St. Augustine, Fla. – Bishop Felipe J. Estévez of the Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine has appointed Joanna Stark, director of Mission Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine. She replaces Eric Johnson who will retire October 1.

“While Mission Nombre de Dios is centuries old – the new Shrine, Museum and historic chapel on the campus provide stories waiting to be told,” said Bishop Estévez. “Under Joanna Stark’s leadership and that of Father Ivan Carrillo-Paris, I fully expect to see a celebration of the sacraments leading to an increase in pilgrimages and evangelization experiences,” he added.

Stark previously served for four years as the development associate for the Office of Development and Stewardship for the diocese where she oversaw the coordination of the Bishop’s Annual Stewardship Appeal.

A 1985 graduate of Florida State University in public relations, Stark will implement a new initiative to promote the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios as a first-class destination for pilgrimages and evangelization while also continuing to educate visitors of the historical and spiritual significance of the “sacred acre.”

Mission Nombre de Dios (Name of God) is the site where St. Augustine’s founder, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés of Spain landed on Sept. 8, 1565.  It is the site of the first Mass of thanksgiving celebrated the same day by Father Francisco López de Mendoza Grajales, the first pastor of our country’s pioneer city.

The devotion to Our Lady of La Leche also dates back to 1565. It is the oldest devotion to Mary as the “Nursing Mother” in the United States. Franciscan missions throughout Europe in the 1600’s were built on a foundation of devotion to Our Lady – Nombre de Dios was no exception. For more than 400 years, Our Lady of La Leche has drawn pilgrims and visitors to this beautiful Shrine where they have sought her intercession for a safe pregnancy and delivery, for the gift of fertility, for healing, for families as well as in thanksgiving for prayers answered.

In 2012, the Vatican approved October 11 as an annual feast day for Our Lady of La Leche, further elevating the Shrine’s status.