San Francisco Temple facts for kids
The Templo de San Francisco (which means Church of St. Francis in English) is a very important Catholic church in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico. It is one of the oldest and most valuable buildings in the city center. You can find it at 15 Calle Libertad.
This church is named after St. Francis of Assisi. This is because the city of Chihuahua used to be called San Francisco El Cuellar. Also, the Franciscans, a group of monks, built and first used the church.
Even though it started with the Franciscans, the church is now cared for by the Dominicans. The building style is simple and peaceful, like other Franciscan mission churches. It is always painted white, showing the Franciscan idea of living simply.
History of the San Francisco Church
The Templo de San Francisco was one of the first churches built in Chihuahua City. Its construction began a long time ago, in 1717. The builders planned it to have a latin cross shape with a dome over the middle. The main part of the church has looked the same since it was finished in 1789.
This church also served as the first school for young women in Chihuahua. In 1811, something very important happened here. The body of Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was buried in the West Chapel. He is known as the 'Father of the Nation' because he helped Mexico become independent. After Mexico won its independence, his body was moved to Mexico City. Today, a special marker shows where he was first buried.
In 2004, the Church of San Francisco was lit up for the first time. This was for Mexico's Independence Day celebrations on September 16. It is still an active Catholic church today, where people go to worship.
Inside the Church of San Francisco
The Templo de San Francisco has a beautiful interior with several important areas. You can see the long main hall, called the Nave, where people sit. There is also a grand High Altar at the front of the church.
The church has different chapels and altars. One is the West Transept Altar, which has a fancy style called Churrigueresque. There is also a special Chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, a very important figure in Mexican culture. The West Chapel also features a detailed altarpiece.
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The Nave, the main part of the church.
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The High Altar, where services are held.
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A detailed altar in the West Transept.
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The Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
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The altarpiece in the West Chapel.
See also
In Spanish: Templo de San Francisco de Asís (Chihuahua) para niños
