Cursillo Movement

Cursillo is a church movement formed by a group of men and women.

After they lived a cursillo for 3 days (a retreat) they gather together in Ultreya's (meetings) or in a group to deepen, and intensify their answer to God's call: living and sharing the Christian life, witnessing the Gospel in their world and daring others to answer the same call.

To live a Cursillo is to make a stop in ones life. It is to offer oneself a great opportunity to listen to the Lord, to deepen ones relationship with him, ones family and helping one to become a better individual, better Christian.

The Cursillo started in Spain (Palma De Maiorca) in the 40's. From then on they have spread throughout the world becoming a source of great apostleship in the parishes where they are organized.

The Cursillo's in Portuguese began in Our Lady of Fatima, Ludlow in 1998 with the support of the secretariat from Connecticut. The pioneers were a group of five men and five women (4 couples, a widow and a priest).

They went to Richfield, CT in February 1998 to partake in the wonderful enlightening experience. From henceforward the Spirit helped the group flourish and presently there are more than 200 cursistas (members).

In May 2000, Thomas Dupre – Bishop of Springfield approved the Diocesan Secretariat for the Cursillo movement in Portuguese nominating Fr. Vitor Oliveira its spiritual director.

In 2007, due to the strong decline in the number of candidates, the Springfield and the Boston Archdiocese Secretariat merged together in order to be able to provide at least an anual Cursillo in Portuguese for the Portuguese-speaking community.

The first president of the movement was Fernando Silva. The actual secretariat is as follows:

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Ultreya's

Ultreya is a meeting of all members who already lived a Cursillo (retreat) and want to share that experience. Some go to bars, café's, restaurants, parties and other public places to socialize with their friend's the Cursillistas choose to find their brothers and sisters from the Curso in the Ultreya's. It is the life of the fourth day (the Cursillo takes three days to live and the fourth is the rest of our lives).

The Ultreya helps the Cursista verify the air in the tires, the gas in the tank, the strength of the engine and the charging of the battery. There is no better service station than Christ Jesus and your brothers and sisters.

Who can participate?

Anyone who has experienced the three day adventure no matter where can participate.

Schedule:
In September thru June we meet two times a month in the church hall.
The 2nd Saturday – Working Mission and Sharing
The 4th Saturday – Witnessing and Eucharist

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Group Meetings

Couples and singles gather in home. Groups meet monthly to renew the Lord's Spirit. Share with one another.

Presently we have 5 organized groups they meet as follow:

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Cursista Day

As the activities come to a close prior to summer vacation, the Diocesan Secretariat organizes a Cursillo Day.

All Cursistas, family, and friends, along with all the neighboring secretariats are invited to partake in this event.

This happens in the beginning of June. The day is carefully planned to promote the movement and its activities. The joyful atmosphere shows everyone present what a wonderful experience The Cursistas live.

First the Eucharist is followed by a meal.

Then everyone returns to the church for a spiritual talk and a party. The little theatre group sings, clowns, and makes everyone merry.

This year the Choral Harmonia and its Tuna from Cambridge directed by Luis Travassos delighted everyone.

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Future

The fourth Curso De Cristandade in Portuguese of the Dioceses of Springfield and Boston is scheduled for February 19 through February 22, 2009 for men and February 26 through March 1, 2009 for women.

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