The mission was founded in the late 1600's by missionary, Father Kino. The Mission is considered the "White Dove of the Desert." San Xavier is one of the finest portrayal of mission architecture in the United States.
Mission San Xavier del Bac is located on the Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation southwest of Tucson. It has been called the "Sistine Chapel of North America" for the fine artwork that has emerged from an international restoration effort.
Catholic services are still held at San Xavier daily at 8:30 a.m. and Sunday at 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. There are no registered members of the parish, and visitors and people from the neighboring town of Tucson often pack the Mission on Sunday mornings.