I had a good sleep and was packed and on the road by 8.30am...before I left Tucson I wanted to go visit the famous Mission!!
A National Historic Landmark, San Xavier Mission was founded as a Catholic mission by Father Eusebio Kino in 1692. Construction of the current church began in 1783 and was completed in 1797.
The oldest intact European structure in Arizona, the church's interior is filled with marvelous original statuary and mural paintings. It is a place where visitors can truly step back in time and enter an authentic 18th Century space.
The church retains its original purpose of ministering to the religious needs of its people,
There is no admission charge to visit Mission San Xavier. Some 200,000 visitors come each year from all over the world to view what is widely considered to be the finest example of Spanish Colonial architecture in the United States.
The History:
The current church dates from the late 1700's, when Southern Arizona was part of New Spain. In 1783, Franciscan missionary Fr. Juan Bautista Velderrain was able to begin construction on the present structure using money borrowed from a Sonoran rancher. He hired an architect, Ignacio Gaona, and a large workforce of O'odham to create the present church.
Following Mexican independence in 1821, San Xavier became part of Mexico. The last resident Franciscan of the 19th Century departed in 1837. With the Gadsden Purchase of 1854, the Mission joined the United States. In 1859 San Xavier became part of the Diocese of Santa Fe. In 1866 Tucson became an incipient diocese and regular services were held at the Mission once again. Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet opened a school at the Mission in 1872. Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity now teach at the school and reside in the convent.
The Franciscans returned to the Mission in 1913. Recently, Mission San Xavier became a separate nonprofit entity. It remains a testament to the endurance of culture thoughout our history
A beautiful church and I was lucky enough to be there when a small service was taking place!!
For three hours my driving was on I 10 going east and really not a lot happening..I then got off onto the side roads and went to hike here...
I enjoyed hiking up and down the roads and it is amazing as all around is flat desert terrain!!
I arrived at my destination Silver City about 4pm....I am staying in an Airbnb but of a different nature ...it is the old Rectory of the local Anglican Church..there are seven private clean and small rooms in the dormitory.......
A great kitchen
Two very clean bathrooms..
Tv area......
Great for an overnight stay!!
Relaxed with some tea read some brochures....and early evening found a nice local place to eat...I had braised beef and mashed potatoes and veggies , the seniors portion which was ample....it was so good i ordered another meal to go and will have that tomorrow night!!!
Did my final Walmart shop and back home to watch some more of my show on Netflix!
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s blog and really the main reason I came this way!!
Yashi Kochi!!
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