Iglesia de San Francisco Javier

The Iglesia de San Francisco Javier in San Javier, Spain, is a captivating blend of history, architecture, and spirituality. Located in the heart of San Javier, this parish church stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of faith and community in the region of Murcia.

The Historical Roots

The origins of the Iglesia de San Francisco Javier date back to the first quarter of the 17th century when a humble hermitage was constructed and dedicated to Saint Francis Xavier. This small sanctuary became the nucleus around which a settlement began to grow, eventually adopting the name San Javier. During this period, the population of the Murcian countryside was gradually moving from the interior towards the coast, driven by the threat of Berber piracy. This migration led to the establishment of three significant population centers: Torre Pacheco, San Javier, and San Pedro del Pinatar.

In 1698, the hermitage was elevated to the status of a parish, with Don Cristóbal Balaguer serving as its first parish priest. The current structure, however, was not completed until the 18th century. A notable event in the church's construction history occurred in 1709 when locals from El Pinatar captured eighteen Moors and employed them to work on the church in exchange for alms. By 1765, Don Bartolomé Portel was the parish priest, overseeing the continued growth and development of the church.

The establishment of the San Francisco Javier parish played a crucial role in encouraging the settlement of the new population center in the Campo de Cartagena, as the threat of Berber pirates diminished along the Murcian coast.

An Architectural Marvel

The Iglesia de San Francisco Javier boasts a Latin cross plan inscribed within a rectangle. It features a central nave flanked by two lateral naves, each with a straight head, and a transept crowned by a hemispherical dome. A high choir is located at the rear of the church, and a single tower adorns the facade. The church has three chapels on each side of the lateral naves, connected to the central nave by semicircular arches.

The pillars of the church are adorned with pilasters of the composite order, and a richly decorated cornice with broken lines and intricate moldings runs along the nave. The exterior of the church showcases reforms likely from the 19th century, reflecting the elitist currents of historicism. The four-tiered tower is particularly noteworthy, with the top tier serving as an open bell tower featuring four semicircular arches framed by Tuscan pilasters.

Artistic and Historical Significance

The Iglesia de San Francisco Javier, along with the now-lost church of Torre Pacheco and the church of San Pedro del Pinatar, were the first three parishes established in the Mar Menor region. Artistically, the church aligns perfectly with the typology of new parishes built in the early 18th century in the region, all of which were constructed or reconstructed following the Council of Trent.

A Treasury of Sculptures

One of the most enduring legacies of the church is its collection of sculptures. Thanks to the testament of Don Bartolomé Porter, a long-serving parish priest, we know of the existence of a statue of Saint Cajetan, funded by Porter himself. The church also houses statues of Saint Felix of Valois, the Rosary of Saint Joseph, Our Lord Jesus Nazarene, the Holy Christ, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the titular Saint Francis Xavier, who has always presided over the main altar.

Despite the church's efforts to preserve its numerous images and religious artifacts, the Spanish Civil War of 1936-39 resulted in the loss of many valuable works of art and damage to the church's internal structure, including the altarpiece and paintings. However, some of these works have since been restored and recovered, with the latest restoration taking place in 1994. The same year saw the inauguration of the Museum of Sacred Art of the parish of San Francisco Javier on September 29.

Remarkable Works of Art

The church is home to several notable works of art, including a processional cross, an incense burner, and a naveta, all crafted in silver by the master Andrés Jiménez de Cisneros. The church also features a retablo designed to adorn the chapel of Saint Felix of Valois. Additionally, the church possesses two commissioned bells made by the bellmaker José Muñoz.

Thanks to the sculptor José Sánchez Lozano, the church now has a new image of Jesus in the Eucharist, which had to be reconstructed. Another significant piece is the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, created by the sculptor Francisco Sánchez Araciel specifically for San Javier. The latest artistic contribution is a retablo constructed by the sculptor Antonio Carrión Valverde exclusively for the Iglesia de San Francisco Javier.

Stunning Paintings

The paintings adorning the church are equally impressive. The dome features depictions of the four evangelists, painted by Manuel Muñoz Barberán, a renowned artist from the region of Murcia. The church also houses a votive painting from the oratory of the marquises who lived on the Torre Octavio estate. This painting, created by the Valencian artist Joaquín Campos López, features a smaller painting within it, showcasing a simple bust of the Blessed Virgin Mary made of plaster or stucco. The upper part of the painting opens to reveal a glorious depiction of the Holy Trinity, with Saint Joseph, Saint Francis Xavier, Saint Anthony of Padua, and Saint Gertrude the Great beneath, all watched over by angels.

The Iglesia de San Francisco Javier is not just a place of worship; it is a living museum of history, art, and faith. Its walls and altars tell stories of devotion, resilience, and artistic excellence, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the rich cultural heritage of San Javier and the region of Murcia.