What is Cursillo?

Cursillo is a Spanish word meaning short course. A Cursillo (pronounced “kursee-yo”) therefore is a short course in Christianity. While Cursillo originated in Spain in the 1940s, today Cursillos are given in more than 50 nations on 5 Continents. It is estimated that more than 2 million men and women of various races and languages have participated.

To explain a Cursillo to someone who has never experienced it is difficult and somewhat mystifying. The reason behind the mystery is God. No one can fully explain how God touches each person in His special/unique way throughout the movement. For some, it is a total turnabout in their lives; for others, it is a grand awakening; for yet others, it is an enrichment of what they have already known and have been living.

The Cursillo Weekend is above all a living experience of what is fundamental for being a Christian. The friendship and love of God in Jesus Christ is the center of what is fundamental for being Christian and, in the Cursillo Weekend, friendship continues to be the best method to transmit His friendship and love to all the new Cursillistas.

HOW IT HAPPENS 

A Cursillo weekend begins on Thursday evening and ends on Sunday afternoon. During the three days the participants listen to the Gospel message, broken into fifteen short talks. Clergy gives five talks; the other 10 are given by laypersons that already have made a Cursillo.

The talks deal with:

• Christian study,
• prayer,
• action,
• leadership,
• living a life in relationship with God,
• the role of the layperson in the church and
• similar reflections on situations encountered in daily living.

The talks build on each other. Each talk is followed by a period of small group discussion. The teachings of Christ are presented in an atmosphere of warmth, joy and fellowship. Cursillo weekends are usually held in the spring and fall at the Jesuit Spiritual Center in Milford. Men and women make separate Cursillos. Attendance at a weekend requires an application and a sponsor.

Applications can be found at the following Website: https://covingtoncursillo.org/weekends/candidate-application/

ONCE IN A LIFETIME

A Cursillo is made only once in a lifetime, therefore it is not considered a substitute for a retreat. Actually a Cursillo experience makes subsequent retreats more profitable, and Cursillistas are urged to make regular retreats and be actively involved in prayer groups.

Jesuit Spiritual Center at Milford
5361 S. Milford Rd.
Milford, OH 45150