Cursillo in Christianity is pronounced KUR‑SEE‑YO.
The Cursillo Movement: A Journey of Faith, Community, and Renewal
The Cursillo movement, or “Cursillos de Cristiandad” (Spanish for “Short Courses in Christianity”), is a Catholic lay movement with a mission to awaken the faith of Catholics and ignite a vibrant, lasting relationship with Christ. It offers a powerful experience that encourages a life of grace, devotion, and action, all in a supportive and faith-filled community. Originating in Spain in the 1940s, this movement has since spread worldwide, touching countless hearts and inspiring deep, meaningful spiritual growth.
A Brief History
The roots of the Cursillo movement trace back to Majorca, Spain, in the 1940s, a time of great need for spiritual renewal. A group of laypeople and clergy, led by a visionary young layman named Eduardo Bonnin, sought to reinvigorate the Catholic faith by focusing on personal conversion and lay involvement in the Church. They developed Cursillo as an experience to renew and strengthen one’s relationship with Christ, and to inspire a ripple effect of faith and love throughout communities.
The first Cursillo took place in 1944, initially designed for men who showed leadership potential in their local parishes. The program’s impact quickly spread across Spain, reaching Latin America and eventually the United States in 1957. Today, the Cursillo movement extends across the globe, inspiring Catholics from all walks of life to deepen their spiritual commitment and live out the Gospel message.
The Cursillo Experience
Cursillo is much more than just a retreat—it’s a life-changing encounter with Christ, shared in a supportive community. The program unfolds in three key phases, designed to transform lives and empower participants to carry their renewed faith forward.
Preparation (Pre-Cursillo): Before attending, participants take time to reflect on their spiritual journey, often guided by a sponsor—someone who has already experienced Cursillo. This phase ensures that each participant approaches the weekend with an open heart, ready to grow.
The Three-Day Weekend: The heart of the Cursillo experience takes place over a three-day weekend, typically from Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon. During these days, participants engage in a series of talks (“rollos”), group discussions, and quiet moments of reflection, all aimed at deepening their understanding of the Christian life. The talks cover essential themes such as grace, piety, study, and action, delivered by both laypeople and clergy who share their insights and personal experiences. The weekend also includes daily Mass, communal prayer, and meaningful fellowship, creating an environment where participants feel truly embraced by God’s love.
Living the “Fourth Day” (Post-Cursillo): The weekend marks only the beginning. The “Fourth Day” phase represents the rest of a participant’s life after Cursillo, where the lessons learned are integrated into daily living. Small group reunions provide a space for regular reflection, sharing, and encouragement, while larger gatherings called “Ultreyas” offer ongoing fellowship with the wider Cursillo community. This support helps participants stay on course in their spiritual journey, continually renewing their commitment to live a life of grace and action.
The Core Values of Cursillo
At the heart of the movement are three guiding principles: piety, study, and action. Together, these values shape a transformative way of living that brings faith to life.
Piety: Cursillo emphasizes developing a personal relationship with God through prayer, the sacraments, and spiritual practices. It helps participants to prioritize their spiritual lives, bringing a sense of peace and purpose that permeates everyday life.
Study: The movement encourages ongoing learning about the Catholic faith. By delving into Scripture, Church teachings, and spiritual readings, participants gain a deeper understanding of their beliefs and the ways they can live them out.
Action: Faith is meant to be shared, and Cursillo equips participants to bring Christ’s love into the world. Whether through serving in the parish, helping others in need, or simply being a witness to the joy of the Gospel, Cursillo empowers participants to make a meaningful impact.
How Cursillo Transforms Lives
The Cursillo movement has been a catalyst for spiritual renewal and growth, inspiring countless Catholics to live their faith with a newfound fervor. Participants often describe the experience as a turning point that brought clarity to their spiritual path, strengthened their relationship with Christ, and opened their hearts to the love and support of a faith community.
Through Cursillo, many have discovered a deeper sense of purpose, rekindled their passion for the sacraments, and felt called to more actively participate in the life of the Church. The retreat fosters lasting connections with fellow Catholics who share the same journey, building a strong sense of community and mutual encouragement. The movement has not only revitalized individual lives but has also breathed new life into entire parishes, inspiring greater involvement and a spirit of evangelization.
Embrace the Cursillo Journey
To participate in Cursillo is to step into a journey of faith where God’s love is profoundly experienced and shared. It is a time of renewal, where hearts are opened, spirits are lifted, and lives are transformed. Cursillo is not about a temporary high; it’s about a lasting encounter that equips you for a lifetime of deepening your relationship with Christ and living as His disciple in the world.
If you are seeking to enrich your faith, reignite your spiritual life, or simply reconnect with the joy of the Gospel, Cursillo offers a supportive and loving environment to embark on this path. The movement’s emphasis on living the “Fourth Day” ensures that the transformation experienced during the weekend extends into daily life, helping you to grow continuously in grace, love, and service.
The Cursillo movement invites you to embrace a life where Christ is at the center, guiding each step and illuminating your path. It is more than a retreat; it is a lifelong journey supported by a vibrant community, grounded in the richness of the Catholic faith. As you participate in Cursillo, you will find yourself growing closer to God, building lasting relationships, and becoming a beacon of hope and love in the world.
Take the step, join the journey, and let Cursillo help you discover the fullness of life in Christ. Your “Fourth Day” awaits—filled with grace, purpose, and the endless possibilities of living a faith that truly transforms.
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What Is De Colores?
“De Colores” (Made of Colors) is a traditional Spanish language folk song that is well known throughout the Spanish-speaking world. It is widely used as a song in the Roman Catholic Cursillo movement.
“When we consulted the parishes of our diocese, the people responded that their greatest need is to grow spiritually. The Cursillo Movement (in Ontario) was established in Chatham-Kent by Bishop Sherlock, and since 1975 it has been a powerful means of addressing this need. It has helped Catholics to grow spiritually, to deepen their personal relationship with Christ, to understand the truths of our Catholic Faith, and to be bold witnesses to the Gospel in their families, their place of work, and the society. Many who have been part of Cursillo have taken on leadership roles in our diocesan Church and have brought new life to our parishes. I am profoundly grateful to God for the abundant fruit the Cursillo Movement has produced in our diocese, and offer all those committed to it my blessing, my support and my prayers.”
—BISHOP RONALD P. FABBRO, Roman Catholic Bishop of London, Ontario, Canada
Windsor Essex Cursillo Movement — Windsor Cursillo — WE Cursillo
Windsor-Essex Cursillo Movement 