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The Name "BLUE CLOUD" |
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Blue Cloud Abbey founded in 1950 is
named after an Elder of the Yankton Tribe, MAHPIYA TO. In English his
name means Blue Cloud. MAHPIYA TO asked Father Sylvester to build a
school, "So," he said, "our boys and girls will know what the whites
write on their papers." MAHPIYA TO offered his own land for the
school. The site was beautiful, a rounded hill overlooking the
Missouri River, a special place for Indian youths on their Vision
Quest.
Father Sylvester, with respect, explained to MAHPIYA TO that this site, because it was sacred, was not suitable for a school with many students. The noise of children would harm the serenity. Father promised, "I will, though, build you a school." It became the noted Marty Mission. To the academic program Father added training in a dozen practical crafts. Also. BLUE, for the Dakotas, is the most sacred of colors. A blue cloud is a blessing cloud, coming from the east in spring-time. It rains the Creator's power on Mother Earth, so that from her all new life is drawn. Blue Cloud Abbey, therefore, has two sponsors: the old gentleman, MAHPIYA TO, Blue Cloud, and the color BLUE, "fullness of blessing". |
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