One of the world’s oldest pilgrimage traditions will come alive in the streets of America’s oldest city as the Diocese of St. Augustine celebrates the Feast of St. James the Apostle and the Camino de las Américas on Friday, July 24.
The evening celebration invites people of all faiths to experience a tradition rooted in more than 1,000 years of Christian pilgrimage. Pilgrims will walk through the historic streets of St. Augustine carrying a statue of St. James the Apostle, patron saint of pilgrims, linking the city’s Catholic heritage with the famed Camino de Santiago in Spain and the Camino de las Américas pilgrimage route in North America.
The celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. with prayer at the outdoor altar behind the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, 101 San Marco Ave. At 5:45 p.m., pilgrims will process through historic downtown to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine.
A pilgrim program begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by Mass at 7 p.m. and a festive reception at about 8 p.m. in the cathedral courtyard.
For centuries, pilgrims have walked the Camino de Santiago to the tomb of St. James in Spain. Today, the Camino de las Américas extends that spirit of pilgrimage to North America, with St. Augustine serving as an important stop because of its rich Catholic history dating to 1565.
Whether walking the entire procession or simply attending the evening Mass and reception, participants are invited to reflect on the spiritual journey of faith while experiencing one of St. Augustine's enduring traditions.
The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Katy Lockard, event coordinator and archivist of the Diocese of St. Augustine at 904-562-6903 or email klockard@dosafl.com.
