Lisa Hegarty
The Litchfield Park Historical Society, in partnership with the Church at Litchfield Park, will be hosting a presentation entitled, “Father Kino: Journey to Discovery” on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 10 a.m. and again on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 6:30 p.m. at The Church at Litchfield Park in Souers Hall, located at 300 N. Old Litchfield Rd., in Litchfield Park.
Presenter Dr. Barbara Jaquay will speak about Father Eusebio Francisco Kino’s impact on Arizona. Often described as caring and charismatic, this multi-talented Jesuit missionary established 24 missions throughout northern Mexico and southern Arizona between 1687 and 1711 and is credited with bridging the gap between European and Native American cultures.
He was a cartographer, explorer, geographer, scientist, and agriculturalist who introduced new crops and livestock to the native population. He traveled extensively through portions of Mexico and Arizona, known as the Pimería Alta, creating the most accurate maps of the region for more than 150 years after his death.
He explored as far north as the ruins of Casa Grande, made several trips to the Colorado River, visited many native villages along the Gila River, and climbed the Estrella Mountains. He founded the mission at San Xavier del Bac near Tucson, which is perhaps his most enduring mark in Arizona. Held in high honor to this day, Native Americans still make a pilgrimage each year to Magdalena de Kino, the site of his burial in Sonora, Mexico.
This is a free presentation. For more information, visit www.LPHSMuseum.org or call 623-535-4414.