San Xavier del Bac Mission
Wednesday, 26 October 2011 20:06
A National Historic Landmark lies in the backyard of Tucson, Ariz. This historical landmark is the San Xavier del Bac Mission, which brings locals and tourists from all over to see the historical mission church, museum and school.
The San Xavier Mission was originally founded by Father Eusebio Kino in 1692, as a Catholic Mission. However, construction of the current church began in 1783 and was finished in 1797. The mission is the oldest intact European structure in Arizona, according to the San Xavier Mission's website.
Even with a constant influx of tourists, the church still ministers to the relgious needs of its parishoners. Inside the San Xavier Mission is the church itself, along with a museum, gift shop and a school.
The museum provides tourists with a solid background of the history of the mission. In addition, the museum shows many artifacts and historical pieces open to the public with no fee. The museum hours are: 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. daily.
The San Xavier Mission School serves the grades from kindergarten through 8th grade. The school has provided Catholic education to children since 1864. The mission statement from the San Xavier Mission School's website is, "San Xavier Mission school is committed to educate, nurture, and empower Tohono O’odham students, other Native American students, and students of all cultures, to strengthen their living expression of the Catholic faith. Our diverse academic program develops a student’s respect for tradition and culture as well as provides the necessary skills to succeed in an ever changing world."
Major changes occured at San Xavier in 1906 when Bishop Henry Granjon accepted the job of restoring the Mission. By 1907, new buildings were erected at the rear of the church, as well as an archway, known as the Granjon Gate. In addition, the church exterior was replastered and painted, and still today retains the same look insitututed by Bishop Granjon. The San Xavier Mission is constructed of low-fire clay brick, however, little is known about the people who decorated the artwork inside, according to the San Xavier Mission's Museum.
The San Xavier Mission is located on the the Tohono O'odham reservation. The Tohono O'odham are a group of Native American people who reside mostly in the Sonoran desert areas. Wondering what the "del Bac" part of the San Xavier del Bac Mission means? Well, Bac translates to "where the water emerges" in the Pimian language, according to the San Xavier Mission Museum.
The San Xavier Mission is located at 1950 W. San Xavier Road. The church is open to the public daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Reconciliations or confessions are held on Saturdays, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. or upon request.
Written by Kevin Prosise You are reading San Xavier del Bac Mission articles
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