The other day I called the Western Catholic Reporter to offer a brief summary of the life altering experience at a Cursillo weekend.  Glen Argan, the Editor and General Manager, replied very discouragingly with only one Question: “What is so special about this Cursillo?”  I was so stunned that I thanked him and ended the conversation.

After a brief reflection I decided to place a proper answer to that question on paper.
Since one can attend a Cursillo only once, I thought it important to convey my experience to other people who have never attended an event of this magnitude.  In short, it is called a very real meeting with Christ.

To me the effect of so much outpouring of love through the power of the Spirit, the friendships and companionships probably equalled the shocking experience that St. Paul came to know on his way to Damascus.

Where else would women or men of today’s hectic world find a chance to learn and discuss: Ideal, Grace, Laity, Faith, Piety and the Sacraments, Action, Obstacles to a life of Grace, Leaders, Evangelization of the Environment, Christian Life, Christian Community, Group Reunion and Study in one concentrated four-day weekend?

The talks were enhanced by priests and laymen alike.  It was indeed a blessing to have Fr. Albert Sterzer and the brand new Archbishop His Grace Gerard Pettipas present the entire time of praying, singing, eating, sleeping and celebrating the Eucharist.  Although my previous opinion of some Archbishops and Priests had been totally shattered, my faith in the institutional church has been positively restored by these two men who are totally human and Christ-like, loveable and even huggable.

Every day letters from family, friends and strangers arrived.  They spoke of love, friendship, support and prayers.  Suddenly the whole assembly fell silent and many tissues were passed around, some men leaving the room or meeting in the chapel.  This is the long answer to Glen’s question, from a man who thought himself hard as rock and now learned to shed tears.

If there is anybody that never has attended a Cursillo, it might be the lack of knowing of a life altering possibility as this “Short Course” in Christian Revitalization.  I thought it important that the Western Catholic Reporter could spread the message of Cursillo, which is an unbelievable realization and experience of Christ’s love surrounding us, encouraging us to go and follow His example.

Gerhard J. Schaefer