On the edifice of St. Francis on the Brazos in Waco, TX is a plaque that reads: “At this parish of St. Francis on the Brazos, on May 27, 1957, the Movement of the Cursillo of Christianity began in the United States under the spiritual direction of Rev. Gabriel Fernandez, Bernardo Vadell (Rector), Agustin Palomino (Prof.). Commemorated on the 20th Anniversary May 29, 1977, by Cursillistas of the USA”
The Founding of the Cursillo Movement
The Cursillo movement is a spiritual renewal movement that was founded in the early 1940s by a group of laymen, including Eduardo Bonnin Aguilo, in Majorca, Spain. It was officially recognized by the Catholic Church in 1949. The term "Cursillo" is Spanish for "little course," reflecting its focus on providing a short but intensive course in Christian living. The movement began as a way to help Catholics deepen their faith and become more effective in their everyday lives, particularly as leaders and active members of their communities.
The Cursillo Method
The central feature of the Cursillo movement is a three-day weekend retreat, often referred to as a "Cursillo." This retreat is designed to provide attendees with a deeper understanding of their faith and encourage them to continue in a closer relationship with Christ. The weekend includes a series of talks by priests and laypersons, group discussions, prayer, and reflection. The talks cover various aspects of Christian living, such as the love of God, the grace of Christ, and the role of the Holy Ghost. After the initial weekend, participants are encouraged to continue their spiritual growth through regular meetings called "Ultreyas," which provide ongoing fellowship and support.
The phrase "De Colores" is closely associated with the Cursillo movement, particularly in its Spanish-speaking communities. "De Colores" means "Of Colors" in Spanish and refers to a traditional Spanish folk song that has become an anthem for the Cursillo movement. "De Colores" is often sung during Cursillo weekends and at Ultreyas (follow-up gatherings). It emphasizes that the Church is made up of many people with individual and diverse gifts which together must serve the same Faith (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11). For this reason, the symbol of the Cursillo Movement is a multi-colored rooster.
Among the terms used by the movement, Palanca is worth noting as it refers to prayers, sacrifices, and works of mercy. They are seen as a “lever” to further the Gospel message since the Spanish word means “lever.” Understood with a traditional Catholic disposition, this is good since prayers, sacrifices, and works of charity are necessary for those who claim to hold the Christian Faith.
Concerns with the Cursillo Movement
One concern with the movement in practice is that while clergy are involved, the Cursillo movement is largely driven by laypeople, emphasizing the role of the laity in the Church. Such a focus can also diminish the important role that the Sacraments play as the principal means of receiving God’s grace and thereby growing in a deeper relationship with Christ principally through the Eucharist and through the Sacrament of Confession.
Additionally, although it started within the Catholic Church, Cursillo movements have been adopted by other Christian sects, including Anglican, Lutheran, and Methodist churches. Some of them have retained the trademarked "Cursillo" name, while others have modified its talks and methods and given them a different name. Hence, not all Cursillo weekends are appropriate for Catholics to attend since worshipping with non-Catholics – and hearing them advocate heretical errors contrary to the Lord’s own teaching authority through His Church – is never permittable.
In an era of doctrinal confusion, it is necessary to ensure that any Catholic movements, Religious Orders, or organizations are in line with the true and enduring teachings of the Catholic Church. For instance, the Neocatechumenal Way is one such movement that is contrary to the Catholic Church’s true teachings. Concern should likewise be expressed with the Cursillo Movement to ensure that no anti-Catholic teachings are taught to participants whether directly (as in Protestant-led weekends) or indirectly (by de-emphasizing the ministerial priesthood).
Conclusion
Spiritual renewal in the form of spiritual growth and revitalization along with strengthening fellowship and fostering charity are all worthwhile endeavors. But the movement's use of the post-Vatican II modernistic liturgy along with the potential for theological errors introduced during weekends are concerning. Along with these, the expressed emotionalism of movement participants can be problematic when emotion and not logic and reasoning guides decisions. However, the emphasis on retreats as a time for spiritual renewal is highly relevant and all Catholics should seek out appropriate retreats in line with the unchangeable doctrine and Liturgy of the Church.
If anyone has participated in Cursillo weekends given by traditional Catholic priests, please share more details in the comments below.
0 comment(s):
Mag-post ng isang Komento