Parroquia El Sagrado Corazón de Jesús

In the heart of Los Mochis stands the building where the region's official Catholic history began — the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Parroquia El Sagrado Corazón de Jesús). Built between 1919 and 1922, this church is the oldest in the city and is recognized as an important cultural heritage site that preserves the memory of the settlement's early decades.

This architectural gem, located in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, stands out with its majestic yet austere appearance against the backdrop of more modern urban buildings. Despite its relatively modest size, the parish impresses with its authenticity and a special spiritual atmosphere noted by both pilgrims and regular tourists. A high trust rating among visitors confirms the significance of this place for the city's identity.

One of the main artistic features of the church is the bas-relief on the cross at the entrance, consecrated according to strict Catholic traditions. Today, the parish continues to serve as a center of religious life for the community while remaining an open and welcoming place for everyone who appreciates history and classic ecclesiastical architecture.

To inquire about the schedule of holiday masses or other church events, you can contact the parish directly. We have gathered up-to-date contact information to help you plan your visit to this historic site. Please note that the official social media page is frequently updated with news from the local community.

A visit to the parish offers a rare opportunity to slow down and feel the connection across time. A peaceful atmosphere reigns inside the church, ideal for quiet prayer or calm contemplation of the architectural forms. Be sure to notice the bas-relief at the entrance and find the burial site of Father Francisco Reyna, a legendary figure in the history of this parish.

For architectural photography enthusiasts, the church offers an excellent view: the ancient facade set against the Sinaloa sky is very photogenic. It is best to plan your visit so that after exploring the interior, you can take a stroll through the neighboring Plaza 27 de Septiembre, where the city's life unfolds in all its diversity.

If you are interested in local traditions, it is worth visiting the church during services. This will allow you to see how the modern community lives and hear church hymns. The site is excellent for a family visit: it will be educational for children to learn about how the city was built and the role its first residents played in that process.

Finding the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is easy, as it is located in the city's most vibrant district at Francisco Javier Mina s/n. The church is situated right next to the popular Plaza 27 de Septiembre, making it a natural stop during a stroll through the historic center.

If you are staying in the central part of the city, the church is easily accessible on foot — a walk from the main streets will take no more than 5–10 minutes. For those who prefer comfort, local taxi services are always available, and city buses stop just a few minutes' walk from the entrance.

Travelers arriving from Los Mochis International Airport will need about an hour and a half to reach the center. You can use a shuttle service, rent a car, or take public transportation that connects the airport with key points in the city. Parking spaces are available near the church for those traveling by car.

The history of this sacred site began in 1919. The Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus became the first Catholic church in Los Mochis, filling the spiritual void of the young city where services had previously been held in private homes. The local community played an enormous role in its creation: a ladies' committee led by Señora Dolores Vega de Borboa actively raised funds for the construction.

Interestingly, the family of the city's founder, Benjamin Francis Johnston, also participated in the fate of the Catholic church. Despite being of a different faith, his wife not only provided the land for the construction but also doubled the amount raised by the townspeople. This highlights the unique spirit of cooperation that prevailed in Los Mochis at the beginning of the 20th century.

The first significant event within the walls of the new church was the baptism of a girl named Teresa de Jesús Valenzuela Llanes. Starting in 1929, Father Francisco Reyna served here for nearly thirty years. His devotion was so great that after his death in 1956, he was honored with a burial right inside the church, where his grave can still be seen today.

To leisurely explore the church interiors and appreciate its architectural merits, 30 to 60 minutes is usually sufficient. This time is enough to experience the silence of the city's oldest parish, examine the altar details, and take souvenir photos of the facade.

If you plan to combine your visit to the church with some relaxation at the adjacent Plaza 27 de Septiembre, allow about 1.5 hours for your walk. This will enable you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the historic center without feeling rushed.

The doors of the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus are open to parishioners and tourists daily. From Monday to Saturday, it follows a two-phase schedule: morning hours from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and evening hours from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This break helps maintain peace and order during the hottest hours of the day.

On Sunday, the church is open only in the first half of the day — from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Please keep in mind that during major religious holidays or wedding ceremonies, access for tourists may be restricted, so it is best to choose a time between masses to view the interior.

The parish's central location makes it easy to combine a spiritual tour with a visit to other interesting sites. A walk through the surrounding area will reveal different sides of Los Mochis, from its industrial heritage to cozy urban squares.