The Cursillo began in Spain. The first stirring of what
was later to become the Cursillo movement began in the early days of World
War II. The first three day weekend, very similar in form and content to
what we have today, was held on June 7, 1949, in Spain.
Originally, the weekends for men were called Cursillo de Conquest (or
short course in conquest) but the name was subsequently changed to
Cursillo in Cristianidad (or short course in Christian living). As its
popularity grew, weekends were opened to women.
The first three day weekend in the U.S. was held in Waco, Texas in
1957. The movement was brought to this country by Father Fernandez and two
Spanish airmen who were training with the U.S. Air Force.
The movement spread throughout Texas in 1959 and also in Arizona. In
1960, the movement spread to other areas in the Southwest and in the East.
The first English speaking weekend was held in San Angelo, Texas in 1961.
In 1962, the Cursillo movement began to spread rapidly throughout the U.S.
Three Miamians attended a weekend in Opelousas, Louisiana in 1965.
Early in 1966, a team came from Louisiana to conduct the first weekend in
Miami.
In 1972, Pastor Ed Simonsen and Father Tom Barry got together to
start the Lutheran Cursillo movement. Lutheran #1 was held in 1972 and the
team was comprised of Catholics. That same year, Lutheran groups in Iowa
also adapted the Cursillo to Lutheran traditions.
As more denominations were welcomed, the theology became more
ecumenical. The Lutheran Cursillo changed its name to Sonshine Cursillo in
1977. New movements were started in the following areas as a result of the
out reach of the Lutheran/Sonshine Cursillo.
These are: Panama City, FL - Raiford Prison, FL - Ft. Myers, FL -
Central Michigan - Republic of Panama - Boca Raton, FL - Indian River, FL
- Jacksonville, FL - Atlanta, GA - Chicago, IL - Gold Coast, FL (with
Iowa)
In 1986, the trademark name "Cursillo" was changed to "Via
de Cristo" (the Way of Christ). The word "ultreya" became
celebration and"cursillista" became pilgrim. As originally
intended, the three day study course continued as a method to encourage
leaders to become more active in their churches and communities. To date,
close to six thousand pilgrims have attended Sonshine Via de Cristo
weekends in South Florida. There is an interesting observation to be made
regarding the Sonshine Via de Cristo "history" in South Florida.
That observation is called to mind in Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ
is the same yesterday, today and forever". That is a great promise
for us personally, but these words profile the Sonshine Via de Cristo
movement. Not much has changed in the last few years. The movement
continues to enjoy its ecumenical diversity and relies on the Holy Spirit
during each team meeting and subsequent weekend.
There is a great heritage and legacy in South Florida's Sonshine Via
de Cristo. A Catholic team brought the gift to Lutherans here in Miami.
Lutherans welcomed other denominations and soon we had a unique,
widespread work of the Holy Spirit touching many lives. So it is today, so
it will be tomorrow.
We are indebted to the countless people for what God has
accomplished, but suffice it to say....To God be the glory......great
things He has done.
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