Following are excerpts from an article we posted in January 2016. Hope you enjoy it!
About 10 miles south of Tucson, Arizona you will find the “White Dove of the Desert” also known as the Mission San Xavier del Bac. This magnificent Spanish mission was completed in 1797. The first Spanish missionary, Father Eusebio Kino, arrived at the site in 1692. Throughout the years the location has been part of New Spain, Mexico, and finally a part of the U.S. after the Gadsen Purchase of 1854.
When you enter the church you cannot help but be amazed by the incredible amount of 18th century statuary and murals. The impact varies for everyone who walks the interior of this powerfully spiritual place. Candles are always lit and displayed. A shrine to St Francis is a prominent feature and one of solemn devotion. The edifice is still a functioning Catholic Church that primarily serves the Tohono O’odham tribe, formerly known as the Papago.
The San Xavier website is packed with information for your visit planning assistance.
Roadtirement 
Wow, this looks so beautiful! I wish it were a day trip from here…
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It is for sure worth a trip, John. There’s a lot to see in the immediate Tucson area. We love it there.
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Exciting place!
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An excellent and true description. Thank you for sharing.
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Beautiful! Love that the Church is still serving the community! C
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It’s really a beautiful place.
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One of my most favorite places. The word “beautiful” is woefully inadequate in describing it, IMHO. 😉
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True.
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Beautiful church. Love Arizona from one end to the other and have seen most of this beautiful state over the years, but I missed this Mission. Thanks for sharing this.
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Next time you’re near Tucson I’d take the afternoon or morning and visit San Xavier del Bac. You won’t regret it.
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Wow! Looks great for a 200+ year old mission!
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It is well loved and well cared for. Thanks for the visit and nice comment.
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Gorgeous architecture. I travelled through Arizona once when I drove old Route 66 from Santa Monica to Chicago, unfortunately it didn’t get me very close to Tucson.
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You would like Tucson. Not only the mission but the Saguaro National Park’s stunning desert. 🌵🕍
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I’ll be driving Route 66 again one day, though with a few more detours to add some sights to the trip. I’ll be adding this to the list!
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We have also been there. I also love the unique architecture one finds in Arizona.
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Beautiful.
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Thank you Mark.
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I was in awe when I walked inside this church. So many of the angels called to me, “Hey, over here.” “Look at me.” “Take my photo.” I could have spent hours gawking at the murals, paintings and statues.
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This is such a sacred site, in many ways. When we are in the Tucson area, we always pay a visit San Xavier.
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