Wow! How had I never heard about this place before? I learned about it on my first trip of this year, when I traveled to Phoenix to work with the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, who run St. Peter Indian Mission Catholic School (Sr. Carls and Sr. Rosalyn). As you might guess, San Xavier del Bac Mission is run by the same sisters with the help of Franciscan Friars.
In this article, I will tell you everything you should know about this unique place, whose history goes all the way back to the 17th century.
Where is the San Xavier del Bac Mission?
It is located in Tucson, only about a 20-minute drive from downtown. You can find it exactly here (click for directions). The mission stands on the land of the San Xavier Indian Reservation and was formed to serve the Tohono O’odham Nation.
In the surrounding area, you’ll find San Xavier Mission School, a large parking lot, and a small plaza featuring interesting artworks made by locals. On the east side, there is a hill topped with a cross and a Lourdes Grotto.
Inside, you can take a self-guided tour of the church, visit the small chapel dedicated to the Holy Mother, and support the mission by purchasing items from the gift shop. But why does this church attract around 200,000 visitors every year?
History of the mission
It goes all the way back to 1681 when Jesuit Father Eusebio Francisco Kino Italian Jesuit Missionary, arrived in Mexico (New Spain) on May 3 after three months of journey to the new land. He was known as a mathematician, geographer, cartographer, explorer, but most importantly, he was a defender of native people and a peacemaker, who helped unite local tribes and brought them closer to Christ.
In 2006 Vatican made him “Servant of God,” and in 2020, Pope Francis recognized his extraordinary life of virtue and moved him to the next level in sainthood, “Venerable”.
San Xavier del Bac Mission was founded by Father Kino in 1692, and the church was built from 1783 to 1797. And to this day, it serves the Tohono O’odham Nation. The church facade is going through a major renovation. It was designateda National Historic Landmark in 1960, and it remains the oldest intact European structure in Arizona and an outstanding example of Spanish Colonial architecture.
When should you visit?
In winter! It gets extremely hot as early as February—that’s what the locals told me. The best months to visit are December and January, and that’s my plan for next year.
Tucson is a great city to stay in. It offers many options, including day trips all the way to Phoenix, hiking in Coronado National Forest, and exploring many other nearby destinations.
If you’re planning a retreat, you can stay at the Redemptorist Renewal Center. They offer accommodations as well as plenty of hiking options right from the property.
Church Hours: 9 am – 4 pm
Gift Shop: 8 am – 5 pm
Museum and Mausoleum: 9 am – 4 pm
Mon-Fri Mass: 6:30 am
Saturday Mass: 5:00 pm
Sunday Masses: 10:00 am and 12:00 pm
Magdalena de Kino
is a city in Mexico (directions), 115 miles from the San Xavier del Bac Mission. How is it related to the mission? It is a place where Father Kino died, and where you can still find his remainings. Sr. Carla told me that there is an annual pilgrimage from Magdalena de Kino to San Xavier del Bac Mission every year, ending on October 4, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi.
I have been here! It’s also known as the White Dove of the Desert.
Have you been to Santuario de Chimayo, just north of Santa Fe, NM? Famous for its “holy dirt.”
I didn’t know that! I was not, I have to visit!