About Our Lady of Mount Carmel (historic Misión de San Antonio de Ysleta del Sur) · El Paso, Texas
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, located in Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, El Paso, Texas, is the historic site of the first mission in what is now Texas, established in 1682 by Franciscan friars for the Tigua Indians. Though the original adobe church was destroyed by fire in 1907, the current structure, built in parts as early as 1851 and rebuilt after the fire, remains active and is still used by the El Paso Diocese. The church blends Spanish Colonial architecture with Tigua cultural motifs and continues to serve as a spiritual and cultural center for the Tigua community, who maintain their identity through rituals, dances, and traditions. It is also a National Historic Landmark and part of the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail.
- Established
- 1682
- Patron
- St. Anthony of Padua
- Diocese
- El Paso Diocese
Why belong here
Join a community that blends Tigua cultural traditions with Catholic faith, celebrating heritage through dance, drumming, and rituals. The parish offers services in both English and Spanish, and hosts events like the annual Ysleta Mission Festival that highlight local arts, music, and food. It’s a place where history, culture, and spirituality converge in a unique, enduring way.
History
Founded in 1682 by Franciscan friars for the Tigua Indians, the mission was relocated after a 1829 flood and became part of Texas under the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. The church was rebuilt after a 1907 fire and renamed by the Jesuits in 1881. It remains the oldest continuously occupied settlement in Texas.
Cultural Significance
The Tigua community continues to observe rituals like the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua on June 13, and their cultural identity is reflected in the church’s interior motifs — rain clouds, corn stalks, baskets, blankets — blending Indian tradition with Christian worship.
Architecture & Heritage
The current church, built in parts as early as 1851, features a distinctive silver-domed bell tower added in 1897. The structure reuses elements from the 1907 fire, including the sacristy, bell, and a Spanish statue of Santo Entierro. It is documented by the National Park Service’s Historic American Buildings Survey.
Visiting & Events
The church is open daily and offers services in English and Spanish. The annual Ysleta Mission Festival, held the second weekend of July, celebrates local culture with music, arts, food, and family activities. The nearby Tigua Indian Cultural Center offers museum exhibits and guided tours.