MESCALERO: ST. JOSEPH APACHE MISSION & COMING-OF-AGE CEREMONY

On this Saturday evening and night we first visit the expansive stone “Apache Cathedral” and the Apache Christ icon housed there. The church underwent a comprehensive restoration that began in 2000 and today St. Joseph Apache Mission—on the National Register of Historic Places—is among the most outstanding historic religious structures in New Mexico.

Following the church visit we drive in caravan (in your own car) to a private coming-of-age ceremony in the forest on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. We have a traditional dinner served by the host family and then attend the ceremonial events. A degree of patience and endurance are required (events unfold slowly, awaiting nightfall) and appropriate respect and decorum are expected. The medicine man responsible for the ceremony meets and talks with us briefly. Dances continue until around midnight; PROFUNDO tour participants are free to come and go as they please. Proceeds from ticket revenue benefit the maiden.

During the church visit and at the coming-of age ceremony we are guided by Harry Vasile, one of the principals of the church restoration and a former Franciscan who has lived on the reservation for decades.

Diverse meal and lodging options are available in Ruidoso, Alamogordo, and at the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Mescalero. A visit before or after the tour to the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site is highly recommended. An illustrated article resulting from last year’s PROFUNDO trip to a coming-of-age ceremony is here.

Photo by Michael Benanav.