The Good Father

I’m not a religious person. At all. But there’s something about churches I love. The stillness, the sense of history and reverence – it settles me down in an instant, like nothing else. (Well, except Valium. Where did I put that bottle?)

The Mission San Xavier del Bac sits just south of Tucson proper, and is one of the most spectacular Spanish missions I’ve seen. (The Spanish were busy back in the day, what with all the converting of heathens and conquest.)

San Xavier was founded by Father Eusebio Kino, and completed in 1797. By all accounts he was a good man. He truly cared about the native people, and was dedicated to their well being and culture. We like Father Kino.

And we like the Mission, which is simply gorgeous:

The right tower needs cleaning, but we’ll let it go.

The domed ceiling.

The altar.

Just uncomfortable enough to remind you why you’re there.

Saint Xavier’s effigy.

Illuminated

So there you go, a few moments of spirituality. That should last you through the weekend, as long as you don’t accidentally rob a bank or kill someone. If that happens, you probably need more help than I can offer.