The Canku Wakan

 

Preparing for a Sacred Procession

In January of 1993, the possibility of having an Inculturated All- Native Cursillo at the Sioux Spiritual Center was raised and has become a reality. The Cursillo format is used but it has been adapted to fit the Lakota culture and spirituality. It is called Canku Wakan, meaning the Holy Way or the Sacred Road in Lakota.

Personal and Spiritual Growth

Since the Canku Wakan weekend is Lakota in origin, any man or women of Native American heritage and in good standing with the Catholic Church can participate.

The high level of spirituality contained in the Lakota Culture and in the Christian Church combine to promote a spiritual and personal growth that will continue and strengthen throughout the participant's life. The Canku Wakan is fast becoming a major vehicle by which the two traditions become one in service to God.

Purpose

The Canku Wakan weekend is designed to allow people the freedom to benefit from the best of both traditions of worship and to profit spiritually, emotionally and physically. We are able to form a new vision and awareness of our rightful place in God's tiyospaye, the Body of Christ. A renewed spirit of cooperation is formed, bonded by friendship and trust created and fed by mutual love for each other and Jesus Christ.

Weekend

Sixteen men and women meet from Thursday until Sunday evening with a team of two priests, a Lakota deacon and twelve to thirteen Lakota lay leaders. Fifteen talks are given by the team. The activities for the three days are filled with laughter, recreation, songs, discussion, prayer and moments of reflection and silence.

There is also time allowed, in addition for the celebration of the Eucharist, for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the Pipe ceremony, the Talking Circle, and the Inipi (Sweat Lodge Ceremony). It is a rewarding time to become reacquainted with the basics of our Lakota and Catholic traditions by living and sharing for a short period of time as one family in Christ.

After you return home from your Canku Wakan experience you can join all those who have already made the Cursillo or Canku Wakan by attending monthly gatherings to share and to support one another as you work to build the kingdom of God in your parish, town or reservation.

 

Further Information:

For dates of the retreat and further information please contact:

Veronica Valandra
Diocese of Rapid City
PO Box 678
Rapid City, SD 57709-0678
(605) 343-3541
vvalandra@diorc.org

 

BEHOLD A SACRED VOICE IS CALLING YOU:
ALL OVER THE SKY A SACRED VOICE IS CALLING
--Standing Bear

Prayers Outside the Spiritual Center

---

This page is maintained by Rev. Raymond Bucko, S.J. at Creighton University.

This page was last updated on April 5, 2004