LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE OF CURSILLO

Teresa Mai Nguyệt

On Wednesday night 16th August 2006, I drove into the carpark of St Brigids Primary School on the corner of Nicholson St & Alexandra Road Fitzroy not knowing what to expect except to see my good friend An, her dad Lâm and my long time friend and elder, chú Minh. On immediate arrival I was greeted warmly by Raphael who was on nightwatch for those coming to the meeting of the two Cursillo groups of Vietnamese and Spanish. We were then joined by Maria and her daughter Natalia who were very friendly and stayed with me to find a way in! Not long after our knocks on the parish house door, it was opened and we made our way into the Spanish groups meeting room where we were greeted by other members of the Spanish group as well as bác Hà from the Vietnamese group.
 

e started with opening prayers in English and on the insistent requests by the Spanish group the Vietnamese group also sang in Vietnamese the Holy Spirit Song which was very warmly received by the Spanish group.
 

Next we went around the table introducing ourselves including a quick summary of how we came about to join the Cursillo movement. It was a very informative session and we quickly got to know each other and break the ice a little.
 

The leader of the Spanish group/secretariat led the meeting firstly explaining how the Spanish group had been operating, its achievements and general concerns. Then chú Minh explained what was happening in the Vietnamese group and how we organised certain events as well as share our dreams and aspirations.
We then went into the major issue that was of a major concern for both groups – the youth whom without the existence of, the movement in the future may not flourish or even be able to be sustained.
 

It was in both groups desire to hold a Cursillo weekend in English so as to breakdown the language barrier that both groups agreed was deterring the participation by the youth. As the discussion went on, I felt an excitement within the group that we were at least dealing with the issue at last and that something was going to be done. Finally, we came to an agreement that we will first off organise a get together where we can get to know each other, be presented with the challenge of embracing the movement as well as look to work together more closely in the future so as to build the spirit of Cursillo to be stronger.
So now as we wait till the Sunday 26th of November 2006 for the first gathering of the Vietnamese and Spanish Cursillo movements, we pray to our dear Father in heaven for much guidance, strength and wisdom to know what to do, how to do it and have faith in him.
 

And for all the young people reading this, I ask you to embrace this new vision of a stronger youth participation and growth in Cursillo. Lets all come together to contribute, give new and stronger meaning to our lives. The importance of our Christian faith needs to be realized and enacted. Theres so much to do and we can only do it together!




 

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