California bishop to apologize to Native American tribe
December 18, 2012
Bishop Richard Garcia of Monterey will travel to the historic Old Mission San Juan Bautista on December 22 to offer a Mass of reconciliation and apologize to members of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band of the Ohlone people.
According to the tribal band’s web site, Spanish colonists enslaved members of the tribe at the mission between 1797 and 1834.
“This Mass, during the time of Winter Solstice, marks an important day of prayer for renewal and hope for the future of the Mutsun People,” an announcement in the mission’s parish bulletin states. “The Tribe wishes to express our thanks to Bishop Garcia for offering apologies from the Church and for this Mass of Reconciliation. Events for the day include: 10:15am Fire Starting Ceremony; 11:30am Traditional Dance of the Mutsun Tribe; 1:00 pm Mass of Reconciliation. A meal of acorn, deer & elk will be shared at 2:30 pm with Bishop Garcia, priests from the Monterey Diocese, Tribal citizens, invited Elders from other tribes, friends & partners.”
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Further information:
- 12/16/12 Church bulletin, p. 3 (Old Mission San Juan Bautista)
- Tribal History: Mission San Juan Bautista (Amah Mutsan Tribal Band of Costonoan/Ohlone Indians)
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Posted by: jonesd1936 -
Dec. 18, 2012 8:28 PM ET USA
Yes; no revisions of authentic, accurate historical writing, BUT: it is almost always well and good to apologize for misdeeds of one's self and predecessors.
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Posted by: jacquebquique5708 -
Dec. 18, 2012 10:54 AM ET USA
Much as St. Patrick took on the Druids in Ireland, Junipero Serra took on the pagan culture of the Indians in California. As brutal as the Conquistadors were, they brought Catholic culture to America. Once again, it does not help to engage in revisionist history.
