Finding the Spirit in Cursillo

What is Cursillo?

The question would have been front of mind for 13 participants at a recent Cursillo weekend held at St Clement’s retreat centre Galong.

Cursillo, which is a Spanish word meaning short course, is a world-wide movement that seeks to deepen faith and strengthen Christian fellowship among members.

The weekend at Galong offered talks and gospel reflections delivered by a 12-person team of lay people and Fr Bernie Patterson who also celebrated Mass.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, according to organising team member Michael de Raadt.

He said several participants described the weekend as “life changing”, leading to strengthening of belief and founding of new friendships.

Michael was pleased with the number of participants and the good feedback as it ran counter to suggestions local interest was diminishing.

“The success of the weekend was a good sign that it wasn’t declining,” he said.

Joe Jambor, another member of the organising team, said he was struck by the spirit of fellowship and connectedness that emerged.

“It was a particularly powerful Cursillo empowered by the Holy Spirit – a truly mountain-top experience,” Joe said.

With a presence in the Archdiocese since 1966, Cursillo weekends are held separately for men and women with later activities open to men and women together.