Did You Know?

The “Pimeria Alta” was the vast area of northern Sonora and southern Arizona, largely unknown to Europeans, since the Coronado Expedition passed through here in 1540. Padre Kino’s singular and pioneering impact on the history of Arizona, especially in light of his well attested efforts at building bridges of understanding between the Native Peoples and the European settlers in our region, has had a continuing influence on our area’s culture. A zealous missionary-explorer and cartographer, Padre Kino literally put Arizona on the map. A pioneer cattleman, and an ‘agricultural agent’ who introduced European/Mexican fruits and vegetables to the Sonoran Desert Peoples, he famously introduced winter wheat, which broke the ‘feast-famine’ cycle of the Desert Peoples. Above all, he was a tireless defender of the dignity and rights of the Native Americans, who welcomed him and the message of the Gospel into their villages. At the dedication of the statue of Padre Kino, as one of the ‘representatives of Arizona’ in Washington D.C.’s Hall of Statuary in 1965, Senator Carl Hayden, in his speech accepting the statue, said: “Here then we have a fortunate glance at the Arizona of nearly three centuries ago and of the man who first made it known to the civilized world – a kindly man of extraordinary intellect, unwavering in purpose and possessed of faith that inspired faith in others. In accepting this statute for Americans everywhere, I thank God for blessing this country of ours with men like Father Kino. They are our everlasting heritage.” In July 2023, Pope Francis acknowledged to holiness of Padre Kino, declaring him “Venerable”- the next step toward Canonization! We have our own statue of Padre Kino, holding his astrolabe with which he charted the skies and mapped the desert, on the south façade of the church, and there is a stained-glass window of the “Padre on Horseback” in KINO Hall! A mural of Padre Kino greeting his friend, Chief Coro of the Sobaipuri People, on the banks of the San Pedro in August 1692, graces the Knights of Columbus’ Columbian Hall! In many ways, “the Apostle on Horseback” has been ‘popularly canonized’ and his name is attached to many public and religious buildings throughout southern Arizona and northern Sonora. We continue to pray for miracles and that his Cause for Canonization will move speedily! Our Father Robert Gonzalez, is hoping to visit Padre Kino’s birthplace – in Segno in the Italian Alps, near Trent – during his stay in Europe this month! When visiting the Diocesan Pastoral Center in Tucson, be sure and enjoy the new display honoring Padre Kino, which will be opened this Sunday afternoon – thanks to the efforts of your Parish Staff here at St. Andrew’s!