Neophyte

Metztli De La Cruz

August 2015

It was 8 a.m. in the San Gabriel Mission, where Sunday mass had concluded; the attendees wished one another good blessings and shook hands. One of the participants was Metztli Obregon, who, like her family and members of the Gabrielino-Tongva tribe, was a devout Catholic. Metztli was in her early twenties and considered a beauty among those who knew her. She stood at five feet five inches tall, with light olive skin that glowed in the sun; her long, wavy brunette hair fell past her waist. Her face was slightly plump, which gave her an appearance of innocence; Metztli had an average figure that showed her curves. However, Metztli's eyes were noticeable; they were light grey. People would notice her eyes from afar, as they shone like the moon.

Like many family members, she grew up being part of the San Gabriel Mission. Her grandparents told her that after the Mission had been established, their ancestors were welcomed and became neophytes (converters of the faith). Although Metztli, her family, and many tribal members were Catholic, they still held pride in their Indigenous roots and continued to practice many of the tribe's traditions. 

When the mass attendees slowly walked out of the church, they were greeted by many protesters outside the Mission. Most of the protestors were from the Tongva or other tribes.

"SHAME ON THE POPE! SHAME ON ALL OF YOU!"

"YOU ALL SUPPORT THE CREATOR OF THIS CONCENTRATION CAMP!"

"YOU ALL SHOULD BE ASHAMED! YOU ALL COME FROM PEOPLE WHO SUFFERED AT THE HANDS OF THE INVADERS!"

Many of the church attendees tried to avoid the protesters and head to the parking lots, but were blocked by them. Metztli, however, stayed inside the church with others who were frightened that the protestors would become violent. Some men in the mass became crowded and angered that the protesters ' families were afraid.

A fight looked like it was going to ensue. A chubby, older man in his early sixties walked forward; he was smaller than Metztli, with balding hair, dark tan skin, black eyes, and a thin gray mustache. His face had a couple of pox scars. The man was the church's Padre (Spanish for priest), who walked out of the church to try to stop the tension. "Everyone, please! We all stand before a church! We mustn't act with violence!"

"We have every right to protest! It's our right! You pray above the grave of our people who suffered at the hands of the invaders! This church and Mission were built to destroy our culture and traditions!" yelled a female protester.

"I understand you have many emotions built up due to the news, young lady. You have a right to express your feelings and thoughts. That is a freedom that I am not against, but please, give these people the freedom to believe what they want. We do not wish to fight or cause you any grief. All I ask is to please let these people pass and you may protest to your heart's content; we will not stop you."

The protestors still held anger and rage, but noticed the pleading Padre, who wanted to de-escalate the situation. The protestors slowly moved away to let the mass-goers pass so they could go to their vehicles and be on their way. Even from afar, Metztli noticed the tension between the mass of attendees and the protesters. Many of them were of Indigenous descent, but they differed in their views. The people who waited inside the church also went out, watched by the Padre, who wanted to ensure they left safely; Metztli stayed behind.

Metztli looked at the wooden carved rosary that her mother had given her. The rosary was passed down within the family for generations. Her family once believed that the rosary was made within the San Gabriel Mission, but it wasn't entirely certain. Either way, the wooden rosary was considered a unique and prized possession of the family, and Metztli was responsible for caring for it. She put it away in a small wooden box and then in her bag.

The Padre thanked the protesters as he entered the church and closed the door; they returned to their protesting. The Padre walked forward and noticed Metztli standing before the altar. "Ah, Metztli, I almost forgot that you volunteered to help give tours to the Mission."

"Padre Santiago, what is going on? Why are there protesters outside the church?"

Padre Santiago took off his alb and sighed. "I assume you haven't heard the news."

Metztli embarrassingly smiled. "Sorry, I don't watch television; I prefer YouTube."

"Heh! Heh! Well, that is new. News spread that Pope Francis might go through canonizing Junipero Serra; many people, especially Native Americans, aren't thrilled with the prospects. Protests aren't just happening here at this Mission but at other Missions too."

Father Junipero Serra established nine of the twenty-one Missions, and from what Metztli learned through her schooling in Catholic schools, Serra wanted to protect the Native Americans from the abuses of the Spanish soldiers and landowners from abuse. He believed that creating the Missions would help protect the people. However, many Native Americans died of illnesses and diseases. Metztli believed everyone had a right to believe what they wanted, but she believed that Junipero Serra tried his best to do good for the less fortunate.

"The protesters might be here all day, and I volunteered to give people tours. What is going to happen?"

Padre Santiago sighed. "I want the protesters to have their peace; I will contact the Mission's human resources to announce that there will be no tours for the next two days. The protesters will be informed but will have to take their leave after the two days are done." The older man noticed how thoughtful Metztli was. The Padre knew it would be her first day as a volunteer tour guide, but he knew the other reason. "How is your father's condition? I heard that he is still in the hospital." The older man noticed Metztli's mood change. He didn't like to pry too much into people's lives, but he couldn't help but feel worried for Metztli and her family. 

"He's okay for now; my mom and I think it's his diabetes that went out of control. My mom and I have told him to take better care of his health, but you know how my dad gets."

"I understand. Please don't feel that you and your family are alone. You know that I and the congregation are here to help you whenever you are in need. Again, I'm sorry for having to cancel the tours today."

Metztli felt slightly disappointed that she wouldn't be able to take the tours; it was something she had looked forward to doing, as it would be her first time. "It's fine, there's always next time."

"I don't want you to step outside the Mission's walls since the protesters will be there awhile. However, I was hoping if you could help clean the Mission's museum; Doña Carmen is out sick."

"No troubles. I will be happy to do so. After I'm done I'll go see if anyone else needs helps just until the protests are over." The two said their goodbyes; the young woman couldn't help but feel disappointed, but she would have time to clear her mind. "Well, at least I will have a peaceful day."