MISSION TUMACACORI

TUMACACORI MISSION

INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH

BURIAL GROUNDS

50 miles south of Tucson lies the adobe ruins of the Mission San Jose de Tumacacori. Establish by Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino in 1691, Mission Tumacacori is the oldest mission site in Arizona but construction on the present church didn’t begin until the early 1800’s. The Franciscan padres stationed there wished to turn Mission Tumacacori into a site with the same grace and beauty of Mission San Xavier del Bac but never succeeded. The Mexican government soon took control of the area and began to cut the funds needed to complete construction. In addition, frequent raids by the Apaches were making life difficult and in 1848 the community headed north to the San Xavier Mission. After years of neglect, Tumacacori was granted protection by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 and declared a national monument.
The church is impressive, not in the sense of Mission San Xavier, but it has a unique beauty of its own. The crumbling adobe structure exudes a feeling of antiquity, taking visitors back to another time. Although the interior is a bit rundown, with noticeable chipping of the adobe walls, it’s easy to image ancient worshipers kneeling in prayer and the remnants of murals are visible above the alter.
And old cemetery is located nearby and the only identifiable markers belong to those who died in the late 19th and early 20th century. Very few records exist of those buried here during the early years of the mission’s existence. Smallpox, measles or Apaches claimed many victims reflecting the turbulent times of life at the mission.
Upon touring the mission you will also find a beautiful garden and courtyard, along with the adobe ruins of the priests quarters and remains of several other buildings scattered throughout the grounds.
The annual La Fiesta de Tumacacori is held the first weekend in December and celebrates the rich culture and history of the area. Over fifty booths for food and arts and crafts will surely have something for everyone. There is always live entertainment with local musicians and plenty of activities for the kids.
Directions: Take I-19 south to exit 29 and you’ll see the mission off to the east of the interstate.

MONSOON

STORM CLOUDS FORMING OVER SAN XAVIER MISSION

DESERT RAINSTORM

The monsoon officially began this weekend and anticipation for the summer rains is running high. After weeks of 100 plus degree temperatures all of Tucson eagerly awaits the seasonal storms and the changes that accompany the much-needed rains. And if you’ve never experienced the desert during the rainy season you are missing a remarkable experience.
The first noticeable sign that the monsoon is active is the thunderheads building in the early afternoon heat. Usually forming towards the south of the city, these clouds are accompanied by hot winds, propelling swirls of dust devils across the valley. By late afternoon a few sprinkles can be felt and the thick white thunderheads have turned dark and foreboding. The wind is now a force to be reckoned with as massive walls of dust can be seen rising from the desert floor with the air filled with moisture. Loud rumbles echo above as bolts of lightening streak across the blackened sky creating a spectacular light show. The rain, noticeable in the distance, seems to form a solid wall of water that slowly churns its way through the desert. Likened by some to a massive tornado of water with clear and defined borders, this deluge of moisture will renew the parched soil and awaken the dry land. The change is dramatic and as the dry soiled drinks up the water the desert is reborn. Even the appearance is changed as the desert comes alive, transforming into a sea of sparkling green with mesquite leaves and cactus blooms shimmering with raindrops and the sweet smell of the evergreen shrub, creosote is in the air. The desert critters, such as Jackrabbits,quail, coyote and javelina seem in abundance as all living things seem to stop for a moment to appreciate the coolness that accompanied the rain.
Here in the Sonoran Desert, the average rainfall is around ten inches a year with the majority falling during the summer monsoon. And with the coming of the rains, also comes a new life for the desert.

SAN XAVIER MISSION

SAN XAVIER MISSION
A visit to the breathtaking SAN XAVIER DEL BAC MISSION is a must if you are visiting Tucson and it is a quick trip from both downtown and the airport. San Xavier Mission was founded in 1692 by a Jesuit priest, Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino, and is located in the Tohono O’odham Reservation about 14 miles south of Tucson. The mission was constructed with fired adobe bricks and its architecture blends together elements of Byzantine, Moorish and Mexican designs, creating a wonder not to be missed.
The White Dove of the Desert, as the mission is sometimes called, can be seen before you even arrive with the glaring white of the structure visible for miles. Driving in, you can’t miss the cemetery off to the left. These burial grounds are for the members of the Tohono O’odham only and please remember to be respectful, as funeral services may be ongoing during your visit. Also there is a school and fire department nearby so please use caution when nearing the parking lot.
As you prepare to enter the mission, take a moment and gaze up at the two towers. The east tower was never completed and there are several theories as to why. Some say that it was lack of funding or that the taxes would be less on an unfinished structure. Other stories abound of ghosts and hauntings that frightened the away the workers. The façade also includes exquisite engravings of the Franciscan coat-of-arms that greet those who enter the church. On of the most fascinating things that I’ve discovered was the door handles on the thick Mesquite doors. The handles are of a copper rattlesnake with a copper mouse on the far side. Legends say the when the rattlesnake catches the mouse the end of the world is near.
The interior of the church is spectacular. It is simply breathtaking with colorful murals and artwork covering the walls and statues of the saints spread throughout the chapel. If you look closely at the designs painted on the walls, you might just see that animals such as deer and rabbits are also included, possible representing what was important to the workers. The statue lying in the west chapel is that of St. Francis Xavier and many of the faithful make a pilgrimage to pin photos and keepsakes of loved ones on the statue’s garments. The candles that are burning in both the east and west chapels are special made for the mission and are available in the gift shop and museum.
After leaving the chapel, wander the grounds and see what else you can discover, such as the fountain and garden to the north of the church or perhaps the mortuary and burial grounds to the west of the building. The museum tour is both fascinating and informative, giving insights into many of the designs used in the construction of the mission. Across the parking lot is the Plaza and contains several gift shops and a small food court. But before you go for that hot dog or hamburger, try some Indian Fry Bread. This deep fried local delicacy is delicious with toppings such as honey or shredded beef and is available from the many booths that are set up throughout the grounds.
Please remember that the San Xavier Mission is first and foremost a place of worship. Services are held regularly and attended by the descendents of the workers who built the church so please be respectful.
As always, this is Tucson so use plenty of sunscreen, drink a lot of water and don’t forget the camera