February
28, 2014: Mission San Xavier del Bac.
Be
not forgetful to entertain strangers.
Our destination today is
the San Xavier Mission near Tucson. We’ve
heard much about the mission and the restoration that has taken place over the
last several years. It has most
definitely been on our list of places to visit while here in Tucson. The mission is still used today for Mass,
weddings, and funerals for the local people of the parish.
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| A view of Mission San Xavier del Bac with a beautiful sky as the backdrop. |
The mission is located
about 10 miles south of downtown Tucson in the Wa:k village of the San Xavier
District of the Tohono O’odham Nation.
In 1963 it was placed on the US National Historic Landmark registry.
In 1692 it was founded by
Father Eusebio Kino as a Catholic mission.
The current church was completed in 1797 after 14 years of construction. The interior has original mural paintings and
original statues. The surrounding
courtyards are lovely. I hope you enjoy
the following pictures.
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| The left side appears to have been restored as it is much whiter than the right side of the building. It seems to be a work in progress. |
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| The decoratively carved entry facade. |
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| The entry into the mission. |
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| As you enter the mission your eye is drawn upward to the lovely paintings and to the alter ahead. |
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| An angel standing watch in the mission. Brightly colored geometric designs painted as a chair rail effect. |
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| A painted mural of the Last Supper. |
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| The alter with gilded carvings behind it. |
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| A man in quiet reflection. |
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| The adobe wall and
seating that surrounds the mission. |
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| A view toward Tucson
across the north courtyard. |
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| Gateway from one courtyard into another. |
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| A plaque on the exterior wall as you enter the gift shop. New American Standard Bible. Hebrews 13: 2 - Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. |
Food for thought: With angels lurking about it's wise to treat everyone kindly - especially strangers.
Blessings to all. Be safe.
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