|
_____________________________
WHAT CURSILLO MEANS TO ME
CARL WESTOVER:
Living as a Catholic
Christian on the surface was fine for me, however something in me wanted,
craved more. I wanted to go deep with Christ in an intimate spiritual way
through prayer and action. How could I
get there? Enter Cursillo, defined as a short course. In 2015 I put aside a
weekend for Christ, after all He did die on the cross for me, right? The
weekend was a short course and the beginning of my lifelong journey with Christ
in my heart, mind, and body. The depth in my faith I sought was fulfilled and
continues day by day. Yes a weekend is a big commitment, but the worst thing is
you will eat good food, meet nice people, however maybe, just maybe change your
life for the better.
CYNTHIA PEREZ:
My life has been
profoundly affected by the quality of people I associate with... That being
said...
I want to thank
Bill Grippo for inviting me to attend the Metuchen Cursillo in November of
2019. I was not sure what to expect but willingly accepted his invitation. Bill
and I first met in passing several years ago. I was his granddaughter’s bible
study teacher during summer camp (Summer Sondays) at Saint Matthias. We then
formally met when paired for the Live Lent group in 2018. I remember when Bill
spoke about the Cursillo movement, his eyes lit up and his voice became much
more joyful.
As I was pacing
back and forth in my foyer waiting for Bill to arrive. I was growing more nervous;
I was telling God I need a sign to help calm my nerves. Shortly thereafter two
young men dressed in professional attire approached my front door offering a
prayer card. I excitedly told them I was leaving for my Cursillo weekend and
asked if they could pray for me. They began praying, provided their well wishes
and went on their way. In the 15 years I lived in my home, I never got a visit
like this. That was the “sign”. At that moment, I placed my fears in God’s
hands, got in the car and drove off with no apprehension.
The experience at
the Cursillo was immensely powerful and life-changing. I was overwhelmed with
grace and could not contain myself. I conversed with everyone at the Cursillo;
it felt like I had known them a lifetime. They were my teachers in faith and as
it is written in Proverbs 24:6 “for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and
in abundance of counselors there is victory.” I cried tears of joy that entire
weekend. I was watching my life through a new pair of lenses. I could not put
the feeling into words, but it was complete affirmation. The inner voice
pounding in my heart that I am a servant. There is a greater purpose… We are God’s
hands. Galatians 2:20 says, “It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who
lives in me.” I invite you my brothers and sisters to join the next Cursillo
for your own divine experience! De Colores!
| 
