Cursillo is a Christian movement recognized by the Roman Catholic Church (and which has subsequently spread to several other Christian churches). It began in Spain in 1949 and was started by Bishop Juan Hervas and Dr. Eduardo Bonin.
Its name comes from the Spanish word “Cursillo”, which means “small course.” The original, full name is “Cursillo de Cristiandad”, meaning “short course in Christianity.”
However, it is neither a theoretical course nor a traditional retreat; it is best described as an experience. It is an experience which leads to discovering a better life and what is fundamental in Christianity.
The whole point of the Cursillo movement is that ordinary people can steadily grow in the love and service of God and man for the rest of their lives. The Cursillo weekend can represent the first essential step along the way or perhaps deepen your current Spiritual Life. Christian growth is a life-long process, and Cursillo provides a framework for it, both during the three days and afterwards in the Post-Cursillo, where emphasis is on maintaining a vibrant and growing Christian community from which springs the apostolic action required to make ours a better world in which to live.
Cursillo awakens a consciousness of power and the mission to become a leader in the work of Christian renewal, with the support of Christian community.