Show st augustine t fla celebrates Foun founding fountino dino t ST AUGUSTINE FLA the oldest city in the united states will have its second childhood when it celebrates its birthday on september 7 8 and 9 catholic clergymen from throughout the country will gather to commemorate this cites founding and the birth of catholicism cism in america it was here that the first mass in the U S was sung st augustine was founded by on september 8 1685 the first mass to be said on american soil was then given by father fra jales jalcs who had accompanied from spain although several other cities claim to be the oldest st augustine was the only one to be continuous several others died only to be resettled in later years three hundred players will take part in the fiestas and pageants spanish senoritas seno ritas caballeros british french and spanish soldiers will be arrayed in period costumes more than 30 archbishops arch bishops and bishops representing dioceses from maine to california and cuba have accepted invitations to attend the festival at least catholic prelates pr elates and nuns of various orders will make excursions to the oldest city highlight 0 of the religious services will be the spectacular field mass conducted on sunday morning it will be said by pope pius delegate to the united states the most rev amleto giovanni Giov annl Cico ganni in front of fort marionel Mar ional national monument |