by Sr. Margie Davis, OP

I recently got back from Tucson visiting Srs. Esther Calderon and Rachel Sena, and experiencing both of their ministries. Rachel serves as Director of Religious Education/Faith Formation at Mission San Xavier del Bac and Esther in Prison Ministry. Esther and her team, her brother Alfredo and sister Angie, had been going to Casa ALITAS for migrants, but it was closed right after the 2024 election.

I had the privilege of going with Esther's Team to Cimarron Unit where Esther led a Communion Service.  When I first got there, I was looking out into the huge “prison yard” and all I could see was Orange – men wearing orange prison garb!  I was overwhelmed with sadness – thinking “How did so many men get here in prison?”  What led them here? 

I imagine that there are all kinds of reasons, but as Esther led the Communion Service, I heard one man’s story that touched my heart!  He told us about the life of abuse that he and his other siblings experienced.  As I listened to his story, I was asking myself – “Did he really have a choice?  Or a chance for a different life?”  Of course, I don’t have an answer for that, but I also heard of the extreme faith that all three of the men present had and how they support each other when struggling.  For me, that was a sign of Hope.

I also went to the Manzanita Unit of the prison on Sunday evening with The Team, as well as another volunteer, Pat Manning, to attend the Communion Service.  (Fr. Bill, who usually celebrates Mass, has been ill so Esther was the celebrant.  Again, with music, preaching by Esther and sharing within the group, it was a faith-filled experience.  I was overjoyed to learn that one inmate was going to be released in two weeks, but before leaving, Esther was preparing him for Confirmation! 

Every Wednesday evening from 6-7:30 pm The Team goes to Whetstone Unit for Communion Service.  There are usually 16-18 inmates, and Esther describes it as a “very jolly group.” 

Another gift I received while there was going to hear to the Kindergarten/First Grade Concert at the Davis School.  Alfredo had founded the group Las Agilitas (Little Eagles) Mariachi Band many years ago as Director of Music.  These children learn Violin and other instruments and play in the Mariachi Bands throughout their school years.  Alfredo (who is now retired) would take the groups to nursing homes, hospitals, Mariachi Conference, to play at churches, and many other events.  Alfredo always said that his interest and desire is to promote discipline, self-confidence, and to keep the kids busy and off the streets. Listening to the proud parents of these kids, he has accomplished this goal. ( You can see one mom recording in the photo.)

The First Nation was  first visited in 1692 by Jesuit Fr. Eusibo Francisco Kino, SJ at a time when today’s Southwestern states of Arizona, New Mexico, California , Nevada, and Northwestern states belonged to New Spain (Mexico). Fr. Kino was invited by the Indigenous of this Nation to come and speak. Although his primary mission parish was Magdalena, Mexico, he saw it as his pastoral duty to explore and learn about this new land beyond Magdalena.

The Mission Church we see today was constructed in 1783 and was completed in 1797 on the Reservation. Fr. Kino named this Church (1700) after his missionary mentor, St. Francis Xavier, SJ. Spain later removed the Jesuits form New Spain in 1767 and named the Franciscans to take over the Mission in 1768. The Franciscans left the mission in 1821.

In 1854, the Gadsden Purchase by the USA extended its USA border, placing the Mission within the USA.  However, the Tohono O’odham tribal was divided between the USA and Mexico, and there are Tohono O’odham on tribal lands in Mexico and Arizona. The Tohono O’odham sees themselves as part of the San Xavier Mission as does the USA tribal Nation. Political boundaries do not erase historical Nation boundaries.

Sr. Rachel is responsible for the Religious Education Program.  It consists of 17 Volunteer Catechists for K-12.  The number of students and families served are 240 infant baptisms per year; Older children (5 yr- 10 gr) seasonal may have 2-5 groups preparing approximately 30 this year.  The Easter Vigil Liturgy: RCIA Program is coordinated by Sr. Rachel’s ministry partner, Sr. Carla, OSF.  This year Sr Carla has prepared 1 catechumen, 30 First Communion and Confirmation for The Easter Vigil. 

Sr. Rachel Sena (pictured left) is responsible for religious education.

Another amazing program is the yearly Adult Formation Equine Therapy for Women in Recovery, which includes 10-15 participants supported by volunteers and a Licensed Mental Health Therapist, 1-2 licensed Equine Therapists and 1-2 Master Social Workers. 

What is Equine Therapy, you ask?  It is a one-day event to provide ongoing formation to Native American Women in recovery from drugs, alcohol or domestic violence.  Small grants provide monies to provide materials for participants, meals, stipends for horses’ hay, stables, corral use, and upcoming events.  Sr. Carla, OSF, and Sr. Rachel plan these events with therapists and incorporate past evaluations, including suggestions for hotel accommodations when necessary.

I was able to meet and witness in action the Catechists that have served with Sr. Esther and Sr. Rachel for many years, and to see their dedication and enthusiasm for the mission of being a postive influence on the live of the young people around them. 

Srs. Rachel and Carla work together as a Team as well as with the Staff, the Franciscan Friars and with all the children, young people and families. It is truly a Mission of Love and Service.

Sr. Esther Calderon (pictured here) focuses on prison ministry.