About San Xavier Mission · Tucson, Arizona
San Xavier del Bac Mission (often called San Xavier Mission) is a historic Spanish Catholic mission located about 9–10 miles south of downtown Tucson, Arizona, on the Tohono O'odham Nation San Xavier Indian Reservation. Founded in 1692 by Italian Jesuit missionary Father Eusebio Francisco Kino to serve the Sobaipuri O'odham at the village of Wa:k, it remains an active parish and is widely known as the 'White Dove of the Desert.' The current church, completed in 1797, is the oldest intact European structure in Arizona and a National Historic Landmark, attracting roughly 200,000 visitors a year while still functioning as the spiritual home of the Wa:k community of the San Xavier District.
- Established
- 1692
- Patron
- St. Francis Xavier
- Rector
- Friar Ponchie Vasquez, OFM
- Diocese
- Diocese of Tucson
Why belong here
San Xavier del Bac is one of the oldest continuously active parishes in Arizona, with more than three centuries of unbroken worship in the same community. Belonging here means joining a parish that is the spiritual heart of the Wa:k O'odham village on the Tohono O'odham Nation, served by Franciscan friars and rooted in both Gospel Values and O'odham Himdag (Way of Life). Parishioners benefit from K-12 faith formation, an active Catholic school (K-3 with planned expansion), RCIA, community feast celebrations, the Kateri Circle fellowship for Native American parishioners, and the chance to worship in one of the most beautiful mission churches in the country.
Mass times at San Xavier Mission
Weekly Mass schedule
History of San Xavier del Bac
San Xavier del Bac was founded in 1692 by Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, a Jesuit of Italian descent who built a chain of missions across the Sonoran Desert in what was then the Pimería Alta of New Spain. Construction of the first church began on April 28, 1700, at the centuries-old O'odham village of Wa:k on the Santa Cruz River. After the Spanish Crown expelled the Jesuits in 1767 and Apache raids destroyed the original church, Franciscan friars Juan Bautista Velderrain and Juan Bautista Llorenz oversaw construction of the present building between 1783 and 1797, hiring architect Ignacio Gaona and employing O'odham labor.
- Founded 1692 by Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, SJ
- Original church destroyed during Apache raids by 1770
- Present church built 1783–1797 by Franciscans Velderrain and Llorenz
- Architect Ignacio Gaona designed the current structure
- Site became U.S. territory with the Gadsden Purchase, 1853
- Reopened for worship 1859 under the Diocese of Santa Fe
- Diocese of Tucson established 1868
- Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960
- Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966
Architecture: The 'White Dove of the Desert'
San Xavier del Bac is widely considered the finest example of Spanish mission architecture in the United States. Its brilliant whitewashed adobe façade has earned it the nickname 'White Dove of the Desert.' The interior features artwork painted by at least three different artists and a dome supported by arches and squinches. Restoration of the historic structure is overseen by Patronato San Xavier, a non-profit that offers free docent-led tours every day except Sunday.
- Spanish Colonial architecture
- Arizona's oldest intact European structure (completed 1797)
- Distinctive whitewashed façade
- Interior frescoes painted by multiple artists
- Dome on arches and squinches
- Restoration led by Patronato San Xavier
Mass and Worship Schedule
San Xavier del Bac is an active parish serving the Wa:k community of the San Xavier District on the Tohono O'odham Nation. Daily Mass is celebrated Monday through Friday at 6:30 a.m. inside the historic church, with Saturday Mass at 5:00 p.m. and two Sunday Masses at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (noon). For those unable to attend in person, the Mission streams content on its YouTube channel and broadcasts 'Breaking Open the Word' on local radio station KWAK-LP 102.5 every Sunday at 6:00 a.m. MST. Visitors are asked to follow Tohono O'odham Nation protocols during their visit.
- Mon–Fri: 6:30 a.m.
- Saturday: 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (noon)
- Radio broadcast: KWAK-LP 102.5, Sundays at 6:00 a.m.
- Online stream: San Xavier Mission YouTube channel
Visiting the Mission
The Mission is open daily and welcomes pilgrims, tourists, and worshippers year-round. Church hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; the gift shop is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the museum and mausoleum are open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. The historic church currently has no heating or air conditioning, so visitors should come prepared for the desert weather, especially in summer. Drones are prohibited, and private events in the church are not permitted. Free docent-led tours are available every day except Sunday through Patronato San Xavier.
- Church hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Gift shop hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Museum & Mausoleum: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Restrooms: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Free docent-led tours every day except Sunday
- Drones prohibited on Mission grounds
- No private events held in the church
Faith Formation and Religious Education
San Xavier Mission offers K-12 Religious Education through Children's Liturgy, scripture studies, and age-appropriate catechesis that introduces young learners to the Catholic faith. Family resources help households incorporate prayer and devotions into daily life. Adults exploring Catholicism can journey through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), preparing for baptism at the Easter Vigil. The Faith Formation Commission oversees all programming, ensuring spiritual growth and deeper understanding of Catholic teaching at every age.
- K-12 Religious Education
- Children's Liturgy
- Adult Faith Formation (RCIA)
- Scripture studies
- Family prayer resources and devotions
- Faith Formation Commission oversight
San Xavier Mission School
San Xavier Mission School is a Catholic elementary school located west of the Mission at 1980 W San Xavier Rd, Tucson, AZ 85746. Founded in November 1864 and continuing a long legacy of education begun by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1872, the school is now enrolling for the 2026–2027 school year in grades K-3, with plans to expand through 8th grade. School office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The school is rooted in Gospel Values, O'odham Himdag (Way of Life), and Service.
- Catholic school, grades K-3 (expanding to K-8)
- Located at 1980 W San Xavier Rd, Tucson, AZ 85746
- School office phone: (520) 294-0628
- Office hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Principal: Minh Solorzano
- Pastor: Fr. Ponchie Vasquez
Parish Leadership and Staff
The parish is led by Pastor Friar Ponchie Vasquez, OFM, who also serves as Guardian of the San Francisco Xavier Friary, with Friar Chris Kersteins, OFM, as Parochial Vicar. The friary houses several Franciscan friars in residence, including Nathaniel Tran, Edward Sarrazin, Hajime Okuhara, and David Paz. Religious Education is coordinated by Sr. Rachel Sena, OP (Director) and Sr. Carla Riach, FSCC, with Sr. Rosalyn Muraski, FSCC, serving as Sacristan. Lay staff handle office management, reception, and technical support.
- Pastor: Friar Ponchie Vasquez, OFM
- Parochial Vicar: Friar Chris Kersteins, OFM
- Director of Religious Education: Sr. Rachel Sena, OP
- Religious Education: Sr. Carla Riach, FSCC
- Sacristan: Sr. Rosalyn Muraski, FSCC
- Office Manager / Compliance Officer: Monique Moreno
- Receptionist: Ashley Almazan
- Technical Support: Sebastian Preston
Parish Leadership Councils and Committees
Parish life at San Xavier del Bac is shaped by several councils and commissions that support the spiritual, cultural, and operational needs of the Mission. The Corporation Board provides governance and protects the Mission's interests, while the Finance Council manages stewardship of resources. The Kateri Circle, named for St. Kateri Tekakwitha, fosters fellowship and spiritual growth among Native American parishioners, weaving faith and O'odham cultural traditions. Each year, Feast Committees organize celebrations that bring together parishioners and the wider community in shared faith and heritage. The Mission also belongs to the Pima West Vicariate of the Diocese of Tucson.
- Corporation Board (governance)
- Finance Council
- Faith Formation Commission
- Kateri Circle (Native American fellowship)
- Feast Committees
- Pima West Vicariate of the Diocese of Tucson