Fides (Faith)

The Lord is my light

Set beneath the luminous towers of Mission San Xavier del Bac, this artwork celebrates the virtue of Fides (Faith) through the legacy of Arizona’s earliest spiritual pioneers. In the late 17th and 18th centuries, Spanish missionaries journeyed across the rugged desert Southwest, founding missions like San Xavier. These missions became centers to share beliefs, foster community, and cultivate the land, shaping Arizona’s identity for centuries.

At the heart of the composition sits a poised young woman, her presence inspired by classical Marian devotion. She gently cradles a lit candle to symbolize the steadfast light of faith carried by the missionaries. Her traditional Spanish gown and cross pendant honor the Catholic heritage of the mission era, while her serene expression conveys quiet strength and reverence.

Around her, the desert comes alive with native Sonoran plants and wildlife: blooming cactus flowers, a swift roadrunner, the tiny elf owl, and a desert spiny lizard. Each one reflects the resilience of this harsh but beautiful land. A lemon tree grows at her side, a nod to the agricultural legacy of the missions, where citrus orchards and gardens flourished.

Above, white doves take flight—a classic emblem of peace and the Holy Spirit. Behind her stands the radiant white facade of San Xavier del Bac, affectionately known as the “White Dove of the Desert.” For Arizonans, this sacred landmark is an architectural treasure and a living testament to the state’s spiritual roots.

The scene is bound together by a guiding principle drawn from Psalms 27:1: “The Lord is my light.”