Cathedral Basilica of Saint Augustine: home of the first American Catholic Parish
Whether you are Catholic or not, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Augustine’s history and beauty will probably inspire reverence and awe.
While the Basilica doesn’t seem like a typical tourist hotspot, because of its historical importance, it is definitely worth the visit no matter what your religious persuasion or belief.
Its narrative goes back to a time before the pilgrims, a time when the U.S. was still a vastly undiscovered land. It goes back to a time before any physical cathedral had been built to a small parish standing on the shoreline, looking for adventure.
When Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés first came ashore in what is now known as St. Augustine on September 8, 1565 he and the rest of his expedition celebrated Mass. It was the start of both the first permanently settled U.S. city and its first Catholic parish.
Throughout the years of political turnover, the parish church was burned to the ground several times. But in 1797, a new parish church was constructed on the corner of St. George and Treasury streets facing the plaza – where it stands today.
After a fire spread from the St. Augustine hotel in 1887 to the church, it was restored and enlarged. The beautiful bell tower that has become an integral part of the historic St. Augustine skyline was installed at that time.
Visitors come from all over the U.S. and the world to see the home of “America’s First Parish” for its spiritual significance and beauty.
The light colored building with the red Spanish tile roof stands is hard to miss and unmistakable in its use. Visitors are permitted to quietly enter the cathedral to admire, pray and light candles. An ornate sanctuary is only more beautiful through the filtered light of stained glass windows. The windows – which tell the story of St. Augustine’s life and ministry – were created by the Mayer Brother’s Studios in Munich, Germany and installed in 1909 (pick up the “Light and Love” booklet in the church entrance to follow along).
- by Christine Foster, Jacksonville Reporter for HelloMetro
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Christine FosterChristine is a freelance writer currently living in North Atlanta. She has worked as a reporter for numerous newspaper, magazine and online media companies, including the Florida Keys Keynoter and The Sunday Paper in Atlanta. When she's not working Christine enjoys baking and antiquing.
