About

MISSION’S OF ST. IGNATIUS PARISH

History of St. Ignatius Parish

The earliest dates on the history of our church community dates back to 1881.  The Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad had been completed with which allowed train travel.  However, padres on horseback made the circuit to settlements in the surrounding areas, which inlcuded Ignacio, Tiffany, Allison, Arboles, Rosa, Pagosa Junction and Durango.  As there was no permanent structure, Mass was said in private home or out in the open.

As the church community grew, it became apparent that some type of permanent structure was needed.  In 1898, a small clapboard church was erected at the same location of our present church.  At this time the church community was made up of mostly Native Americans and the only standing buildings in the immediate area were the Agency, the train depot, and the church (See photo dated 1898 – 1917).

On May 15, 1903, the location became official when application from the Roman Catholic Church was made to the Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, to set aside three acres for missionary purposes.  On June 5, 1903, permission was granted to set aside a tract of land to house church buildings.

In 1906, Sacred Heart Church was erected in Durango, Colorado, and the church in Ignacio became a mission under the priests assigned to that church, which was the Theatine Order.  The Catholic population continued to increase and by 1917 a new church was necessary.  Adobe bricks were prepared and set in order by local talent.  (See photo’s dated 1918-1977)

On March 20, 1961, permission was granted for the church to place a parish hall on the premises.  A parish hall was made possible by salvaging the local railroad station.

In 1975, a missionary priest, Father Donald Castonguay, from the Order of Divine Word Missionaries, approach Bishop Buswell about serving this community.  On April 5, 1976, the parish began the new experience of having a full time priest.

In 1976 planning began and in 1980 permission was granted by the Bishop of Pueblo, for the construction of a new church.  The church was completed in 1981, and a dedication ceremony, presided by Bishop Tafoya, was held on September 20, 1981. The bell tower from the old church refused to come down in the demolition, so it was preserved and still remains.

In July 1988, St. Ignatius Church was declared a parish by Bishop Arthur Tafoya.  St. Bartholomew of Bayfield and St. Peter St. Rosa of Arboles were now missions of St. Ignatius.

On September 1, 1995, a much needed rectory was built on Becker Street.  A new rectory was needed if we were going to attract and keep a priest in our church.  In 1997, Rev. Edward Andary was appointed as pastor for St. Ignatius Church and its missions – St. Bartholomew, Bayfield and St. Peter St. Rosa, Arboles.  During his tenure Fr. Eddy was instrumental in getting a new education building (Tekakwitha Center) and in 2003 plans for a new parish hall began.  The old railroad station that was serving as the parish hall was sold and removed.  On December 12, 2003, Fr. Eddy passed so the parish agreed to dedicate the new parish hall in his memory.  On April 12, 2004, Bishop Arthur Tafoya dedicated “Andary Hall.” 

After the death of Fr. Andary, the Parish and it’s Missions had various priests from the Diocese of Pueblo and the Theatine Order. Each of them shared a special ministry with us that we truly appreciate.

In August 2019, Fr. Cesar Arras, C.R., who is a member of the Theatine Order, was appointed to served St. Ignatius Parish and it’s Missions from Fr. Cesar became an active member of the community, brought new energy to the parish and revived the Native American Ministry in our parish. Fr. Cesar’s appointment ended September 2023 which also marked the end of the Theatine Order taking care of St. Ignatius Parish and it’s Missions. We are truly grateful for their many years of ministering to our parish community.

Effective October 4, 2023, St. Ignatius Parish, St. Bartholomew Church and St. Peter St. Rose Church returned to the care of a Diocesan Pastor. Our parish was temporarily under the administration of Fr. Kevin Novack and his Parochial Vicar, Fr. John Jatau from Nigeria, until February 18, 2024.

At this time, Fr. Heriberto Torres-Velasquez, C.R. from Sacred Heart Church is taking care of St. Ignatius Parish and it’s Missions. His tenure is uncertain and due to his busy schedule, we have had to make adjustments to our schedule. We are grateful to have Fr. Beto and appreciate his willingness to serve us.