Mission San Xavier del Bac

I had some time this afternoon so I took a ride to visit the "Dove of the Desert" aka Mission San Xavier del Bac. It's only a 20 minute drive.

Mission San Xavier was founded as a Catholic mission by Father Eusebio Kino in 1692 on what is now part of the San Xavier Reservation of the the Tohono O'odham Nation. It is widely considered to be the finest example of Spanish Colonial architecture in the United States and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark.  Father Kino was among those declared venerable by Pope Francis earlier this year which can lead to Canonization (Sainthood).

The current church dates from the late 1700's, when Southern Arizona was part of New Spain and constructed using money borrowed from a Sonoran (Mexico) rancher. In 1821, San Xavier became part of Mexico. With the Gadsden Purchase of 1854, the Mission joined the United States.

In 2015, the Mission was named to the global World Monuments Fund “Watch” list that includes 50 cultural heritage sites in 36 countries that are at risk from the forces of nature and the impact of social, political and economic change.

The Mission is still active as a Catholic parish, tending to the needs of the O'odham and nearby residents.  The interior is stunning. Once Covid-19 limitations are lifted, I'll be able to spend more than 2 minutes inside for photos. Under normal circumstances, the Mission hosts more than 200,000 visitors per year.