From Fr, Kevin McGrath, OSB--Cursillo Spiritual Advisor

Late Winter/Spring 2008

Dear Cursillistas,

Fr. David Smith, Region VII Spiritual Advisor, wrote a Meditation on Friendship in September of 2006, I will quote parts of his meditation.

The Cursillo Book Fundamental Ideals calls friendship “tools of perseverance”. Others may call it instruments of sanctity. Group Reunion and Ultreya remind us we are not alone; we do not live in isolation. Basically, we are active participants in the Body of Christ; so, both Group Reunion and Ultreya take this seriously. We really ask: “Does Cursillo have a particular spirituality?” The answer, really, is no. Not like the spirituality of the Franciscans, Carmelites, Jesuits, or the Dominicans {or the Benedictines!}. Cursillo, basically, incorporates a whole variety of spiritualities; no one chosen spirituality. What it is defined as, really, is the meeting of the Gospel and common sense. The spirituality of the Cursillo is the spirituality of the Gospel.

The Cursillo Book Fundamental Ideals calls friendship “tools of perseverance”. Others may call it instruments of sanctity. Group Reunion and Ultreya remind us we are not alone; we do not live in isolation. Basically, we are active participants in the Body of Christ; so, both Group Reunion and Ultreya take this seriously. We really ask: “Does Cursillo have a particular spirituality?” The answer, really, is no. Not like the spirituality of the Franciscans, Carmelites, Jesuits, or the Dominicans {or the Benedictines!}. Cursillo, basically, incorporates a whole variety of spiritualities; no one chosen spirituality. What it is defined as, really, us the meeting of the Gospel and common sense. The spirituality of the Cursillo is the spirituality of the Gospel.

Signs or characteristics of Cursillo spirituality of communion basically show up in the way we relate as friends. So, our Cursillo encounters thrive on the spirituality of the person, a living testimony of authenticity. . . .

Cursillo tells us that friendship is the authentically human form of communication between persons.

Fr. Smith’s reflection on Cursillo spirituality goes on to consider that spirituality as one of freedom, made by pilgrims, who with wonder and humility journey on their way to God. I think this can be summed up in the Cursillo maxim: Make a friend, be a friend, bring a friend to Christ.

De Colores!

Father Kevin McGrath, OSB