San Xavier del Bac Mission is located on the land of the Tohono O'odham Nation, about twelve miles south of Tucson, Arizona. Recently, the mission buildings and artwork were meticulously restored by fine craftsmen from the Smithsonian Institute and elsewhere, using the same authentic procedures as were originally used when construction finished in 1797. This is still an active Franciscan mission, serving the Tahono O'odham and Yaqui communities.
An ill-advised attempt at applying modern stucco in 1980's is being reversed, as it was found to trap water that damaged the artwork. Now traditional mud plaster is being used, which includes pulp from our friend the prickly pear cactus. This breathes better, preventing moisture build-up.
So far restoration is completed on one tower. An interesting entryway detail is a cat on one side and a mouse on the other. According to a story of the Tohono O'odham, when the cat catches the mouse, the world will end.
My son Petie was baptized in this mission before its restoration. Papa painted this watercolor in the 1940's. It shows an uncluttered view of the mission and its lands that, sadly, no longer exists today.
