For Rafael Barceló Durazo, who grew up across the border from Arizona in the Mexican state of Sonora, Venerable Father Eusebio Kino is a symbol of unity. Today, as the Mexican consul in Tucson, he also looks to the famed missionary known as Padre Kino — and declared venerable by Pope Francis — as an example to follow. “I have always admired the cou...

The Kino Heritage Society celebrated the 30th anniversary of the “Three Statues for Three Nations,” a ceremony honoring Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, on Sunday morning. The celebration, led by Ward 5 Councilman Richard Fimbres, started at the Kino statue on 15th Street and Kino Parkway, where various speakers spoke on the history of Father Kino. A...

The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA) opened its doors in 2016 to tell the story of Italian immigrants in Southern California: their history now housed in the renovated Italian Hall, built in 1908. The Italian presence in California dates back to 1683 when Eusebio Francisco Chini (known as Eusebio Kino), a Jesuit priest born in norther...

Pope Francis on Saturday recognized the heroic virtue of the life of a 17th century Italian Jesuit missionary who evangelized – and mapped – much of what is now northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. On July 11, the pope formally recognized the life of Servant of God Eusebio Kino, S.J., as one of heroic virtue. Kino, an explorer and mi...

When it comes to the evangelization of California, Father Junípero Serra certainly gets his fair share of attention for founding nine Spanish missions across California in the 1700s, winning over Native American converts, and leaving a legacy of faith that’s lasted more than two centuries. Thus it came as no surprise that Pope Francis granted the F...

Today we go west, to the Grand Canyon State: Arizona. The story of the Italians here starts with an important explorer, Father Eusebio Kino: we will learn about this incredible hero, another Italian explorer who helped many people, included a lot of Native Americans. Our guest, the person who will lead us through Italy in Arizona, is Massimo Paolil...

Los Angeles is one of the most significant cities in the United States. It houses one of the most active consulates, which is a point of reference for many Italian people.   We are pleased to host Consul Antonio Verde, who has been representing our country in LA for one year and a half.

By Nancy Wiechec   Jesuit Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, an Italian missionary to the American Southwest known as the "Padre on Horseback," was honored Jan. 10 at the Tumacacori National Historical Park with Kino Legacy Day. The celebration of the priest -- who founded 24 missions and was also known as an astronomer, builder, mapmaker,...