The Cursillo movement originated in Spain and, when there is no direct translation, we use the original Spanish words. For example, at our breakfast meetings, it is easier to say that we eat “croissants” than have to describe “crescent-shaped rolls made of flaky pastry of French origin” every time.
Cursillo (pronounced “kur-see-yo”) means a short course, in this case in Christianity
Cursillista: someone who has been on a Cursillo weekend
Ultreya! is a word of encouragement literally translated as “to go on” and understood as “Keep Going!” / “Onwards!” / “Upwards!” as used on the early days of the Santiago de Compostella pilgrimage. It is also used to describe the regular metings across the Diocese
Group Reunion describes small, local groups that meet to share their journeys of prayer, study and action. The word 'reunion' is the equivalent of the Spanish word for a meeting.
Palanca: Literally a lever, prayer activity to support individuals in their journeys of faith, both during the Cursillo weekend and beyond.
One benefit of maintaining words such as these in their original form is to provide a common vocabulary when communicating with Cursillo communities elsewhere in the United Kingdom and further afield.
Last updated: 23rd October 2024 MC