Prayers for Motherhood & Fertility
“Nuestra Señora de La Leche y Buen Parto”
Our Lady of the Milk and Happy Delivery
For centuries, mothers and families have sought the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for fertility, safe pregnancy, the protection of unborn children, and the blessing of new life.
History & Origins
The ivy-covered Chapel of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios, St. Augustine — the oldest Marian shrine in the United States (built 1914)
The devotion to Our Lady of La Leche — depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary nursing the infant Jesus — is one of the most ancient Marian devotions in Christianity. Known in Latin as Maria Lactans, images of Mary breastfeeding the Christ Child appear as far back as the 2nd century in the Roman Catacomb of Priscilla.
The Milk Grotto of Bethlehem
According to ancient tradition dating to the 4th century, the Holy Family took refuge in a cave in Bethlehem during Herod's Massacre of the Innocents. As Mary nursed the infant Jesus in haste, drops of her milk fell upon the dark stone floor and turned it white. The site — known today as the Milk Grotto — has been a center of Christian pilgrimage since Byzantine times. To this day, women of all faiths visit to pray for the gift of children. Over 6,000 written testimonies of answered prayers have been received by the Franciscan friars who maintain the shrine.
The devotion flourished in Spain during the 16th century, where King Philip II commissioned a statue for a chapel in Madrid. Spanish settlers carried this devotion across the Atlantic, and in the early 1600s established the first Marian shrine in what is now the United States at Mission Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine, Florida — on the very ground where Father Francisco López celebrated the first parish Mass on September 8, 1565.
During the Spanish Civil War in 1937, communist forces destroyed the original chapel in Madrid, making the St. Augustine shrine even more historically significant as the devotion's primary home.
Timeline
The Milk Grotto
Christians begin venerating a cave in Bethlehem where tradition holds the Holy Family took refuge. Legend says drops of Mary's milk turned the dark stones white.
Maria Lactans in the Catacombs
Among the earliest depictions of Mary are images in the Roman catacombs showing her nursing the infant Jesus (Maria Lactans).
Founding of St. Augustine
Pedro Menéndez de Avilés comes ashore on September 8 — the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father López celebrates the first parish Mass in what is now the United States.
First Marian Shrine in America
Spanish settlers and newly-converted Native Americans build the first chapel dedicated to Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios.
Destruction by British Forces
The original chapel is destroyed during British invasions from Charleston.
Current Chapel Constructed
The ivy-covered coquina stone chapel still standing today is built, seating about 30 pilgrims.
Original Spanish Shrine Destroyed
During the Spanish Civil War, communist forces destroy the original chapel in Madrid.
The Great Cross Erected
A towering 208-foot stainless steel cross is erected for the 400th anniversary of St. Augustine.
Vatican Approves Feast Day
The Holy See approves October 11 as the feast day of Our Lady of La Leche for the Diocese of St. Augustine.
Elevated to National Shrine
The USCCB designates the site a National Shrine.
Canonical Coronation
Pope Francis grants a canonical coronation. Gold crowns are placed on Our Lady and the infant Jesus.
The National Shrine
Mission Nombre de Dios — “America's Most Sacred Acre”
The 208-foot Great Cross rising over the Matanzas River — erected in 1965 for the 400th anniversary of St. Augustine's founding
The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche sits at Mission Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine, Florida — a stretch of land along the Matanzas River lovingly called “America's Most Sacred Acre.”
The historic chapel, built of native coquina stone in 1914, is a small and intimate space seating about 30 pilgrims. Behind the altar, a halo of light encircles a hand-carved wooden statue of Our Lady nursing the infant Jesus. The statue's cream-colored blanket represents Jesus as the Lamb of God, Mary's red dress signifies the sacrifice of her Son, and her blue mantle represents her humanity.
The bronze statue of Father Francisco López de Mendoza Grajales — chaplain of the 1565 expedition — with the Great Cross behind him
The crowned statue of Our Lady of La Leche in the coquina grotto of the Rosary Garden — the gold crown was placed during the 2021 canonical coronation granted by Pope Francis
The Rosary Garden, opened in 2021, features oversized blue calcite beads from Madagascar — each 16 times larger than a typical rosary bead — linked with stainless steel chain. A seven-foot crucifix carved from red cedar trees destroyed in recent hurricanes serves as the centerpiece.
Fertility & Answered Prayers
“My mother wanted a baby but couldn't have one, so she came here to the chapel to pray, and here I am!”
— A common refrain heard from visitors to the shrine
For over four centuries, countless couples struggling with infertility have made pilgrimages to the National Shrine. Many return in thanksgiving — stories of couples told by doctors that conceiving was impossible, only to welcome children after praying at the shrine or through the novena.
The Guild of Our Lady of La Leche
Those who cannot travel to St. Augustine can join the Guild of Our Lady of La Leche. Enrolled members receive a medal, a novena card, and a book of prayers for mothers. Their intentions are lifted up in prayer at the shrine once a month for a full year.
Learn more about the Guild →Prayers
11 prayers for every stage of the journey to motherhood. Tap any prayer to expand.
Lovely Lady of La Leche, most loving Mother of the Child Jesus, and my Mother, listen to my humble prayer. Your motherly heart knows my every wish, my every need. To you only, His spotless Virgin Mother, has your Divine Son given to understand the sentiments which fill my soul. Yours was the sacred privilege of being the Mother of the Savior. Intercede with Him now, my loving Mother, that, in accordance with His will, I may become the mother of other children of our heavenly Father. This I ask, O Lady of La Leche, in the Name of your Divine Son, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen.
— National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche
Patron Saints of Motherhood
Holy men and women who intercede for mothers, fathers, and children.
St. Gerard Majella
Patron of Expectant Mothers · Feast: October 16
A Redemptorist lay brother who died at age 29 in 1755. Before his death, he dropped his handkerchief and told a young girl to keep it, saying she "may need it someday." Years later, when that girl — now married — was about to lose her baby in a difficult pregnancy, she asked for the handkerchief to be brought to her. The pain subsided and she delivered a healthy child.
St. Anne
Patron of Mothers & Grandmothers · Feast: July 26
The mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to tradition, Anne and her husband Joachim were childless for many years. They prayed faithfully, and God blessed them with Mary — the most blessed among all women. St. Anne is a powerful intercessor for couples struggling with infertility.
St. Elizabeth
Patroness of Pregnant Mothers · Feast: November 5
Mary's cousin and the mother of John the Baptist. Elizabeth and Zechariah had been unable to conceive and were advanced in years when the angel Gabriel announced she would bear a son. When Mary visited, Elizabeth's baby "leapt in her womb for joy" — the first recognition of Christ's presence.
St. Gianna Beretta Molla
Patron of Mothers & Unborn Children · Feast: April 28
A 20th-century Italian pediatrician and mother of four. During her fourth pregnancy, she was diagnosed with a uterine tumor. She chose to preserve the pregnancy, telling her family, "If you must decide between me and the child, do not hesitate: choose the child." Her daughter was born healthy, but Gianna died one week later. Canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2004.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Patron of the Unborn · Feast: December 12
In 1531, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego in Mexico City. The miraculous image on his tilma depicts Mary as visibly pregnant — with a dark sash in the Aztec style indicating pregnancy. The four-petaled flower over her womb (the Nahui Ollin) was the Aztec symbol for the center of the universe, signifying the child she carries is God.
St. Colette of Corbie
Patron of Women Seeking to Conceive · Feast: March 6
A French Franciscan nun born in 1381. Stories tell of her praying for a mother experiencing difficult labor, resulting in a healthy delivery. On another occasion, St. Colette prayed over a stillborn baby boy, who miraculously began breathing.
St. Raymond Nonnatus
Patron of Childbirth & Midwives · Feast: August 31
Born in 1204 in Catalonia, his surname "Nonnatus" means "not born" — because his mother died during labor and he was delivered by Caesarean section. He survived against all odds and became a Mercedarian friar. He is invoked as patron of childbirth, expectant mothers, and midwives.
Scripture for Motherhood
Verses of comfort, promise, and hope from the Word of God.
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart."
Jeremiah 1:5
"Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him."
Psalm 127:3
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
Psalm 139:13-14
"God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth.'"
Genesis 1:28
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you."
Isaiah 41:10
"He gives the childless woman a family, making her a happy mother."
Psalm 113:9
"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him."
1 Samuel 1:27
"There will be no miscarriages or infertility in your land, and I will give you long, full lives."
Exodus 23:26
"I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime."
Isaiah 46:3-4
"Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!"
Luke 1:45
"Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said... Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised."
Genesis 21:1-2
"You will be blessed beyond all peoples; there will be no barrenness among you."
Deuteronomy 7:14
"Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table."
Psalm 128:3
"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!"
Isaiah 49:15
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds."
Philippians 4:6-7
Novena to Our Lady of La Leche
Traditionally prayed for nine consecutive days, or on Saturdays for nine consecutive weeks.
In the Diocese of St. Augustine, this novena is traditionally prayed from October 3–11 in preparation for the Feast of Our Lady of La Leche. It may be prayed at any time of year.
Trust in God's Plan
Pray for all couples longing for the gift of a child. Ask Our Lady to intercede for those struggling with infertility.
The Gift of New Life
Pray for expectant mothers and the health of their unborn children.
Comfort in Sorrow
Pray for those who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss.
Courage in Difficulty
Pray for mothers experiencing difficult or high-risk pregnancies.
Joy in New Motherhood
Pray for new mothers adjusting to the joys and challenges of parenthood.
Strength of Fathers
Pray for fathers, that they may be strong and faithful protectors, after the example of Saint Joseph.
Providence for Families
Pray for families facing financial hardship or uncertainty.
Protection of the Innocent
Pray for all children, born and unborn, that they may be safe and loved.
Thanksgiving
Pray in thanksgiving for the gift of motherhood and family life.
Daily Novena Prayer
Lovely Lady of La Leche, most loving Mother of Jesus, and my mother, listen to my humble prayer. Your motherly heart knows my every wish, my every need. Intercede before Him now, my loving mother, that in accordance with His will (mention your request here). This I ask, O Lady of La Leche, in the name of your Divine Son, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
℣. O Mary, conceived without sin.
℟. Pray for us who have recourse to you.
Our Lady of La Leche, pray for us.
Conclude with: Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
Visit the National Shrine
- Address:
- Mission Nombre de Dios, 101 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Phone:
- (904) 824-2809
- Hours:
- Monday–Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM · Sunday 12 PM – 4 PM
- Admission:
- Free (donations welcome)
- Feast Day:
- October 11
From the Florida Panhandle: St. Augustine is approximately a 5-hour drive — a wonderful weekend pilgrimage for families.
This page is offered as a spiritual resource for the faithful. All prayers are drawn from Catholic tradition.
For more information, visit the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche.