
One of the gems in the Barrio is El Tiradito (Spanish for, The Castaway), the only shrine in America dedicated to a sinner. The "wishing shrine" was created in memory of Juan Oliveras, a shepherd who lived in the Tucson area in the 1800s. He met his end for his part in a forbidden love affair with his mother-in-law. The church refused him a proper burial so he was interred where he fell, on unconsecrated ground a terrible fate for a Catholic. Both believers and non-believers still flock to the shrine to light candles and leave their wishes for help with troubles of the heart. It is said that if your candle stays lit through the night your wish will be granted. Thankfully, the shrine still stands and since 1971 has been listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.