Just outside of Tucson is the San Xavier del Bac Mission, where we attended Mass the morning we were in Tucson. The Mission is the oldest standing European structure in Arizona.

It was absolutely humbling. People crowded into the Mission. There was no air conditoning in July. There were a few fans that we all strained to catch the breeze from. As I thought about how hot I felt, I noticed the elderly Priest, in a full suit with his Cassock (robe) on over the top of it, smiling and sharing the Gospel with us. I felt silly even giving one thought to the heat.

The church was so full that people spilled out onto the entry steps just to hear the message and be close to the Eucharist.

Outside in the parking lot, parishioners were making fry bread for lunch and the smell was so inviting.

As we drove away, we were surrounded by hundreds of little yellow butterflies. I pulled over and Julia and I ran into the field of little purple flowers and watched the butterflies. Can you see all the little yellow dots on the picture below? It was surreal. I’ve never seen anything like that.

Have a wonderful day!

Kate