San Xavier del Bac Mission (Interior)

Here are photos from the interior of the San Xavier del Bac Mission near Tucson, AZ. This is the high altar area.

the ceiling of the domed area

Man in the Maze

"The man at the top of the maze depicts birth. By following the whole pattern, beginning at the top, the figure goes through the maze encountering many turns and changes, one acquires knowledge, strength, and understanding. Near the end of the maze, one retreats to a small corner of the pattern before reaching the dark center of death and eternal life. Here one repents, cleanses, and reflects back on all the wisdom gained. Finally, pure and in harmony with the world, death and eternal life are accepted."

The lower half of the walls within the church area are painted like this. It really caught my eye the first time and did so again on this trip. It reminds me of M. C. Escher's work.