The White Dove of the Desert

Mission San Xavier del Bac, the

"White Dove of the Desert" continues as an

active parish.

Inside the church is adorned with gilded carvings and
sculpture.

When guests visit, we love to take them to the Mission San Xavier del Bac.  Also known as the "White Dove of the Desert," the mission is one of the finest examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in the United States.  It is also one of the most beautiful missions I've ever visited. 

The original mission was established by a Jesuit missionary, Father Eusebio Francisco Kino in 1692, to minister to who we now know as the Tohono O'odom people.  The church remains an active parish today.  Actual construction of the church began by Franciscans in 1783 and was completed six years later.  The church is built of clay brick, stone and lime mortar.  The exterior is stuccoed and decorated with ornamental scrolls and sculptures while the interior is adorned with murals, carvings, and other sculpted surfaces.  The church has two bell towers, but one remains incomplete.  Work to preserve and repair this National Historic Landmark is an ongoing process.  The church has seen an earthquake, a flood, and many monsoon storms--one of which delivering a lightening strike to the West Tower in 1939.  Nevertheless, the mission continues to awe those who visit it with its beauty and tranquility.

The church is also beautifully painted with murals and figures.

You don't need to be a Catholic to appreciate this exquisite, living example of Baroque design.  There is a sense of peace inside its massive wooden doors.  Visitors admire the painted interior in hushed tones to respect parishioners.  Sitting in one of the small, worn pews while marveling at the detailed embellishments in paint, plaster and wood, and listening to the soft chanting of a monastery choir (recorded, not live) is soothing to the soul.  Just as it should be.

There are other missions in the Tucson area well worth visiting as well.  About 50 miles south of the city, Tumacacori National Historic Park admistered by the National Park Service, contains the ruins of three missions.  Father Kino established Tumacacori in 1691, again to serve the Tohono O'odom.  I've not yet visited the park, but it is on my list!