Abp. Gomez Retreats Caves to iconoclasts LOS ANGELES (ChurchMilitant.com) - A California prelate is giving in to violent protesters who are demanding that statues of St. Junípero Serra be removed from public areas. In an open letter published just before the July 1 commemoration of the "Apostle of California," Abp. José Gomez of Los Angeles revealed his plan to protect Serra's statues from desecration by race-baiting iconoclasts.