Rising from a windy stretch of desert south of Tucson, the whitewashed exterior of Mission San Xavier del Bac presents a striking contrast to her environs. Visitors as well as the faithful flock to this consecrated suburban oasis. Located on the massive Tohono O'odham (formerly the Papago) reservation, this Spanish colonial mission still serves the native peoples she was designed for.

In recognition of 200 years of service this beacon of the desert was given a much needed facelift in the nineties. Conservators from the U.S. and Europe joined with native apprentices for the five year reconstruction. Erased from the saints and seraphim of the hallowed sanctuary were water stains, dust, wasp nests, bird poop, and candle soot, restoring their celestial radiance.

 

I arrived at the mission before dawn to photograph the morning as she shone on the unearthly white walls. The desert sunrise did not disappoint. As the light show progressed I noticed a stream of cars arriving at the adjoining mission school, dropping off children for the day. Framed by the stunning portico of the school their quickstep to class provided an unforgettable highlight to an already perfect morning.