Father Junipero Serra's sainthood protested at Mission San Juan Bautista

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA -- The pope won't answer their letters, but will he hear their prayers?

That is the steadfast hope of many California Indians opposed to the upcoming canonization of Father Junipero Serra by Pope Francis. And it was the impetus behind an Amah Mutsun Tribal Band ceremony on Saturday seeking to reverse his decision on their ancestors' behalf.

But that will likely take a miracle.

The pope so far has not responded to the tribe's written appeals. And his visit to Washington, D.C. -- where he plans to make Serra a saint -- is still on track for Sept. 23.

But on Saturday, as they lit bundles of sage and created a wide circle of herbs to ward off evil spirits, tribal members and their supporters say they won't stop their campaign.

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