Tag Archives: Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles

There is a sacred current running through the history of St. Augustine that draws thousands each year to the Oldest City. It’s the site of the first Christian settlement and the home of two holy touchstones: the and . When first spotted land on August 28, 1565, he placed a small wooden cross in the soil on what was the feast day of Saint Augustine of Hippo. Among the 800 people carried to the New World from Spain were four diocesan priests who celebrated the first Mass and ministered to the new settlers. He founded the new colony, , at …

By ANNE C. HEYMEN Its party time as St. Augustine prepares to celebrate the 450th anniversary of the city’s founding by . The city’s actual birthday is Sept. 8, but many special events are planned prior to and after that special day. In addition, a number of organizations have completed or are conducting lasting projects to mark this special date in the city’s history. An invitation is extended for a big bash Sept. 5 at the Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Park, where a 450th Landing Day Thanksgiving feast and celebration are planned. On that day, re-enactors, after recreating …