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Cursillo FAQ
What is a Cursillo? (Pronounced: Cur-see-yo).
The full name is Cursillo de Christiandad, meaning “Short course in Christianity.” The Cursillo movement started in Spain in 1949, under its founder Bishop Juan Hervas. The Cursillo gives those who make it a new understanding of basic Christian truths and the desire to serve the Church. From Thursday evening to Sunday evening, priests and lay people live and work together to gain a deep, permanent, living awareness of the treasure and responsibility of their faith. They come with many questions and some apprehension. They leave full of joyful enthusiasm as brothers and sisters in Christ, determined to extend the kingdom of Christ.
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Who do I contact to register?
Please visit the Contact Us page for full details. You will also want to download the registration form from our website.
Is it a Retreat?
The “retreat portion of the Cursillo lasts only from the opening night until after chapel the following morning, during which time, silence is maintained. Thereafter, the basic teachings of Christ are discussed in an atmosphere of joy, with songs and joke sessions contributing to this atmosphere.
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How often should you make a Cursillo?
You may make the Cursillo only once in your life, but you are expected to “build” upon it for the rest of your life. It is not a substitute for a retreat, but rather, complements it. The Cursillo will make succeeding retreats more profitable. Those who have made a Cursillo usually want to make an annual retreat, and they are encouraged to do so in order to renew their Cursillo resolutions.
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What is its format?
The Cursillo is a blend of seriousness and lightheartedness, of spirit exercises and conferences by priests and laymen.
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Not a Society
During the Cursillo, Cursillistas are warned again and again that the Cursillo is not THE instrument, but AN instrument of sanctity. They are warned not to form a clique or a social organization, but to “get lost” in the stream of parish and community life, to leaven the world of God. Parish Centered Cursillistas are strongly advised to become active in their parish. It should be pointed out however, that all do not come out of the Cursillo fashioned in the same mold. Some, because it is not their nature, will never be active apostles in parish organizations, but they may have become powerhouses of prayer and example, and exercise a tremendous spiritual influence in their homes, their work and proper environment. Others because of their work or background… doctors, teachers, politicians, etc… might not have the time for parish organizations, but not because they would not enjoy doing these things, but because they have a particular are that needs Christianizing.
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The Fourth Day: Post Cursillo
The Cursillistas are urged to make some sort of commitment to God to intensify their piety, study and action. They are by no means finished products. The Cursillo neither pretends to, nor is able to, give a complete Christian formation in three days. So a “Fourth Day” program follows to keep aflame their enthusiasm. Periodically, another type of meeting, called the “Ultreya” is held, in which a priest and a layman each give a brief talk developing one of the points in the Cursillo.
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Who make Cursillo?
Christians who are looking to deepen their faith and commitment to Christ through Apostolic Action, prayer and study.
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Prison Palanca Guidelines
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