To explain Cursillo to someone who has never experienced Cursillo is at best, difficult. Often, for those who have experienced Cursillo it is still somewhat mystifying. This is not because the Cursillo Movement is a "secret" organization. The reason behind the mystery is God. No one can fully explain how God touches each person in His special / unique way throughout the various elements of the Cursillo Movement.

Cursillo (pronounced kur-see-yo) is a Spanish word meaning a short course. It is an abbreviated form of Cursillo de Cristiandad (short course to prepare Christians). It is not a theoretical course, nor is it a retreat. It is first and foremost an experience. It must be lived. It is a life-changing experience, which brings with it the discovery of the basis of Christianity and its fundamental significance to our lives.

The first stirrings of what later was to become the Cursillo Movement began on the Island of Majorca during World War II. The Spanish Civil War had ended in 1939, and the years after the Civil War were a time of ferment in the Spanish Church. Before the war, a pilgrimage to the shrine of St. James at Compostela had been planned. After being postponed several times by the disruption of war, it was finally rescheduled for 1948.

At first, the Cursillo's were just "little courses" (little course is the literal meaning of the Spanish word - Cursillo) which were given by the diocesan council of the young men's branch of Catholic Action. They were given to members of Catholic Action groups as a way of forming them so they could become effective apostles.

In 1959, the Cursillo spread throughout Texas and to Phoenix, Arizona. In August of that year the first national convention of spiritual directors was held, and Ultreya magazine began publication. In 1960, the growth of the Cursillo quickened in the Southwest, and weekends were held for the first time in the East in New York City and Lorain, Ohio.

Until 1961, all weekends were held in Spanish. That year the first English-speaking weekend was held in San Angelo, Texas. Also in 1961, first weekends were held in San Francisco, California; Gary, Indiana; Lansing, Michigan; and Gallup, New Mexico. By 1962, twenty-five more English-speaking weekends had been held. Today, it is a worldwide movement with centres in nearly all South and Central American countries, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Great Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Yugoslavia, Australia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and in several African countries.

The Cursillo experience begins with a weekend course in basic Christianity. The three-day course gives the participant practical insights into the everyday life of faith and service. The weekend is a back-to-basics experience which often deepens and rounds out what one has learned about Christ earlier in life. The program begins on Thursday evening and concludes on Sunday evening.

The weekend is led by a team of lay volunteers and clergy. They prepare extensively for this three-day course in basic Christianity. As one might expect, there are talks on various religious topics, and each talk is followed by a discussion. Mass is celebrated each day, and there is an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Morning and evening prayer, as well as a few devotions, are part of the schedule. Meals are hearty, and there are regular breaks in the schedule.

Hundreds of thousands of American Catholics have lived Cursillo, so that a deep pool of people is available to support one another.

The candidate should be at least 25 years of age. While there is no upper age limit, keep in mind the schedule is physically challenging and the candidate must be able to participate in the entire weekend. The Cursillo aims at a mature living of the Christian life. The schedule is a full and demanding one which requires good health and stamina. There are separate weekends for men and women. Non-Catholics are also eligible, although Protestant versions of the Cursillo are available in eastern Massachusetts.

The Cursillo weekend is a learning experience more than a retreat. It is a busy and active time. It is not geared for serious counseling or for therapy. As a result, we discourage people who are heavily burdened by personal and emotional problems from attending. Other programs exist to meet such needs. In addition, those in recovery from substance abuse should be pursuing the spirituality that forms the basis of the twelve-step program. The candidate must be available for the entire Cursillo experience and cannot be excused to attend outside events, i.e., family functions, business meetings, etc.