions for women/families wanting to conceive and have good deliveries. I started praying the Rosary and asking Our Lady of La Leche for her intercession and when I least expected it, I conceived in late November 2024 and giving birth to a healthy baby boy this August 2025. My Husband and I, are beyond greatful of her intercessions for our family and God making our hearts desire come true. Thanks be to the Lord...

This place used to be a lot more relaxed and inviting. We used to go picnicking under the tall oaks and watch dolphins out by the big cross. But, since they put a tall fence around the whole park after some hurricane damage to a few structures they have become very strict and unfriendly to the public. No dog walking allowed, no picnicking, closes early and is difficult to access the grounds with a tall fence surrounding everything and it always seems to be locked. Employees were rude and condescending when me and a friend were walking around the grounds at 5 pm, apparently no one's allowed inside after 5 or you will be locked...