The Cursillo Movement: Encountering Christ, Transforming Culture
What is Cursillo?
Cursillo (pronounced kur-see-yo) is a Spanish word meaning “little course.” The full name is Cursillo de Cristiandad, which translates to a “Short Course in Christianity.” It is an apostolic movement within the Roman Catholic Church that focuses on personal spiritual growth and equipping laypeople to live out their Christian vocation in the world.
Purpose: A Method to Live and Share the Gospel
The primary purpose of Cursillo is to help Christians discover and better live out their personal vocations. It provides a simple, effective method to keep Christ at the center of daily life while actively spreading the Gospel.
The movement operates on a threefold method:
- Piety (Holiness): Directing one’s life toward God through prayer, the Sacraments, and daily offering.
- Study (Formation): Deepening the understanding of the Catholic faith, Scripture, and the person of Jesus Christ.
- Action (Evangelization): Bringing Christ into everyday environments—families, workplaces, neighborhoods, and social circles—by living as a witness to His love.
History: From Post-War Europe to Canada
- The Origins (1940s): Cursillo began on the island of Mallorca, Spain, following the devastation of the Spanish Civil War and World War II. Founded by a group of dedicated laymen and priests—most notably Eduardo Bonnín Aguilo and Bishop Juan Hervás—the movement aimed to re-Christianize society by revitalizing the faith of young men. The first official Cursillo weekend was held in January 1949.
- Arrival in Canada (1960s): The movement quickly spread across the globe. It officially arrived in Canada in the early 1960s, establishing deep roots in both English and French-speaking dioceses.
- National Stewardship: Today, the movement in Canada is supported by two national bodies: the Canadian Cursillo Movement (CCM) for English-speaking dioceses and the Mouvement des Cursillos Francophones du Canada (MCFC) for French-speaking communities. Together, they ensure the authenticity of the Cursillo method while serving local parishes coast to coast.
The Cursillo Experience: The Three Phases
Cursillo is not just a retreat; it is a lifelong framework for spiritual renewal divided into three distinct phases:
| Phase | Description |
| 1. The Pre-Cursillo | The process of identifying and inviting candidates who are seeking a deeper relationship with God and are ready to impact their environments. |
| 2. The Three-Day Weekend | A transformative three-day experience led by a team of laypersons and spiritual advisors (priests/deacons). Through talks (rollos), discussion, prayer, and Mass, participants examine their lives and experience Christ’s grace profoundly. |
| 3. The Post-Cursillo (The Fourth Day) | The remainder of the Cursillista’s life. This ongoing phase provides the community and accountability needed to sustain the momentum of the weekend. |
Ongoing Work: Spreading the Gospel
The “Three-Day Weekend” is only the beginning. The ongoing work of Cursillo is sustained through two vital communities:
- Friendship Groups (Group Reunions): Small, weekly gatherings of 3 to 5 people who share their spiritual journeys, holding each other accountable to their commitments of Piety, Study, and Action.
- Ultreya (Moving Forward): A monthly diocesan or regional gathering where Cursillistas from different parishes come together to pray, sing, and share how Christ is working through their everyday evangelization efforts.
Through these gatherings, Cursillistas are continuously energized to go back into the world as “leaven in the dough,” quietly and effectively transforming Canadian culture through love, service, and the truth of the Gospel.