In November 2020, U.S. bishops supported the canonization process for Nicholas W. Black Elk, a Lakota catechist from the 1800s who brought Catholic Christianity to hundreds within his community.

Born in the 1860s into a family of Lakota medicine men, Black Elk was raised within Indigenous spiritual practices. From an early age, he showed gifts as both a healer and a visionary, and he became increasingly drawn to Christianity—observing, listening, and learning. During a traditional Lakota healing ritual in 1904, he encountered a Jesuit priest who encouraged him to explore Catholicism further. He was baptized two years later on the Feast of St. Nicholas, taking the name Nicholas William.

Because of his commitment, remarkable memory, and devotion to Scripture, the Jesuits named him a catechist in 1907. He traveled widely to teach and composed pastoral letters in Lakota for local newspapers. His life blended Lakota spiritual traditions and Catholic practice. He prayed with both his sacred pipe and his rosary, participating fully in Catholic Mass and Lakota rituals.

Black Elk embodied the roles of mystic, catechist, and cultural mediator. Most fundamentally, he lived with faith-rooted curiosity. His story teaches us that curiosity unlocks hearts and enriches understanding.

The catechist's calling invites all of us to embrace this same sense of wonder: being receptive to God, responsive to those we teach, and willing to engage life's most profound questions. This kind of curiosity nurtures ongoing spiritual growth and enables us to express God's love through our words and our lives.

Reflections to Hold, Pray, and Live

• In what ways do I encourage curiosity, questions, and exploration among my learners rather than simply providing answers?

• Rather than what, when, and where questions, use “I wonder…” questions with your learners.

Author:

Sister Janet Schaeffler, OP
Member, NCCL Board of Directors

Her book, SAINTS & MENTORS for Catechists: 41 Models of Faith to Support and Guide You, can be purchased from Twenty-Third Publications
[GET YOUR COPY HERE]

Learn more about Janet and her publications at https://www.janetschaeffler.com/