What goes on during the Week-end?

It is not easy to describe what goes on during the three days of the Cursillo.

This is not a simple way out, but rather, is based on an understanding that the printed word is often a poor medium to communicate experience.

For example, a stained-glass window seen from outside appears dull and lacklustre. From inside, however, the impression is entirely different and the beauty, which was not apparent from outside now fills our senses. We can attempt to describe what we see and feel, but this second-hand experience is very far from the real thing.

This is somewhat akin to the Cursillo experience which can be described but which must be lived to be appreciated..

There is more, much more. The Cursillo experience is fundamentally mysterious because it deals with the most fundamental of all mysteries, which is God.

Each of us sees the Cursillo through individual eyes and experiences it through the different lenses of our life experiences. Through these filters God’s grace makes its own, unique and unexplainable way to our hearts

Finally, there is a much more mundane reason for not wishing to divulge the entire contents of the weekend. There are a few surprises along the way – pleasant surprises, which bring joy and spontaneity to the experience.

Having said that, a brief outline of the weekend, (as seen from the outside of the stained glass window) is in order.

The week-end starts on a Thursday night and ends on Sunday night. During these three days, a small course (cursillo) is given on the fundamental aspects of Christianity and the Christian way of life. This ‘course’ is not of an academic nature. It is composed of real-life experiences, given mostly by lay-persons, which become the basis for small group discussions.

These testimonies and exchanges are intermingled with songs, laughter, breaks and moments of prayer. The atmosphere is one of warmth, fraternity and respect and before we know it, it is over.

It is not uncommon to see people arrive on Thursday night, dragging their feet, worried about what will happen and wondering why they are there. If their hearts are open, just slightly ajar, they leave after the weekend, having experienced the mystery that is God and with a different outlook on life.