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Well, you know the rest of the story. When Chuck was released from prison in 1976 he founded Prison Fellowship that has chapters in 113 countries around the world. He has become, as I coined it, the apostle to the incarcerated. How about you, is God calling you to conversion and for a purpose?
In the Cursillo Movement we know our basic calling - evangelization. We need to bring Christ into our families, into our workplace, and in the marketplace. We are not ashamed of Christ, and we will continue to proclaim His holy name and manifest our deep love for Him.
Witness article by:
Sis. Maria Moscardini
SF Filipino Cursillo Movement
The Cursillo weekend was one of many emotions. Not only for me. Mostly, I remember fondly the loud laughter during our many meals and how we were greeted with the jubilant de colores. I remember fondly calling everyone sister.
It has been said that most people retain 10% of what they learn during a presentation, a lecture, a lesson, or a class. I am being honest when I say I am in that category. Even though at the time, with each topic, and I took copious pages of notes, I couldn't make heads or tails of them when I re read them at home. . . But I do remember the emotions I felt at the time.
As I already mentioned there were many emotions to be felt that weekend, joyful ones and ones of deep sadness. Personally, I took a chance in saying yes to sis Norma and consenting to attend at all. I was hoping, in my own selfishness to have a personal encounter with my Lord. I took a chance because I knew I would be confronted with the truths of my thoughts, the realities of my actions, what I have done and what I have failed to do. When I left the weekend, I realized that my selfishness was my faith in disguise. God had played a trick on me. He knew it was the only way to get me there, to make me feel guilty, an emotion I know too well. Today I say, what ever avenue you take, and for whatever reason you talk yourself into believing, if it is for the sake of seeking God in you, go for it. . I did have that experience and I am so grateful. It came during confession, and it was about forgiveness, to be forgiven and to forgive.
So each day I thank God for this new day because I have another opportunity to be. I can be Eucharist to someone. In the situation that is close to my heart, where it has been a very difficult two months for my husband, and myself, I struggle to make my husband's day just a bit easier, to somehow ease his pain, with some understanding how he must be feeling and allowing him to voice his discontent with his health situation without grudging or judging. I give him Eucharist. I feel I am Eucharist. And each time I receive Eucharist, I am forgiven.
I continue to serve in my parish as a Eucharist minister, and Lector, roles I feel honored and blessed to serve in, to joyfully be able to give to and receive Jesus from my community.
The RCIA program begins soon, and I am revitalized and am anticipating another growth spurt in my faith journey. I pray that those entrusted to me will find me a worthy example and leader.
This past July, led by the Spirit, our St. Andrew AIDS WALK team participated in AIDS WALK SF. We were one of 978 teams to participate. Seventy one walkers strong, raised $41,165.00, for our brothers and sisters living with the HIV/AIDS virus and the programs that sustain their lives, their health and dignity. St. Andrew placed 2nd among religious groups, and 13th in the top 20 teams. I am very proud of our efforts, and I thank those of you here who walked with us. St. Andrew cares.
In August, I was very fortunate to be asked to help with the St. Vincent DePaul Back to School shopping spree. A.J. and I had a great time shopping for school clothes, clothes his mom would not have been able to afford to get him.
I am very lucky to work in a Catholic institution. Each morning, a prayer is read. Sometimes I can relate to it, sometimes I can't. Sometimes the spoken word is so powerful, it knocks my socks off and I am ready to start the day, thanking God for the new day and praying that at the end of the day, God will be pleased. I continue to work on my prayer efforts. It is hard for me to do.
So, in conclusion, I have to confess, and honestly say, I did not expect to learn anything during Cursillo, but I learnt
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