For three days, 19 men from all parts of the Diocese gathered on the campus of St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, for a Cursillo of Christianity or Cursillo de Cristiandad, which means “short course of Christianity.”
Cursillo is a Catholic lay movement designed to deepen the spiritual life and bring about Christian involvement in daily activities, especially through evangelization.
Led by Father Erwin Candelaria, parochial vicar at the Cathedral and spiritual guide of the Diocesan Cursillo, the Oct. 10-13 weekend included time for prayer, reflection and Mass. Discussion themes included knowing yourself; grace and barriers to it; conversion; sacraments and the person of Christ.
“It is an unforgettable experience that God has prepared for those who allow themselves to be guided,” said Leonardo Zúñiga, who directed the weekend.
Luis Navarro of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Trenton, noted that he attended his first Cursillo in 2022; he spoke of the impact the movement has had on his spiritual life.
“We shared very beautiful things, and we also faced difficult situations. But the group is firm, and we support each other; we are a big family,” he said.
Eulojio Soriano Morales of St. Rose of Lima Parish, Freehold, expressed his happiness as he talked about feeling called by the Lord to be part of Cursillo.
“It was a learning experience that left me much stronger and blessed,” he said.
A participant from Maryland, who hails from Cobán, Guatemala, reflected on his desire to grow closer to God and be of service to God.
“I want to continue my journey as God intended,” he said.
Father Candelaria explained that there are two retreats – one for men and one for women – that begin on a Thursday evening and end Sunday evening. He said the long weekend “is a time for candidate(s) to have a personal encounter with themselves, with Christ and the community.”
“Candidates enjoy fellowship, the good food and having the opportunity to make friends, be friends and bring friends to Christ,” he said.
He added that the Cursillo of Christianity is not only a retreat, but an invitation to live the faith fully and to strengthen community ties.
“After the experience of the Cursillo and feeling and knowing that one is loved by God, that gives the Christian a new perception of life,” Father Candelaria said.
For information on the next Christianity course, contact Dimas Reyes, diocesan Cursillo coordinator, at 609-372-8441.
Father Erwin Candelaria, parochial vicar of St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, addresses the men during the recent Cursillo weekend. At right is Msgr. Joseph Roldan, Cathedral rector. Jossie Ramos photos