CURSILLO

The Cursillo Movement is formula and experience based with an almost secretive approach --> with well planned, gradually revealed indoctrination. The excuse of course is one has to be ready… but ready for what? - To objectively weigh the information or to participate in the experience? In reality Cursillo is not discernable until one is up to his eyeballs in it, but by then it is too late. The result is one of great excitement and a keen desire to draw others into it.

The connection between the Cursillo Movement and the Charismatic Movement is substantial. Even without ever venturing into the Cursillo Movement, it was quite obvious to me that Cursillo ushered a large number of Catholics into the Charismatic movement. Cursillo imparts a type of born again experience and the shedding of inhibitions prepares the subject for the next step; charismata. The testimonies of charismatics I heard over the years attest to this. Cursillo made them “want more” and so many progressed to the next level; charismania.

“Although the Cursillo movement is not formally linked to the Catholic charismatic movement, the Cursillo movement—especially the National Cursillo Convention held in 1966—was an important catalyst in the growth of the Catholic charismatic renewal in the U.S” Dictionary of Christianity in America (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1990)

The feeling of instant holiness and instant relationship that comes with Cursillo is a trait of the Charismatic movement also. Often the same people belong to both of these movements. I once heard it compared to a type of musical chairs. There is no need to struggle for holiness, we all fell in love with God and now all we have to do is go to the meetings and the renewal weekends. I often think of a dear friend who despite my efforts remained captive of charismata until her death; what desolation must have waited for her when she discovered the uselessness of her efforts within these groups!

Appendix
Charismata inspired movements tend to feed and feed off one another. The ACTS retreat movement, an offshoot of the Cursillo Movement began in the Archdiocese of San Antonio in 1987. In 1997 ACTS Missions was founded to take the ACTS Retreat to new Parishes all over the world. There are always new movements waiting to burst on the scene.

ACTS Retreat


42 Saved Men