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Almost_Catholic
Guest
Can anyone tell me what CURSILLO is all about? It is orthodox or other?
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Bruised_Reed
Guest
My mom is involved in Cursillo so this is what I learned from talking with her.
Cursillo at it’s core is orthodox. However, there are groups in some areas that end up doing their own thing and dilute what Cursillo is about. For example, some pple involved in Cursillo seem to be more interested in numbers, getting as many people as possible on a weekend, than having participants being ready and prepared for the retreat. Many go into it not realizing that the weekend is just the beginning.
If you are interested check out the link above and, if you haven’t already, find the closest Cursillo to you. Find when they have Group Reunions (weekly or so meetings) and Ultreyas. Even though you haven’t gone on a weekend you may and are encouraged to go to these. Get a manual and read up on the format for the weekend and groupings. Some groups don’t like to stick to the manual but doing so keeps things authentic.
I think the motto is spot on: "Make a friend, be a friend, bring a friend to Christ”
If you have additional questions post here or PM me and I can ask me Mum.
Cursillo at it’s core is orthodox. However, there are groups in some areas that end up doing their own thing and dilute what Cursillo is about. For example, some pple involved in Cursillo seem to be more interested in numbers, getting as many people as possible on a weekend, than having participants being ready and prepared for the retreat. Many go into it not realizing that the weekend is just the beginning.
If you are interested check out the link above and, if you haven’t already, find the closest Cursillo to you. Find when they have Group Reunions (weekly or so meetings) and Ultreyas. Even though you haven’t gone on a weekend you may and are encouraged to go to these. Get a manual and read up on the format for the weekend and groupings. Some groups don’t like to stick to the manual but doing so keeps things authentic.
I think the motto is spot on: "Make a friend, be a friend, bring a friend to Christ”
If you have additional questions post here or PM me and I can ask me Mum.
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Bruised_Reed
Guest
Bumping this to ask if there are any cursillestas on this forum. I was suprised that no one else responded.
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blourdes
Guest
Yes, I made a Cursillo and it was WONDERFUL… When I made my Cursillo I was thinking about leaving the Catholic Church. I didn’t. The Cursillo re-affirmed my Catholic Faith. I became very connected with the Cursillo movement. As a matter of fact that is where I met my husband. I owe the Cursillo my faith and my family. The Cursillo I made was very Orthodox. The Cursillo lead me on a wonderful lifes journey.
I still look back on the Cursillo for my foundation in my Catholic beliefs. If you have a chance to make a Cursillo, JUST DO IT!
I still look back on the Cursillo for my foundation in my Catholic beliefs. If you have a chance to make a Cursillo, JUST DO IT!
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stargazer257
Guest
Bruised Reed:
I made my Cursillo in 2003, and it literally changed my life. It was the 2x4 in the head kind of thing. As a cradle Catholic, I was blessed with a strong Catholic mother and not being fed a bunch of anti-Catholic untruths, but was just crusing along. But at the time I did my Cursillo, I didn’t remember my entire Hail Mary much less know the Glory Be. After the Closura (the closing of the third day) I was wishing it wasn’t over. In truth it wasn’t. You live your fourth day for the rest of your life.
I have since gotten involved w/RCIA, and defending the faith, among other things. I could go on and on, and most of you out there who have done a Cursillo know what I am talking about. My only “wish” is that I would have gotten hit with that 2x4 sooner!
One last thing to share. Over a year ago, I was challenged by a Baptist about the deuterocannocial books of the OT. With a bit of research, of course, I was able to completely blow his (lacking) defense away. I was discussing this with my parish priest recently and he said to me “I didn’t know you were that interested in the bible.” When I explained what my Cursillo experience had done for me, he couldn’t help but smile
( he is involved in our Diocesean Cursillo program and is a 1970 cursillesta himself).
God Bless and “De Colores”
SG257
Well, I came across this post by searching on “Cursillo,” so we cursillestas are out there…
I made my Cursillo in 2003, and it literally changed my life. It was the 2x4 in the head kind of thing. As a cradle Catholic, I was blessed with a strong Catholic mother and not being fed a bunch of anti-Catholic untruths, but was just crusing along. But at the time I did my Cursillo, I didn’t remember my entire Hail Mary much less know the Glory Be. After the Closura (the closing of the third day) I was wishing it wasn’t over. In truth it wasn’t. You live your fourth day for the rest of your life.
I have since gotten involved w/RCIA, and defending the faith, among other things. I could go on and on, and most of you out there who have done a Cursillo know what I am talking about. My only “wish” is that I would have gotten hit with that 2x4 sooner!
One last thing to share. Over a year ago, I was challenged by a Baptist about the deuterocannocial books of the OT. With a bit of research, of course, I was able to completely blow his (lacking) defense away. I was discussing this with my parish priest recently and he said to me “I didn’t know you were that interested in the bible.” When I explained what my Cursillo experience had done for me, he couldn’t help but smile
( he is involved in our Diocesean Cursillo program and is a 1970 cursillesta himself).God Bless and “De Colores”
SG257
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stargazer257
Guest
One more note: When searching for Cursillo sites on the web, be sure it is Roman Catholic based. Other faiths have copied the Cursillo format and some have even used the title “Cursillo.” For example, when I was searching in the Portland, OR area, the most dominant hits were related to an Episcipal Cursillo, but that fact didn’t jump out at me on their website, the Roman Catholic was just a bit further down the search engine list. So look at the details to make sure…
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Elzee
Guest
Our diocese sponsors a multi-denominational Cursillo. When I questioned this (I’ve never been to one) I was told ‘it’s still Catholic, with a Mass, etc.’, we just invite anyone who wants to attend. They also encourage the husbands to go through first.
What do you think? I can’t seem to find out much info on what happens during a Cursillo?
What do you think? I can’t seem to find out much info on what happens during a Cursillo?
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stargazer257
Guest
I’ve only heard about a multi-denominational Cursillo for the first time about three months ago, and was able to discuss the differences and similarities with someone who participated in one. My impression is that it gets a little watered down from a full Catholic Cursillo because they are catering to more than one denomination. There are elements of the “Walk to Emmaus” movement (Protestant copy of the Catholic Cursillo) in the one I was informed about. It may be an attempt at ecumenism to bring other Christians together, which is a good thing, but my preference, in hindsight, is a pure Catholic Cursillo. Lacking a Catholic Cursillo, it still the multi-denominational one still has merit.
Husbands (myself being one) typically go through first with the wives following a weekend or two later. The history of the Cursillo movement, which started in Spain (?) in 1949 (?) after eight years of development was initially started to get us men on board with our Catholic faith. Seems the women at the time were for the most part living their faith, but the men were not. That was the initial driver for developing the Cursillo, to get the men back on board! That may have some bearing on why the men go first.
One’s Cursillo is best experienced without much knowledge of what the schedule/agenda will be. I know I had a difficult time not letting my wife know what to expect between her and my weekend, and she benefited from me keeping my yap shut. That doesn’t mean she didn’t realize my experience was a life changing one before she went .
There is info out on the web about what happens during a Cursillo that I found after I went on mine, but I am personally glad that I didn’t know it before I went. I believe it would have lessened my experience and I may not even be where I am in my faith today if I had known.
Elzee, which/where is your Diocese?
De Colores!
SG257
Husbands (myself being one) typically go through first with the wives following a weekend or two later. The history of the Cursillo movement, which started in Spain (?) in 1949 (?) after eight years of development was initially started to get us men on board with our Catholic faith. Seems the women at the time were for the most part living their faith, but the men were not. That was the initial driver for developing the Cursillo, to get the men back on board! That may have some bearing on why the men go first.
One’s Cursillo is best experienced without much knowledge of what the schedule/agenda will be. I know I had a difficult time not letting my wife know what to expect between her and my weekend, and she benefited from me keeping my yap shut. That doesn’t mean she didn’t realize my experience was a life changing one before she went
.There is info out on the web about what happens during a Cursillo that I found after I went on mine, but I am personally glad that I didn’t know it before I went. I believe it would have lessened my experience and I may not even be where I am in my faith today if I had known.
Elzee, which/where is your Diocese?
De Colores!
SG257
C
chuffle
Guest
I made my Cursillo in 1979 and had a terrible time…only because I came down with the worst cold on record! I remember sitting through all of the wonderful talks and thinking that I wanted to be home in my own bed, suffering in private.
Seriously though, the Cursillo weekend was truly a wonderful, Spirit filled weekend. The fellowship was grand, and it opened the door to my involvement in my home parish. I am thankful for that, even though I am no longer in my home diocese and a member of that parish.
As for ecumenical Cursillos, I know that at the time that I made mine, members of other denominations were accepted, and while that seemed nice, I remember feeling awkward at Communion time when the non-Catholics were left behind. We were invited to receive Communion for a non-Catholic Cursillista. I think that in the last 25 years, the diocese that I made my Cursillo in has “cracked down” on the participation of non-Catholics in the movement.
Joe
Seriously though, the Cursillo weekend was truly a wonderful, Spirit filled weekend. The fellowship was grand, and it opened the door to my involvement in my home parish. I am thankful for that, even though I am no longer in my home diocese and a member of that parish.
As for ecumenical Cursillos, I know that at the time that I made mine, members of other denominations were accepted, and while that seemed nice, I remember feeling awkward at Communion time when the non-Catholics were left behind. We were invited to receive Communion for a non-Catholic Cursillista. I think that in the last 25 years, the diocese that I made my Cursillo in has “cracked down” on the participation of non-Catholics in the movement.
Joe
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IPTgrad
Guest
As I understand it, the National Cursillo leadership is working to help Catholic Cursillo in all dioceses to conform to national standards.
The official materials are very good. The teachings are simple yet poignant and orthodox. The official literature has extensive quotes of recent popes, Vatican II documents as well as official statements by the founders.
Each diocese should have “School of Leaders” that helps the leaders understand the fundamentals of the movement and keep it from straying from solid Catholic teaching. Checking with your diocese to see if there is a school of leaders is one way to find out if the movement in your diocese is “solid.”
Central to the Cursillo weekend, and the life of one after the weekend, is the Eucharist. A true Catholic Cursillo weekend, therefore, cannot be ecumenical. There are other venues for valuable ecumenical outreach. Cursillo strengthens the Catholic through study, seeking holiness, and evangelizing environments for Christ.
The official materials are very good. The teachings are simple yet poignant and orthodox. The official literature has extensive quotes of recent popes, Vatican II documents as well as official statements by the founders.
Each diocese should have “School of Leaders” that helps the leaders understand the fundamentals of the movement and keep it from straying from solid Catholic teaching. Checking with your diocese to see if there is a school of leaders is one way to find out if the movement in your diocese is “solid.”
Central to the Cursillo weekend, and the life of one after the weekend, is the Eucharist. A true Catholic Cursillo weekend, therefore, cannot be ecumenical. There are other venues for valuable ecumenical outreach. Cursillo strengthens the Catholic through study, seeking holiness, and evangelizing environments for Christ.
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Scoobyshme
Guest
I made my Cursillo in 1983 at Prairie Rhonde, La. under Fr. Jerome Frey, who took over from Fr. Fidelis Albrecht. Fr. Fidelis Albrecht founded the Cursillo in the U.S. When I attended, there was some discord between the Cursillo centers in Prairie Rhonde, La. and St. Louis, Mo., Fr. Albrecht’s main two centers. The problem stemmed with the others changing and watering down the Cursillo. Fr. Fidelis, as he was called by those who know him, could take a man and spiritually break him down to nothing, then build him back up in the image of Christ. Fr. Frey, who learned from Fr. Fidelis, was similar. He was more like a Marine, though. Men LOVED hearing Fr. Frey because he gave you the complete truth of Christ right between the eyes! No sugar coating, no mincing around! Properly done, it is a wonderful spiritual experience. It sets you on the right path. I highly recommend it, provided it’s done right.
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Garret
Guest
My husband and I attended a Cursillo weekend. It was great! The people running it were very orthodox and obedient to the Church. It was a great experience, especially for my husband. It was basically a weekend to get you rejuvenated about your Catholic faith and your relationship with Jesus.
De Colores!
De Colores!
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Elzee
Guest
I just sent the Cursillo director of our diocese an email asking him what he could tell me about it since it’s inter-denominational. I also asked about the ‘School of Leaders’. (Thanks IPTgrad). I’ll see what his response is.
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1humbleServant
Guest
I thought I would post here that I started a Facebook Group the “Fr. Fidelis Albrecht Fan Club”, for the purpose of bringing the curillso movement in to the world in a new way and connecting curiestas from around the english speaking world. Fr.Fidelis is the Founder of the English Cursillo. He died September 21,1973.
Go find it and join the group!
Go find it and join the group!
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bpbasilphx
Guest
In case any Eastern Catholics are looking into Cursillo, there is a program which uses the Cursillo format, only based on Eastern Spirituality called THEOSIS.
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Poor_Clare_tobe
Guest
I have to agree with the above…
Being a curiestas.myself… Our religious community attended as a group [with lay people] the only one who did not attend was our Mother Superior as she had previously been on one.
The only thoughts I can add are:
- Most Diocese’ have a director of Cursillos in their Diocese
- Yes it is best to attend the Cursillo not knowing exactly what to expect…
[Though if it helps think of it as a mini retreat and course in Catholic Christianity] - I wouldn’t have changed the experience at all and if I ever had the opportunity to become involved once again… I would in a heartbeat…
- While there are ecumenical ones… I think my preference would be the ones exclusivly for Catholics…[just my preference]
De Colores*
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