Pilgrimage and Mass honor Saint Francis of Assisi

The San Solano Missions in the Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation celebrated the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi this month drawing hundreds of Catholics on October 4th. Bishop Edward Weisenburger led the Mass, among the concelebrants were Fr. David Gaa, the minister provincial of St. Barbara province; Fr. John Gibbons, pastor of Solano Missions; Fr. Manuel Viera, a Franciscan; and Fr. Manu Franco, a Carmelite. 

Fr. Gibbons said the feast is arguably the biggest holiday for the Tohono O'odham Nation. It's been more than 20 years since the mission in the Kawulk Community hosted the feast. The village is 14 miles south of Sells. Dozens of pilgrims walked to the celebration from neighboring districts. David Lopes Sr. said he walked from the Florence Village with his brothers and camped the night before Mass. The trio said the overnight journey was exhausting but valuable. They planned to leave their walking staffs in the mission. Bishop Weisenburger blessed the staffs many adorned with ribbons, Fr. Gibbons said, "They witness to the many dozens of walkers, who walked many miles, often for many days, not only to this village but to Magdalena, Mexico." 

On Indian Route 20, about two miles north of the mission, the Melendez family said they were eager to arrive at the celebration. The mother and three children woke up at 4 a.m. for the spiritual journey. 

After the celebration, Fr. Gibbons said, "Their faith is not abstract; it is vividly expressed in devotional sacrifices and activities, in sacred objects and images, in songs and prayer vigils, in long preparation and long celebration.  It is a classic example of the devotions which Pope Francis celebrates as good and necessary expressions of our faith, especially when they are infused with local culture."

Ramona Casillas drove up from Tucson for the celebration, she is a parishioner at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton and Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Indian Mission. Casillas said pilgrimages are often generational and carry a ripple effect throughout families, "This is all in preparation for the beauty of our surroundings."