In the last Evangelizer, I mentioned new guidance being downward directed to the Cursillo Movement by Eduardo Bonin and his staff in Mallorca. These updates are aimed at aligning the US Cursillo with the original Cursillo concepts put in place 50 years ago, which was to bring people closer to God through mutual support and friendship. We appreciate how this strikes a sensitive cord with many of us who are very passionate about Cursillo. We have had long and thoughtful conversations in the School of Leaders and Secretariat meetings concerning how to handle these issues. Some parts of the Weekend have been deemphasized or eliminated in favor of increased time or emphasis on other parts. For example, we will no longer have a Cursillo theme and poster. Cursillo is the theme and the poster is the same picture of Jesus that is in the office of Eduardo Bonin. The Weekend will now allow more time for spiritual direction and reflection. Plans to meet and know candidates prior to the Cursillo will be made. Candidates will become Cursillistas and receive their crosses earlier in the Weekend to emphasize that we are all Cursillistas and one body in Christ. Cheryl Rajski, the Rectora for the next Women’s Cursillo, which will be held October 24-27, 2019, at the King’s House, has been leading the effort to identify the new Step-by-Step procedures and how to include them in the Cursillo Weekend Schedule and activities.
At the local level, we are in the process of moving the Weekends from the spring to the fall. Relocation to the fall was made because support from priests and deacons during Lent and Easter has been increasingly difficult. This move has received strong support by nearly everyone. As a part of the change in season, we also have considered a change in venue from ASC Ruma to the King’s House. We currently have Cursillos scheduled at both the King’s House and at ASC Ruma for the fall of 2020. Terry Kostel, the Three-Day Chair, and I have had some very positive discussions with the ASC Leadership in Ruma about hosting our Cursillos. They have offered some good suggestions on how we can better use their facilities. In addition, the feedback from the Women’s Cursillo, which will be held at the King’s House this October, will help to finalize the decision on location. The Cursillo Weekend venue is still an open issue that will require further discussion.
I ask the entire Cursillo community to keep an open mind. The road ahead has been well thought out and approached with caution and should have a positive effect on our Cursillo program in the future.
Love, Joy, Peace, and De Colores!
Bob McCormack