The cardinal emphasised that these changes are faithful to Catholic teaching and reflect local culture, addressing traditionalist criticism.

The Dicastery for Divine Worship recently approved a decree permitting adaptations. These included ritual dances and laypersons handling incense in the Diocese of San Cristóbal de Las Casas.

"Neither Jesus nor the apostles celebrated with the Tridentine Missal. It dates back to the 16th century" Cardinal Esquivel wrote in the Mexican church publication Desde la Fe. He argued that opposition to the adaptations stems from misunderstandings about liturgy and indigenous culture.

The decree also authorised a translation of the missal into Tzeltal, an indigenous language. However, the Mexican Bishops' Conference clarified that these are optional adaptations within the Novus Ordo, not a new rite or "Mayan rite".

Inculturation

Cardinal Esquivel stressed that these changes align with the Church's tradition of inculturation which integrates cultural elements into Catholic worship.

"It is the best example of inculturation with Jewish ritual signs" said the cardinal. "He instituted the Eucharist not in Latin, but in Aramaic, the language of those with whom he lived at the time."

The Mexican cardinal added "the bread he used was not like our hosts, which are wafers and true bread; it changes the shape, not the substance".

True to Catholic doctrine

The bishops reiterated that the adaptations exclude practices like Mayan altars and prayers to the four cardinal directions.

Esquivel called for continuing the inculturation process, ensuring indigenous believers can express their faith within their cultural context while remaining true to Catholic doctrine.

The cardinal stressed the importance of being faithful to the Word of God and the Magisterium of the Church so that "our people can also live their faith in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in their cultural forms".

Sources

Desde la Fe

English Katholisch

Catholic News Agency

CathNews New Zealand

The adaptations include new roles for lay leaders and cultural expressions during worship, reflecting the traditions of local Indigenous communities.

According to a decree issued by Cardinal Arthur Roche, the Dicastery for Divine Worship granted formal recognition for these changes on 8 November.

However, the Vatican is reviewing broader use for all Mexican Indigenous groups and considering variations for different communities.

Cardinal Felipe Arizmendi Esquivel praised the Vatican's approval: "It is the official recognition of the Church that these adaptations are recognised as valid and legitimate.

"They are the liturgy of the Church, not just customs and traditions that are viewed with suspicion".

Approved Adaptations

The approved adaptations emphasise Indigenous traditions while maintaining the theological integrity of the Roman rite. Community-selected leaders, known as "Principals", will guide communal prayers during Mass, fostering greater participation.

Additionally, post-Communion thanksgiving may now include rhythmic movements, enabling worshippers to express their faith in culturally meaningful ways.

The cardinal explained that ritual dances were approved for the offertory, the prayers of the faithful and the thanksgiving after Communion.

He pointed out that these "are not folklore but simple movements of the entire assembly - monotone, contemplative, accompanied by traditional music - which express the same thing as the Roman rite but in a different cultural form".

Another approved point is that women can now serve as thurifers during Mass. After the priest blesses the incense, they can incense the altar, images, Gospel book, ministers and assembly.

Using culturally specific incense, this practice reflects Indigenous customs where women traditionally perform this role, not as a feminist demand but as part of their spiritual heritage.

Making a culture

With over 23 million Indigenous people in Mexico representing 62 languages, the adaptations aim to make the liturgy more inclusive. Cardinal Arizmendi stated, "The content of the mass is not being changed, but the way it is expressed. This is not about destroying the liturgy but making it a culture".

The Vatican's recognition follows decades of advocacy for inculturation as supported by the Second Vatican Council and reiterated by Pope Francis in Querida Amazonia.

It also aligns with global efforts such as Australia's approval of an Aboriginal liturgy earlier this year.

Sources

The Pillar

Catholic News Agency

English Katholisch

CathNews New Zealand

The motives behind the theft from the church remain unclear, sparking intense speculation and concern among the mission's congregation and the wider community.

The US bishops who approved a pastoral framework for Indigenous ministry just days ago are among those keen to hear more.

Removal by stealth

The almost 2.5-metre Apache Christ icon had hung behind the altar under a crucifix since 1989. Painted by Franciscan Friar Robert Lentz, the icon depicts Jesus as a Mescalero holy man. Its Apache inscription translates as "Giver of Life".

Lentz says it was created with "substantial consultation and collaboration with the Apache community".

Both the Apache Christ and the Gervase Peso Spirit Dancers were taken from St Joseph Apache Mission on the Mescalero Reservation in New Mexico on 26 or 27 June.

The icon's detailed, hand-crafted frame was disassembled and left behind.

At the same time, the parish's sacred vessels - Pueblo pottery and Apache baskets - were replaced with brass.

Shock and distress

The artworks' disappearance was discovered as shocked parish staff and volunteers opened the church on June 27.

The parish priest, Father Simeon-Aguinam, "did not like anything to do with our Native culture" said a parishioner.

"It was a shock to our summer youth catechism teachers and attendees to enter the church and be greeted by an empty space where the 'Apache Christ' icon once stood" says volunteer youth minister and catechist AnneMarie Brillante.

The New Mexico State Council of the Knights of Columbus is also upset.

The Knights' state deputy says any Knights of Columbus involved in the icon's removal "were acting on their own behalf" and "not ... in the capacity of Knights of Columbus".

Restoring the work

A week after the artworks' disappearance, the Mescalero Apache Tribe announced their return.

On 3 July they said "it is with profound joy that we announce that the paintings ... have been returned to the tribe and ... will be returned to their locations in the church".

The icon has been damaged, reports say.

Who did it?

The mission's website says those responsible were the pastor, members of the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces. Bishop Peter Baldacchino is said to have approved their removal.

Brillante posted an audio recording of a June 27 phone call she had with Deacon John Munson from Las Cruces diocese.

He said the icon had not been stolen - "just removed".

Brillante argued they stole the icon because it belonged to parishioners. Munson insisted it belonged to the Church.

Lentz clarified he gave the icon to the people. The fact that the priest led men from Alamogordo in its removal "only adds to the shame" he said.

The diocese didn't offer a reason and Simeon-Aguinam couldn't be reached for comment.

Church leaders are trying to meet with Baldacchino who has never visited St Joseph Apache Mission despite several invitations.

Mescalero Tribal Police say they have "taken a report" and are investigating.

Source

• OSV News
• UCA News
• ABQ News

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