Brandon and Fr. Blake, both native Floridians, are proud of their home state, especially the sacred ground of St. Augustine. Founded in 1565, it's not only the oldest city in the United States but the site of the country's first recorded Catholic Mass. Even more, the so-called "sacred acre," home to the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, also served as the place of martyrdom for several of the Florida Martyrs, whose cause for canonization has recently begun. Listen as Fr. Blake and Brandon share some of these incredible stories and why this great city of St. Augustine, bathed in Catholic history, is worth a visit.

Books + Resources

• Books
  
  The Cross in the Sand: The Early Catholic Church in Florida, 1513-1870 by Michael Gannon
  
  The Florida Martyrs: Compelled by Compassion by Eric Olson
  
  The Martyrs of La Florida: A Heroic Story of Catholic Faith (graphic novel)
  
  


• Resources
  
  “The Martyrs of Florida” - Fr. Blake Britton (Word on Fire)
  
  “Antonio Cuipa and Companions” - Fr. Blake Britton (Word on Fire)
  
  The Martyrs of La Florida Missions
  
  “They Might Be Saints” (EWTN Documentary)