A Short History of Ysleta Mission

Ysleta Mission, El Paso, Texas

The Conventual Franciscan Friars arrived at Ysleta Mission, Texas in 1991. Ysleta lies in El Paso, Texas – right on the border with Mexico. The mission’s Franciscan heritage goes back to its very foundations in 1680.

In that year Friar Francisco de Ayeta, Antonio de Otermín and a large group of Spaniards and aboriginal people arrived in the area where the Ysleta Mission is now located after fleeing from a Pueblo Revolt in Northern New Mexico. The mission that they founded began to develop quickly.

The Rio Grande River

One natural threat that Ysleta Mission faced was flooding by the Rio Grande River. Rapidly moving water had damaged or destroyed the mission building on three separate occasions. The mission’s current building and dimensions date back from the 1850s, when the actual structure was elevated. The Rio Grande also influenced the country in which Ysleta Mission eventually found itself. During the floods of 1829 and 1931, it ended up cutting a new channel one mile south of the mission. Previously, the river had flowed north of Ysleta. Thus in 1848 when Mexico and the United States were establishing a common border along the Rio Grande, the mission with its new north of the river location ended up on American territory.

Friar Charles McCarthy is the pastor of Ysleta Mission

This change of national jurisdiction forced the Franciscans at Ysleta Mission to return to Mexico – leaving the mission abandoned. The new Bishop of Santa Fe, New Mexico – who now had authority over Ysleta – populated it with a number of French diocesan priests who fulfilled this ministry until 1881. That year the Jesuits arrived at Ysleta and stayed until 1991. They showed strong commitment to the area, establishing many new parishes, missions, and a school. In 1907, Ysleta Mission suffered from a major fire.

As the last decade of the 20th century unfolded, the Conventual Franciscans moved into Ysleta Mission after having been invited to do so by the Bishop of El Paso. They have staffed the mission ever since, helping the local community as best they can.