Saturday, November 15, 2008


The council of the Grandmother's Speak.....

THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF
THIRTEEN INDIGENOUS GRANDMOTHERS

Updates from Italy and Spain
Grandmothers at the Vatican

In July, 2008 the Grandmothers Council traveled to the Vatican, to Assisi, and to Borja and Barcelona in Spain. Although the planned Gathering in Gabon had to be rescheduled, the Grandmothers were able to complete the European leg of their journey with a very successful time in Italy and Spain. The Gabon gathering has been rescheduled for 2010.

In Rome, the Grandmothers fulfilled a long-held intention to lay down prayers at the Vatican. They delivered a letter to the Pope requesting that the Vatican rescind several Papal Bulls. Davian Presents the Petition, and Gifts

The Council was also able to bring along their first Youth Ambassador, Lakota great-grand-daughter Davian Stands, who represented her people and all indigenous youth by dancing at the Vatican in her traditional regalia.

In Spain, the grandmothers offered teachings to more than 300 people at workshops in an ecovillage at Borja,where they were hosted by the amazing women of Arboleda de Gaia, who arranged all of the events for the Grandmothers in Spain. For the release of the Spanish edition of their book, the Grandmothers gave numerous television and press interviews and held a book signing at the Barcelona library for a packed crowd of 300. The Queen of Spain sent her regards.

Their prayers on their final night in Europe at the Gaudi Garden, on the International Day for the Healing of the Waters, attracted over 600 people. For information on Arboleda de Gaia and upcoming events in Spain, see the website at www.consejo13abuelas.es.

Booksigning at BarcelonaBaby Blessings in Barcelona

As Grandmother Mona Polacca said at the book signing: "This is a historic occasion. 500 years ago, the ancestors from Spain and Italy came to our lands and planted their flags. Just a few weeks ago, we came to the Vatican. But we did not plant our flags; we planted our prayers. We are here to open a way so that some day our grandchildren might come here and meet with your grandchildren in a peaceful way."

On behalf of the Grandmothers, their children and grandchildren, we want to thank you once again for being an inspired support for their global prayer-in-action.

http://13grandmothers.smugmug.com/gallery/3604982#205079415_jbCSH

http://13grandmothers.smugmug.com/gallery/3604982#205079854_5rGuE

http://13grandmothers.smugmug.com/gallery/3604982#205078974_ySKyM

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