Mission San Xavier del Bac
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click photo to enlarge |
Mission San Xavier del Bac is a National Historic Landmark, founded as a
Catholic mission by Father Eusebio Kino in 1692. Construction of the current
church began in 1783 and was completed in 1797. We have been here three times
but this was the first time we could actually go in. It was under restoration
for quite some time. |
click photo to enlarge |
There were periods in time where the mission fell into quite a state of
disrepair. The inside walls became black from people burning fires for
warmth. They have done a fabulous job restoring all the original artwork and
the mission is very colorful inside now. |
click photo to enlarge |
The mission is about 9 miles south of Tucson. There is no admission charge
and free tours are available. Following Mexican independence in 1821, San
Xavier became part of Mexico. The last resident Franciscan of the 19th
Century departed in 1837. With the Gadsden Purchase of 1854, the Mission
joined the United States. In 1859 San Xavier became part of the Diocese of
Santa Fe. In 1866 Tucson became an incipient diocese and regular services
were held at the Mission once again. Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
opened a school at the Mission in 1872. Franciscan Sisters of Christian
Charity now teach at the school and reside in the convent. |
click photo to enlarge |
click photo to enlarge |
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