Named after Francis Xavier, the co-founder of the Jesuit Order in Europe, this is another mission founded by Jesuit priest, Father Kino (See Tumacacori), this one in 1692. When the Jesuits were expelled, the Franciscans took over and built this structure from 1783-1797. It is the oldest European structure in Arizona and is located on the Tohono O'odham Nation Reservation.
In 1837 the last priest left and the mission deteriorated. It re-opened in 1859 when the Santa Fe Diocese added the mission to its jurisdiction. Franciscans returned to the mission in 1913 and today it is a huge tourist site and active church.
Apparently the holy water drips.
Next to the mission is Grotto Hill with a trail to the top. Part way up is a replica of the Grotto of Lourdes.
The view is spectacular, and the mission receives around 200,000 visits a year.
It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960.
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