Magnificat - Recording at Tumacácori

A couple of years ago, the Kino Heritage Society commissioned a musical setting of the Magnificat to be used for Vespers in honor of Father Eusebius Kino, the Apostle of the Pimería Alta and known as the “Padre on Horseback.” The work premiered on March 20, 2022, at St. Augustine Cathedral in Tucson, AZ. Most Rev. Edward Weisenburger, Bishop of Tucson, presided over the Vespers liturgy. Among the clergy in attendance were Rev. Christopher Corbally, S.J., and Rev. Johan Verschueren, S.J.

During the same year, the idea of filming some of the commissioned works inside spaces influenced by Father Kino arose. After securing the necessary funds, this dream became a reality.

Fr. Greg Adolf, Pastor at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Parish in Sierra Vista and the spiritual moderator of the Kino Heritage Society, initiated communication with the authorities at Tumacácori National Historical Park. Following this, I became involved, and we were finally able to set a date for the filming.

Nate Mckowen and his crew recorded footage of the ruins and landscape before sunset. The sunset occurred at approximately 7:10 pm, and by 8:40 pm, darkness had fallen. The Cathedral Schola arrived at 8:30 pm, and it took roughly 4 hours to film inside the building, and by 1 am the following morning, everything had been cleared. This was possible thanks to the Chouinard Family Trust in memory of Patricia Chouinard. ¡Muchas gracias!

It is essential to remember that the mission of the Kino Heritage Society is to promote the legacy of Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino, S.J., and to support the cause for Canonization.

Enjoy the video!