The Cursillo Movement began in Spain in the 1940’s and first came to the U.S. in 1957. The first English speaking Cursillo occurred in San Antonio, Texas in 1961. By 1981 nearly all of 160 dioceses in the U.S. introduced Cursillo.

The first Cursillo weekend in Erie was held on Thanksgiving weekend in 1963 in the basement of St. Michael Church. Since then, over 400 Cursillo weekends have taken place. Erie Diocese Cursillo weekends are open to men and women of all faiths who are looking to strengthen their relationship with God.

Cursillo literally means “little course” and is an intense three-day spiritual retreat, the purpose of which is a deep personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Those who experience the Cursillo Movement know it is more than just three days of religious instruction. It is an effort to change the spiritual environment, to bring Jesus Christ into the world.