The Apache Christ painting hangs behind the altar of St. Joseph Apache Mission church in Mescalero, New Mexico, Saturday, July 13, 2024. The painting, an icon that depicts Christ as a Mescalero medicine man, was the forefront of a tension-filled episode between the community and the local Diocese when it was removed by the church's then priest when the region was reeling from wildfires. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Mescalero Apache Tribe members and parishioners attend Mass at the St. Joseph Apache Mission church in Mescalero, New Mexico, Sunday, July 14, 2024. Behind the altar is the Apache Christ painting, an icon that depicts Christ as a Mescalero medicine man that was the forefront of a tension-filled episode between the community and the local Diocese when it was removed by the church's then priest when the region was reeling from wildfires. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
A member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe prays during a Mass at the St. Joseph Apache Mission church in Mescalero, New Mexico, Sunday, July 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Apache Crown Dancers begin the coming-of-age blessing ceremony for two young tribe women in Mescalero, New Mexico, Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Anne Marie Brillante, member of the parish council and catechist, ponders a question while looking at the Apache Christ painting that hangs behind the altar of St. Joseph Apache Mission church in Mescalero, New Mexico, Saturday, July 13, 2024. Brillante said their former priest opened old wounds with his removal of the icon, suggesting he sought to cleanse them of their “pagan” ways, and it has derailed the reconciliation process initiated by Pope Francis in 2022. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
A member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe prays the rosary during a Mass at the St. Joseph Apache Mission church in Mescalero, New Mexico, Sunday, July 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Mescalero Apache Tribe members and parishioners wait in line to receive Communion during a Mass at the St. Joseph Apache Mission church in Mescalero, New Mexico, Sunday, July 14, 2024. Behind the altar is the Apache Christ painting, an icon that depicts Christ as a Mescalero medicine man. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Apache Crown Dancers whirl around the bonfire during a coming-of-age blessing ceremony for two young tribe women in Mescalero, New Mexico, Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Mescalero Apache Tribe members Sarah Kazhe, right, her daughter, Alyn Kazhe-Kirgan, center, and her niece Taylinn Commanche wait for the start of a blessing ceremony near St. Joseph Apache Mission church in Mescalero, New Mexico, Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Mescalero Apache tribe women dance around a bonfire during a coming-of-age blessing ceremony for two young women in Mescalero, New Mexico, Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Mescalero Apache Tribe elder Donalyn Torres arrives to attend mass at the St. Joseph Apache Mission church in Mescalero, New Mexico, Sunday, July 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Apache Crown Dancers perform during the coming-of-age blessing ceremony for two young tribe women in Mescalero, New Mexico, Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Mescalero Apache tribe women dance around a bonfire during a coming-of-age blessing ceremony for two young women in Mescalero, New Mexico, Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Harry Vasile, former priest and volunteer, sweeps the altar of St. Joseph Apache Mission church in Mescalero, New Mexico, Saturday, July 13, 2024. Visible behind the altar is the Apache Christ painting, an icon that depicts Christ as a Mescalero medicine man. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)