With the advent of Internet and my growing skill I will be
able, from time to time, to bring relevant documents -- unread,
unfortunately, by many.
Wambdi Wicasa |
This was part of Pope John Paul II's address to 15,000 Catholic Indian
People assembled in Phoenix, September 14, 1987. cf. A NATIVE AMERICAN
THEOLOGY by Clara Sue Kidwell, p146.
For other information write to; Sister Kateri Mitchell, SSA, TEKAKWITHA
CONFERENCE CENTER, P.O. Box 6768, Great Falls, MT 59406 E-Mail
Tekakwitha.Conferenc@worldnet.att.net
"The early encounter between your traditional cultures and the European way
of life . . . was a harsh and painful reality for your peoples. The
cultural oppression, the injustices, the disruption of your life and your
traditional societies must be acknowledged . . . . From the very beginning,
the Creator bestowed His gifts on each people . . . . I encourage you as
Native people, belonging to different tribes and nations in the East, South,
West, and North, to preserve and keep alive your cultures, your languages,
the values and customs which have served you well in the past and which
provide a solid foundation for the future . . . . These things benefit not
only yourselves but the entire human family. This sharing of cultural
riches must also include the Church Native cultures are called to
participate in and enhance."
Pope John Paul II |