When reading my books, you know that Saint Ignatius of Loyola is my favorite saint. I enjoy the Spiritual Exercises and love the challenge Saint Ignatius gives in using our imaginations to place ourselves in the scripture or rosary mystery to better understand all that God has for us. Saint Ignatius is also the founder of the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. The Jesuits are part of Arizona history. I was able to see a glimpse of that history as I toured the churches in Phoenix. However, Jesuit history was on full display at the Mission San Xavier del Bac in Tucson. Although the Franciscans currently play the lead role in this mission, it was the Jesuits who established the mission in the late 1600s.

The Mission San Xavier is the only mission in Arizona still operating as a working church serving the Wa:k O’odham Indian community. In 1963, this mission was among the first sites in the USA to be classified as a National Historic Landmark.

The Jesuit missionary, Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, SJ traveled throughout the area known as “New Spain.” Father Kino established the mission in 1692. At that time, the Wa:k community had over 800 members along with a well-established irrigation network that provided corn, beans, and squash.

The history of the Jesuits is quite intense and includes a 41-year suppression by the Catholic Church. During that time, the Jesuits were expelled from areas around the world including Arizona. The Franciscans arrived at the mission in the late 1700s and are responsible for the beautiful structure that still exists today. Renovations have occurred throughout the years with their latest project on the front of the church. Although scaffolding is evident in the video below, the structures were beautiful and the history was evident throughout.

Fifteen minutes from the Mission San Xavier, in the heart of Tucson, is the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Augustine. I arrived just in time for the noon Mass and then spent time exploring the cathedral taking pictures and videos. What an amazing site!

This cathedral pre-dates Arizona statehood. The cathedral parish history began with the founding of the chapel of the Royal Presidio of San Agustin in Tucson in 1776. Work on the first cathedral was completed in 1868; however, the church was rebuilt in 1897 in a Gothic style. Restoration in 1966 rebuilt the interior of the cathedral with the façade and towers untouched. The Pamplona Crucifix on the back wall of the altar was carved in Spain and is at least 600 years old. This crucifix was a special gift to the cathedral and installed in 1981.

Although my time was short in Tucson, I was able to visit two beautiful sites. I know you will enjoy the video below!

Also below, is the link to my latest book – In His Hands: A Story of Trust and the Book of Job. Be sure to get your copy today and share it with your family and friends.

Thank you - ENJOY the video!