Apache Catholics at a New Mexico parish told OSV News more questions than answers remain after two pieces of art belonging to the community were suddenly removed from their church, then returned to tribal offices a few days later after public outcry — with no clear explanation from diocesan personnel, the now-former pastor and other individuals apparently connected to the matter.
Parishioners with whom OSV News spoke also said the incident and its handling by the diocese underscore the need for greater pastoral efforts in effective ministry to the church's Indigenous Catholics, especially following the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' overwhelming approval in June of a new pastoral framework for Indigenous Catholic ministry.
"Apache Christ" by Franciscan Friar Robert Lentz, an 8-foot icon depicting Jesus in the style of a Mescalero Apache holy man with the inscription in Apache "giver of life," and a painting of an Apache crown dancer by the late Apache artist Gervase Peso were taken June 26 from St. Joseph Apache Mission in Mescalero, New Mexico. Additionally several liturgical items reflecting Indigenous culture were missing.
Source: https://www.ncronline.org/news/new-mexico-tribe-gets-back-apache-christ-...