Front entrance of San Xavier del Bac Mission
Known as the Sistine Chapel of the North due to its ornate ceiling paintings and original murals.
Started our first full day in sunny Tucson by attending Mass at Mission San Xavier del Bac Mission. It is one of a trail of missions starting in Mexico in the 1600's and is the oldest intact European structure in Arizona. It is an active Franciscan mission located on the Tohono O'odham Indian reservation and primarily serves the tribal members. As it turned out not only is it a church where we could celebrate Mass but a National Historic Landmark. So we attended Mass and toured at the same time. It is known as the White Dove of the Desert because of its architecture blends of Moorish, Byzantine and late Mexican Renaissance influences.
Very ornate alter
Hand carved wooden Nativity Scene. You can see a strong Indian influence in this artwork.
A long line formed after Mass at one of the side alters, so we had to see what was going on. A wooden replica of San Xavier lays on a platform covered by a blanket with only his head exposed. The tradition is to rub his forehead then lift his head a couple of times. Although we weren't exactly sure what the appropriate procedure was or the purpose, we followed the proceeding parishioners and said a prayer. Seems a bit pagonist but sure the intent is good.
The complex consists of a museum, plaza where the natives were selling Friedbread, a thick tortilla, fried then filled with your choice of beans, cheese etc, or sugar & cinnamon as a dessert.
We are still in awe of the arid plants native to this area.
Mission grounds.
Ron getting stuck by a cactus. I hope he was just joking. Ron's 6'1" and is dwarfed by the plant.
At the top of a rocky hill stands a white cross marked with graffiti and signatures. The hill is meant as a religious/ceremonial sacred place to the people of the area and is known as Grotto Hill. No we did not climb the rocks to the top but did walk the path.
Grotto Hill. Over 200,000 visitors come each year, so it is hard to get a clear picture without people in the foreground.
After we left the mission we had lunch at a local Mexican restaurant-Little Mexico. We have had more Mexican food in the last 2 months than we have had in 2 years...it kind of grows on you.
Had to stock up on supplies at Office Max then relaxed the rest of the day and evening.
Hope all is well!
Joan & Ron
