What is palanca?
Palanca is intercessory prayer,
sacrifice, or works of mercy. Palanca is basically the prayers
and sacrifices we make for someone or something. Prayer and self-denial
are palanca. The word "palanca" is Spanish for a lever or crowbar.
In the sense in which it is used in Cursillo, it means Eucharist, Rosaries,
fasting, prayers, and personal sacrifices which are offered on behalf
of the Cursillistas or Pilgrims.
What is a palanca letter? A
palanca letter is one that is sent to the candidates and team, informing
them of the prayers and sacrifices that you are offering to God on their
behalf. A letter may be sent explaining what type of palanca is being
offered, but the letter is NOT the palanca. The actual
palanca is the action - intercessory prayer, sacrifice, or works of mercy,
and it can be done without writing a letter. These letters and small gifts which
are given during a Cursillo weekend are "Evidences of Palanca" to show
that someone has been praying for the Cursillistas before, or during, the Cursillo.
P |
stands for the privilege and power of Prayer, and for Personal service to the Cursillistas. |
A |
stands for the anytime, anywhere, by anybody, to anyone, for anything, which expresses the when, where, who and why of Palanca. |
L |
stands for the "lever" (Palanca) of our
knees bent in prayer; for the love of God towards us, and for our
love one to another; for the Light of Christ, and for His Light which
we bring to the world; and for the letters of love which are evidence
of Palanca to the Pilgrims. |
A |
the second "A" stands for the acts we do (anonymously, if possible) to affirm God's love in our lives, ascribing all adoration and praise to
God our Father, rather than pointing to ourselves. |
N |
stands for nourishment - providing for the Pilgrim's physical needs with food, snacks, and refreshments. |
C |
stands for the Core of Palanca - the caring community with Christ at the center. |
A |
the last "A" stands for the abundance of God's gifts to us, and for our need to accept his love. |
|
Rev. 5/30/11
