The San Xavier Mission was founded by the Jesuit Father Kino in 1692. Its the oldest intact European structure in Arizona, and its the oldest Catholic church still servicing the original community for which it was built...the Tohono O'odham of Wa:k. The Mission was around 150 years before the area was even part of the United States! The Baroque facade beautifully pays homage to 4 female saints and to the mother country, Spain. The main alter inside has two huge gold lions that were restored by Gloria Giffords, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords mother (TOAST!). The surrounding area had an amazing variety of cacti and scenic mountain backdrops from every angle. This is a must stop for anyone visiting the Southwest.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Gold, Glory, and God
The San Xavier Mission was founded by the Jesuit Father Kino in 1692. Its the oldest intact European structure in Arizona, and its the oldest Catholic church still servicing the original community for which it was built...the Tohono O'odham of Wa:k. The Mission was around 150 years before the area was even part of the United States! The Baroque facade beautifully pays homage to 4 female saints and to the mother country, Spain. The main alter inside has two huge gold lions that were restored by Gloria Giffords, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords mother (TOAST!). The surrounding area had an amazing variety of cacti and scenic mountain backdrops from every angle. This is a must stop for anyone visiting the Southwest.
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