What is Cursillo?
Cursillo (pronounced kur-see-yo) is a Spanish word meaning “short course.” It is an abbreviated form of Cursillo de Cristiandad (short course to prepare Christians). Cursillo is a life-changing experience to be lived, which brings with it the discovery of the basis of Christianity and its fundamental significance to our lives.
Cursillo History
The first stirrings of what later was to become the Cursillo Movement began on the Island of Majorca during World War II. The Spanish Civil War had ended in 1939, and the years after the Civil War were a time of ferment in the Spanish Church. Before the war, a pilgrimage to the shrine of St. James at Compostela had been planned. After being postponed several times by the disruption of war, it was finally rescheduled for 1948.
At first, the Cursillo's were just "little courses" (little course is the literal meaning of the Spanish word - Cursillo) which were given by the diocesan council of the young men's branch of Catholic Action. They were given to members of Catholic Action groups as a way of forming them so they could become effective apostles.
In 1959, the Cursillo spread throughout Texas and to Phoenix, Arizona. In August of that year the first national convention of spiritual directors was held, and Ultreya magazine began publication. In 1960, the growth of the Cursillo quickened in the Southwest, and weekends were held for the first time in the East in New York City and Lorain, Ohio.
Until 1961, all weekends were held in Spanish. That year the first English-speaking weekend was held in San Angelo, Texas. Also in 1961, first weekends were held in San Francisco, California; Gary, Indiana; Lansing, Michigan; and Gallup, New Mexico. By 1962, twenty-five more English-speaking weekends had been held. Today, it is a worldwide movement with centres in nearly all South and Central American countries, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Great Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Yugoslavia, Australia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and in several African countries.
The Weekend
The three-day course gives the participant practical insights into the everyday life of faith and service. The weekend is a back-to-basics experience deepening what one has learned about Christ. The program begins on Thursday evening and concludes on Sunday evening.
The weekend is led by a team of lay volunteers and clergy. There are rollos (talks on various topics), and each talk is followed by a discussion. Mass is celebrated daily, and there is an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Morning and evening prayer, as well as a few devotions, are also part of the schedule.
Hundreds of thousands of American Catholics have lived Cursillo.
After the Weekend - The 4th Day
After the weekend, opportunities to meet and pray with others. These fellowship and worship experiences are called Ultreyas or Ultreya Prayer Groups and they connect Cursillistas (those who have lived Cursillo) with one another, the larger community and Christ’s call of us.
Applications
A person applies for a Cursillo by way of a sponsor - a friend or acquaintance who has lived the Cursillo and continues to be active in the movement. Many parishes and communities have Cursillo contact people. We can help you with assistance finding a sponsor, to submit your application complete the form online here or download and mail to address on the form.
