Palanca is a Spanish word which means "lever." Just as a lever enables a person to move something which is beyond their normal strength, Palanca allows a person to move beyond his/her capabilities. In the Cursillo sense, it is the prayer and sacrifice which is offered to God so that we, as apostles, may accomplish more than we would be capable of otherwise.

"For man it is impossible, but for God all things are possible." (Matt 19:26)

 

"When anyone takes up the work of the conversion and Christian renewal of persons and the evangelization of human groups, it is absolutely indispensable that the entire work be built upon the grace of God." (Cursillo Leaders' Manual, 1981; pg 135)

 

What is Palanca?

Palanca consists of any one or any combination of three things which are offered for the spiritual success of a particular phase or of all phases of the Cursillo Movement. The three things are:

 

1. Prayers

2. Sacrifices

3. Works of Mercy.