Adventures at the Museum: November 2013

Father Pedro Maria Badilla

When I was doing my research on Genaro Acosta - the St. Johns Pioneer who built many of the Catholic Churches in Apache County, I discovered that his father Lazaro Acosta had written a biography of Father Pedro Maria Badilla - the first Catholic Priest in Apache County.   Another intriguing historical Apache County figure for me to find out more about! I was so excited!

During my research I was put in contact with several of Genaro Acosta's descendants, including Richard Armijo of the Eastern United States - who graciously sent copies of the Biography (both it's original Spanish version - published in 1910, & the translated English version) to the Museum.   Much of the information I share here today is taken from this biography.

Father Badilla was born 29 June 1827 on a coffee plantation in Heredia, Costa Rica.   After attending the Seminary, he was ordained a priest in Leon, Nicaragua on 8 December 1851, at the age of 24.

Late in 1867 or early 1868 he traveled to Europe where he visited London, Paris, and on to Rome hoping to visit the Vatican and be blessed by the Pope Pius IX, but at the time disease was running rampant in Rome & he was unable to visit the Pope. He then got on a ship headed for New York, spend a few days there & then went back to Costa Rica.

In 1877 he came back to America spending some time in California. During this time his parents died and "upon the death of his parents, the priest inherited a small fortune, using his expenditures with intentions that always began with some noble purpose & to do good unto his brethren the poor, never saving anything for himself, he lived meager & this scarcity was one of his most glorious rings." (From the Biography by Lazaro Acosta).

In the beginning of 1880 Father Badilla arrived in Tucson, Arizona Territory. At that time early Catholic settlers in Apache County were hoping and "felt it was essential" to form a parish. The Bishop in Tucson proposed this Parish to Father Badilla, "letting him know how difficult it would be and the dangers of not having a church available, etc. The worthy Priest welcomed this proposition considering it to be his greatest happiness." (From the Biography by Lazaro Acosta).

He saw to it that a church was built in St. Johns, working very hard and using some of his own money. In addition he founded the Catholic Church in Springerville, and also in Concho - again using much of his own money. (These churches in Concho & Springerville were built by Genaro Acosta.)

He spent 20 years serving the people of Apache County - many times traveling on foot to visit parishioners.   Father Badilla served everyone - and was loved by all of the people, including those of other faiths. When he passed away in Concho, 3 May 1901, his death was mourned by all. Father Badilla was laid to rest on the grounds of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in St. Johns, Apache County, Arizona.