The word "Palanca" is Spanish for a lever or crow-bar.
In the sense in which it
is used in Cursillo, it means the Eucharists, Rosaries, fasting,
prayers, and
personal sacrifices which are offerred on behalf of the Cursillistas and
Pilgrims or Peregrinos.
"Walk to Emmaus" uses the term "Agape", the Biblical
Greek word for Christian love; and some Youth movements use
the words "Wheat" or "Caritas" (Love)
rather than "Palanca".
The letters and small gifts which are sometimes given during a Cursillo are
"Evidence of Palanca" - to show that someone has been praying for the
Cursillistas before or during the Cursillo.
Often the "evidence" takes the form of a craft or hand-made item, which someone
has made while praying for the recipient.
Ideas for such crafts are given
on a seperate Page
so that communities may have access to a pool of ideas for "evidence of
Palanca".
Many communitites wish these small gifts to come as a surprise to the
Pilgrims.
If you have not yet been to a Cursillo, please don't expect that when
you do, your community will use such "evidence of Palanca" - people will be
praying for you, but they may not use any of the ideas given on that Page.
P
stands for the privilege and power of Prayer, and for Personal service
to the Cursillistas.
A
stands for 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
our 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 Pilgrims' 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.
The following is a prayer reminding us of the spirit of
Palanca :
"Lord, help me to give abundantly - someone is learning to receive."
The Rainbow
Many Cursillo communities use the colours of the rainbow as a reminder of the
forms which Palanca can take : RED - Intentions at Eucharists, Rosaries. ORANGE - Prayer YELLOW - Sacrificial works GREEN - Study BLUE - Meditation PURPLE - Fasting
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