First just let me say this about the Mission San Javier del Bac: How Beautiful! The mission itself and just being there experiencing it was a highlight of my time in Tucson. San Javier del Bac, a national historic landmark founded in 1692: “to minister to the religious needs of its parishioners.” There was an attempt at that time to build a mission by the Venerable Eusebo Francisco Keno. It was started with help from the O’Odham tribe of Indians, a tribe that the father was especially dedicated to. It is a well known pilgrimage site, with thousands visiting each year on foot (and by horse). The mission today still resides on the Toho O’Odhum Nations Indian Reservation. https://www.sanxaviermission.org/
Since the time of its conception San Javier del Bac has always been a work in the making. The current building that I visited began in 1783 and was completed in 1797. Completed, but it seems to me, never ending since 1692. Since 1797 there have been calamities due to earthquakes and lightening strikes. More recently, in 1989, there were “bleeding” walls. The church was closed! Curiously, I read a statement on the Mission’s website: https://sanxaviermission.org/history . “Today the restoration continues when funds are available.”
The Interior of San Javier del Bac
So happy that funds were available to again restore San Javier del Bac. At the same time I wish they had started the day after I visited. Much of the interior was closed, roped off to visitors. (I was so disappointed) Artworks on the walls were done by artists from Queretero, Mexico. Remember… we are talking between 1783 and 1797. The sculptures you see were created in guild workshops and carried by donkeys through the Pimera Alta to the mission. This is the desert region of southern Arizona and northern Mexico inhabited by several Indigenous tribes, including the O’Odham.
Explore Outside Too
Above you can see the sanctuary at one far end of San Javier del Bac. It is at the end of a lovely cactus/desert garden a la Southwest style. We also have cactus gardens in Santa Fe. But I was quite blown away by the beauty and presence of the cactus varieties in Tucson. Especially the tall saguaro cactus. Although they are only found in Tucson and close surrounding areas, they are a real icon of the Southwest.
A final note about the Mission: They sell fry bread outside the doors of the mission. And it is supposed to be the best fry bread sold in the Southwest. I am only relaying information I got when I was back from my trip. So why didn’t someone let me know this before and not after. Keep it in mind and be on the lookout for someone selling the bread.
It is almost a must to visit the Saguaro National Park at least once while visiting Tucson: https://roadtosuchness.com/tucsn-saguaro-national-park/. It is a great place to hike or bring your bike.
