History of the Cursillo Movement
The Cursillo (pronounced coor-see-yo) was developed in Spain during the 1940's as an
instrument of spiritual renewal. Cursillo de Christiandad, the full name of the Cursillo,
means "short course in Christianity." The Cursillo weekend is a
highly-structured, well thought-out method of providing the participants an opportunity to
reflect on their own faith while giving them some insights as to where they ought to be.
The joint effort of lay and clergy seeks to develop and renew Christian church leaders.
A Cursillo is an encounter with Christ in which the participant becomes a part of a
beautiful community abounding in God's grace. The Cursillo movement was born in the Roman
Catholic Church. Then, as Catholic centers started accepting applications from
Protestants, a great interest grew in making the Cursillo experience available to all
Protestants.
The Emmaus Movement
Because of its interest in the Cursillo movement, The Upper Room, an agency of the
United Methodist Church, sponsored two model Cursillos in Peoria, Illinois in 1977. These
two events were held under the guidance and helpful leadership of the Peoria Diocese and
their Spiritual Director, Fr. Thomas Hensler. As a result, the Upper Room Cursillo
community formed in Nashville with the help of the Nashville Catholic Cursillo movement
and Fr. Charles Giacosa.
As the Upper Room Cursillo developed, it was greatly aided by ecumenical Cursillos
across the country. Not only was the Cursillo an effective tool in energizing disciples
for ministry in local congregations, it was a tremendous experience in sharing the
fundamental nature of our common faith in the Christian community.
In 1981, by mutual agreement between the National Secretariat of the Roman Catholic
Cursillo movement and The Upper Room, the name of The Upper Room Cursillo was changed to
the Emmaus movement. Thus began the life of the Upper Room Emmaus movement in equipping
knowledgeable church leaders with a vital piety.
Chrysalis
The focus of Chrysalis is commitment to Jesus Christ through the local church. The
objective of Chrysalis is to inspire, challenge, and equip local church youth for a closer
relationship with Christ and for Christian action at home, church, school, and community.
Chrysalis lifts up a way for you to be a friend of Christ in the world.
Chrysalis is for the development of Christian youth who:
Chrysalis is open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors of any denomination.
There is also a Young Adult Chrysalis event for single persons, age 18 to 25. It combines
some aspects of both the Walk to Emmaus and the Chrysalis events. For more information
about Emmaus or Chrysalis or Young Adult Chrysalis events, contact:
Your local United Methodist Church or one of the following:
