What is Cursillo?

Cursillo (pronounced kur-see-yo) is a Spanish word meaning “short course.”  Cursillo is a personal experience of God accompanied by fellowship, instruction and testimony.  It aims to reveal the truth of Catholicism and its fundamental significance to our lives. ​

History of Cursillo

​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." 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 Arizona, the first national convention of spiritual directors was held, and Ultreya magazine began publication.

In 1960, Cursillo quickly grew in the Southwest, and weekends were held for the first time on the east coast in New York City and Ohio. 

Because of the powerful impact it was having on lives, the movement spread rapidly. Today, it is a worldwide movement with centers in many countries across North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

The Weekend

​​​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 deepening what one has learned about Christ. The program begins on Thursday evening and concludes on Sunday evening. The weekend is led by a team of lay volunteers and clergy. There are talks on various topics, and each talk is followed by a discussion. Mass is celebrated daily, and there is an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Morning and evening prayer, as well as a few devotions, are also part of the schedule. Hundreds of thousands of American Catholics have lived Cursillo.

After the Weekend

​After the weekend, there are opportunities to meet and pray with others to keep the fire of faith alive.  There are small group meetings weekly, which are usually put together personally and amongst friends.  There are also larger meetings for the entire family of Cursilliestas called Ultreyas.