Patronato San Xavier

Patronato San Xavier is a non-sectarian, non-profit corporation which was formed in June, 1978. The corporation was formed to be used for historical, research, scientific and educational purposes concerned with the restoration, maintenance and preservation of Mission San Xavier del Bac near Tucson, Arizona. The founders of Patronato San Xavier recognized that the mission was in need of the maintenance and repair which was financially beyond the abilities of the Franciscan Friars who ran the mission. The founders of Patronano San Xavier included James M. Murphy, A Tucson attorney and historian; Emil W. Haury, a former director of the Arizona State Museum and head of the University of Arizona’s Department of Anthropology; Watson Smith, attorney and archaeologist; Jane Ivancovich, a Tucson philanthropist; Dianne Bret Harte, an editorial assistant at the Arizona Historical Society; and Bernard L. Fontana who was ethnologist in the Arizona State Museum. These people along with two Franciscan priests at Mission San Xavier del Bac, Father Kieran R. McCarty and Father Celestine Chinn, were the Patronato's first board of directors.

In 1985, Patronato San Xavier commissioned a study by art conservators Gloria Giffords and Miguel Celorio which resulted in an effort to raise funds through foundation, corporate, and private donations for restorations and conservation on the mission’s interior and exterior as well as the sculptural art held within. This effort which began in 1992 and was completed in 1997 was organized and coordinated by Paul Schwartzbaum. Patronato San Xavier is still active and committed to its mission of conserving the San Xavier del Bac.