Lady of La Leche delegation has clear mission

Raphael Cosme reported to Historic City News that a priceless painting of Our Lady of La Leche, that is of great historic and religious significance, was rediscovered by him and his wife, Perla, on December 6, 2014, at the Chapel of Jesus Nazareno in Campeche, Mexico.

In exchange for releasing Cuba back to Spain, the British took control over colonial Florida. In 1763, the painting of Our Lady of La Leche disappeared from St. Augustine; and for over 250 years, its location has been a mystery.

“The new delegation is a small group with a lot of enthusiasm whose goal is to bring the historical painting of Our Lady of La Leche back to St Augustine,” Cosme, founder of the delegation, told local reporters.

The charter group includes Mark Bailey, John Fraser, Elaine Fraser, Chad Light, Samantha Cosme, Kate Poage, Ulysses Mora, and was blessed by Fr. Gilbert Medina. The delegation met for the first time at the Heritage Park Club. They heard the inside story of the painting and established their first mission to travel to the City of Campeche to meet the “Lady” at the museum.

Cosme sent a letter to the Campeche Bishop, Jose Gonzalez, who currently has custody of the painting of Our Lady of La Leche, requesting a dialog and negotiation with the delegation this year, but has not yet has received a response.

“We will travel to Campeche to see the painting of the Lady at the Jesus Nazareno museum, and pray for the painting’s return to its home in St. Augustine,” said Cosme.

The delegation faces several questions, including whether or not Mexico will be able to return the priceless heritage work of art to St. Augustine and how far they would have to go to bring the Lady back to St Augustine.

Some options the delegation sees for consideration include the release of the Lady to the United States, with an exchange of recognitions for keeping the Lady safe for centuries; or, borrow the painting for five years to be displayed in a special shrine for the public; or, raise funds to purchase the painting.