Ysleta Mission reopens after renovations

After 11 months of waiting, hundreds of parishioners, Tigua, and priests celebrated as they finally had their church, the Ysleta Mission, back after repairs.

It was standing room only inside the mission now bearing its historic name–the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Mission..

Guillermo and Rosa Maria, two parishioners, said they had been going there since 1973. They say the church has changed a lot, but it’s still beautiful.

The altar inside the church, completely redone, along with repaired benches, redone floors, new ceilings and roofs. Even new air conditioning and heating brought the historic building to the 21st century.

“Remember the jewel that we have in El Paso. We don’t have to travel up to Santa…San Antonio to see the missions, we have missions in our backyard, and sometimes I think people forget that,” said Father Miguel Briseño, the parish priest.

People we spoke with said they know for hundreds of years historic parts of the church have had to be replaced to keep it in good conditions. While thats a loss in some way, they said, as long as things are done with the parish’s support, it will all be worth it.

“We gather to truly celebrate on this great day when we get to come back and use the mission,” Father Briseño said.

The renovations are entirely paid for thanks in part to contributions from parishioners, the church’s own money, and the Tigua men who worked on the renovations themselves.