Cursillo In Christianity
The Cursillo in Christianity is an instrument of renewal by which Christianity can live and grow in today’s world. It proposes a method through which one’s spirituality can be strengthened, lived and shared in all environments.
Spanish Origin
Cursillo (pronounced “kur-see-yo”) is a Spanish word meaning “short course”. The Cursillo weekend is a “short course” in Christianity. The Cursillo started in Spain in the late 1940s and spread throughout the Spanish speaking countries of the world. It came to the United States in 1957 when Spanish Air Cadets, training in Texas, held a Cursillo weekend for a group of Spanish speaking men. The first English language Cursillo was held in 1961 in San Angelo, Texas. The movement then spread to a dozen other states, including Illinois. The movement was introduced in the Peoria diocese in 1964.
Open To All Christians
The local Cursillo, sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peoria, reflects Roman Catholic theology, but is broad-based in its Christian message. A Protestant clergy member is often included in the Cursillo “team” which presents the weekend, and lay persons of all religious affiliations participate. There is no pressure on participants to take part in any religious service in which they would not feel comfortable. Out of the blending of personalities, religious denominations and occupations, a respect develops for each other’s differences, and an appreciation of the common search for a fully Christian life.
How It Happens
A Cursillo weekend begins on Thursday evening and ends on Sunday afternoon. Participants listen to the Gospel message, broken into several short talks – some given by clergy and some by laypersons who have already made a Cursillo. The talks center on the gift of God’s grace to all of us, and share insight into how to strengthen one’s relationship with God through Christian piety, study, and action. The talks build on each other, and each talk is followed by small group discussion. The teachings of Christ are presented in an atmosphere of warmth, joy and fellowship. Men and women make separate Cursillos.
Fourth Day
The program recognizes the continuing need for support in a Cursillista’s “fourth day” (the rest of one’s life after making a Cursillo). Cursillistas are encouraged to join a “group reunion.” This is a brief weekly meeting of four or five fellow Cursillistas. These individuals review their past week: how Christ has touched them, their Christian achievements or disappointments, and their progress in the Cursillo method of piety, study and action.
Ultreyas (Spanish for “onward”) are held several times throughout the year. They are reunions of the Cursillo community at-large and are open to invited guests. They afford Cursillistas an opportunity to meet, pray and socialize with others who are dedicated to living a Christian life. They also provide support for a Cursillista’s efforts to bring Christ’s message to others in his or her environment.
Benefits
Since each person comes to the Cursillo from a different place in time and a different relationship with God, each person will respond differently to the material presented and the experience of community living in a Christian atmosphere. 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. We simply offer the program and rely on the grace of God and the openness of the individual to produce its benefits.
Further Information
Cursillos are held at Centers in Peoria, Bloomington/Normal, Rock Island/Moline, Illinois Valley area, the Champaign area, and Prisons within the Catholic Diocese of Peoria.
Bloomington / Normal Area Cursillo
In Bloomington /Normal area: write to P.O. Box 845, Bloomington, IL 61702-0845 or email cursillobnil@bncursillo.org.
Other Area Contacts
Peoria / Diocesan Cursillo:
Spalding Renewal Center
401 N.E. Madison Ave.
Peoria, IL 61603-3719
Phone: (309) 676-5587
Champaign Area:
Eastern Area Peoria Cursillo Community
P.O. Box 7043
Champaign, IL 61826-7043
Illinois Valley Area:
Peoria Cursillo in Christianity
Box 462
Tiskilwa, IL 61368
Rock Island/Moline Area:
Peoria Cursillo
P.O. Box 933
Moline, IL 61266