Bishop Richard Garcia of the Monterey Diocese will offer a Mass of
Reconciliation tomorrow for the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. Bishop Garcia will apologize for abuses during the Mission Era of California, including the enslavement of Native Americans, forced relocation, and cultural genocide.
It’s a watershed moment for the Amah Mutsun, said Tribal Chair Valentin Lopez.
"The Catholic Church has never acknowledged the events that occurred at the Mission," Lopez said. "For healing to be complete, it’s important that truth be told. And we believe that this apology will allow us to get back on track and begin the healing that’s necessary for our members to be strong and balanced in their life."
Amah Mutsun will be travelling from all over the state to attend, as well as elders from other tribes and historians and anthropoligists from four U.C. campuses.
The Mass will be in front of Old Mission Church in San Juan Bautista.
The public is invited.