In the mid-1500s the Spanish Coronado Expedition left Mexico and for the first time entered the territory of Arizona in search of the legendary seven cities of Cibola. Due to the absence of such wealth, few Europeans made an effort to explore the enormous desert. Almost a century later, the Jesuit Francisco Eusebio Kino established missions along the Santa Cruz River. Among many of the missions founded by Kino, the San Jose de Tumacacori is one of the oldest.

Today the Tumacacori Mission is a national park. On July 5, Carol Bender and small group of UBRPers had the privilege of visiting the Tumacacori National Historical Park. Upon our arrival a volunteer, Brother Roy from the Franciscan order in Honduras, welcomed us. The journey began inside a small hut made primarily of mud that resembled the homes of the O’odham (or Pima people). Brother Roy enlightened us with the history and the purpose of the mission. His elaborate descriptions allowed the visitors to travel back in time and experience the history of the mission and its people. He guided us through the convent and finally to the church. The tall building stood out from its surroundings. Despite the ruins, the church still remains a sacred place of worship as the spirit of the church continues to live.

Once inside the church, Brother Roy talked about the events that occurred in the church such as mass and baptisms and how the Jesuits, who where later replaced by the Franciscans, converted the O’odham to Christianity. The Jesuits and Franciscans also brought along with them new crops such as winter wheat and domesticated animals such as cattle and sheep. As a result missions, ranches and farms were built. At the altar, Brother Roy entertained us with a beautiful Gregorian chant. According to visiting UBRPer Emily Williams, it was important to Brother Roy to recreate the atmosphere of the mission as it once was.

After visiting the church Brother Roy led the way to the cemetery where hundreds of people are interred. It was at the cemetery that Brother Roy revealed that he was in reality Park Ranger Roy Simpson, and that his character was part of the tour. Although this disappointed many, his impersonation was amazing and convincing. Regardless, the visit to the Tumacacori Mission was a wonderful experience.

Roy took us on an ecology tour of the Santa Cruz River. He talked about the environmental and health issues related to the river and the major cities that settled along the Santa Cruz River. On the way to the trail, we unexpectedly came upon several ornithologists from the Southwest Center for Biodiversity. They were banding birds. They explained that approximately 50% of the bird species in the country travel through the riparian area next to the mission. Some of the birds included the brown-headed cowbird, bridled titmouse, and a western kingbird. The more daring among us held and released several of the banded birds.

After a long morning, Carol took us to the Tumacacori Restaurant that interestingly served both Greek and Mexican food. Everyone seemed to enjoy their lunch, which ranged from Greek salads to chimichangas. Following lunch, we crossed the Mexican border for a brief shopping spree. Within minutes we had entered a country with a different language and customs. For some, this was the first time they had stepped foot in Mexico. Everyone enjoyed bargaining with the vendors and since the majority of the vendors spoke English, this was an easy task and for those of us who spoke Spanish, even easier. Fortunately, we did not experience any problems in crossing into Mexico and back into the US.

The trip ended with a brief stop in Tubac, a town of art and history. It was established as a Spanish presidio in 1752 and today it is home to artists’ studios that surround the grounds, which once served as the home for a Spanish military garrison. Several UBRPers got a great deal on some beautiful handmade scarves.

The day was full of exciting adventures that will be remembered by all. A special thanks goes to Carol Bender for organizing this trip and others to make this a memorable summer.

Yesenia Rojas, visiting UBRPer in Dr. Ronald Lynch’s lab, Physiology and Pharmacology from University of St. Thomas, Houston, Texas