Cursillo Manual

The Cursillo® Movement’s
®
Cursillo Manual
An official publication* of
the Caribbean Secretariat
of the Cursillo® Movement
*Adapted from the official publication of the United States National Secretariat of the
Cursillo® Movement
From the desk of Father Daniele Liesi
PRESENTATION
It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the Cursillo® Movement in the Caribbean on the
publication of a Cursillo® Manual which is a decisive step towards the authenticity of our
Cursillo® Movement.
By referencing the official publication of the United States National Secretariat of the
Cursillo® Movement, which respects the title of the original rollos, as established in Bishop
Hervás pastoral letter (“Cursillos in Christianity – Instruments of Christian Renewal”) the
candidates, upon living the experience of Cursillo®, will not feel straight-jacketed by well
intentioned programs, which take away the spontaneity and freshness of freely choosing the
holy simplicity of what is Fundamental for being Christian – the axis of their living.
We have always thought that when one can understand the “what”, one’s life is
complicated when one’s generosity is forcibly directed to continue a generalised and
gregarious “how”, we make the world less beautiful.
The Movement of Cursillos in Christianity, was thought up, prayed for and structured, in
order to find a way to attract the far away, so than man’s liberty may encounter the Spirit of
God, rather than a group of lackeys ready to do whatever they are told to do by the powers
that be.
It is good and healthy to recall than what the Cursillos intend, and through the grace of
God and the prayers of many, is to awaken the hunger for God among the baptized, and not to
propose any other means of satisfying it from among the many means that already exist in the
Church.
With the desire and hope that this Manual be for many a point of departure and not an
end, I would like to communicate to the leaders, and in general to all Cursillistas, my most
sincere congratulations. You can rely on an instrument that, employed as an orientation, is
going to be a great help, so that the truth and the active and living knowledge of Christ, may
reach the greatest possible number of people.
Father Daniele Liesi

Charge d' Affaires,
Apostolic Nunciature,
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
I
Cursillo® Manual – Preface
PREFACE
It is with God’s grace that our Cursillo® Manual is complete on the ……….. Since
Cursillos in Christianity is much more than the three days – it is an experience, sharing,
encountering life, etc. – we have also adopted the title Cursillo® Manual rather than the
previously used “3-Day Manual”.
Chapter 1 is the schedule for the Cursillo®. Although this schedule helps guide the
Rector(a), minor adjustments may be required as the week progresses. It is essential that the
sequence of the rollos and the meditations not be altered. Chapter 2 includes the dynamics of
the Cursillo® and a new section about “Team Meetings”. Chapter 3 includes the Details of
the Schedule and the Rector(a)’s Guide. This section will be of great help for the Rector(a)
and especially for the new Rector(a). Chapter 4 is the rollo section. There are four parts for
each rollo: Synthesis, Outline, Method of Preparing the Rollo and a Sample Rollo to serve as
a guide. Each leader should prepare their rollo utilising the Outline with the help of the other
parts mentioned above. Furthermore, there are countless resources such as religious and non-
religious books, Cursillo® literature, Papal documents, the Catechism of the Catholic Church,
Vatican II documents, and the irreplaceable experience of each rollista’s life that are available
to assist you in preparing a rollo. It is essential that the rollista stay within the outline
provided in order to ensure the progression of the rollos.
In accordance with a decision made by the United States National Secretariat of the
Cursillo® Movement, this Manual takes us back to the original titles and outlines of the rollos
that came from Mallorca during the first Cursillo® in Waco, Texas in 1957. In 1998 our Holy
Father, Pope John Paul II requested that all religious orders and ecclesiastical groups go back
and search their foundational charism. A foundational charism is the gift provided by the
Holy Spirit, which sets that particular group apart and provides a unique contribution to the
Roman Catholic Church. This project has taken several years to accomplish. Today it is a
reality, thanks to the dedication of many leaders, their National Secretariats and the Palanca
of many Cursillistas.
With a better understanding of the mentality and purpose of Cursillos in Christianity, this
Manual is a returning to the “Cradle” of Cursillos. In order for Cursillos in Christianity to be
where it is today, the Manual’s proponents had to accept and sometimes ignore many things.
The rollos-rollos (lay rollos) were not an exception; therefore adaptations were made so that
the layperson was more oriented towards the service of the parish than to their own vocation
as a layperson. The Cursillo® message is not about asking the layperson for a commitment in
“doing” things, to attend events, or to belong to groups and associations, etc. The layperson
is called to be a living witness of the Gospel in his own circumstances by means of radiating
the reality of its grace in all facets of his life.
The “outlines” and “sample rollos” that are included emphasize the secularity, in the
natural and simple daily living of a layman and laywoman of today. For example, the Laity
in the Church rollo that we are all used to, accentuates more in the mission of the Church and
our contribution to that mission. The original rollo emphasizes more in the mission of the
Layperson in the world – their small world. This is the layperson’s contribution in the
mission of the Church, that we become the Good News and that our actions be apostolic and
evangelical; that is, that we reveal through our being, the great love of God to modern man.
II
Cursillo® Manual – Preface
The Cursillista will clearly perceive the Church concept through their experience of
Cursillo®.
Therefore, let this Manual be a service to all those that have made Cursillos in
Christianity their primary apostolate. May it serve as a faithful guide to maintaining the
Cursillo® Movement’s original purpose of transforming man first, by means of love and
friendship, living what is fundamental for being Christian together with our fellow man and
thus as a group transform the world, from savage to human and from human to divine.
Cursillos in Christianity yesterday, today, tomorrow and always is an effective instrument

in the evangelization of the modern world.
III
TABLE OF CONTENTS
From the Desk of Father Daniele Liesi ………..………………………... I
Preface …………………………………………………………………… II - III
Chapter 1
Cursillo Schedule ………………………………..………………… 1–8
Chapter 2
Dynamics of the Cursillo®, the Team, and Rollo Preparation ……… 9 – 21
Chapter 3
Details of the Schedule and Rector(a)’s Guide …………….……… 23 – 47
Chapter 4
Rollos ……………………………………………………….……… 49 – 272
Preliminary Rollo ………………………………………………….. 51 – 63

Synthesis ………………………………………………………. 52 – 56
Outline …………………………………………………………. 57 – 59
Sample Rollo …………………………………………………... 60 – 63
Ideal ………………….…………………………………………….. 65 – 82
Synthesis ………………………………………………………. 67 – 69
Method of Preparing the Rollo ………………………………… 70 – 71
Outline …………………………………………………………. 72 – 75
Sample Rollo …………………………………………………... 76 – 82
Habitual Grace……….…………………………………………….. 83 – 86
Synthesis ………………………………………………………. 85
Outline …………………………………………………………. 86
The Layperson in the Church ………………………………………….. 87 – 104

Synthesis ………………………………………………………. 89 – 90
Outline …………………………………………………………. 91 – 94
Sample Rollo …………………………………………………... 99 – 104
Actual Grace ..……….…………………………………………….. 105 – 108

Synthesis ………………………………………………………. 107
Outline …………………………………………………………. 108
IV
Piety ………………….…………………………………………….. 109 – 128
Synthesis ………………………………………………………. 111 – 112
Outline …………………………………………………………. 113 – 117
Sample Rollo …………………………………………………... 121 – 128
Study ...……………….…………………………………………….. 129 – 144

Synthesis ………………………………………………………. 131 – 132
Outline …………………………………………………………. 133 – 135
Method of Preparing the Rollo ………………………………… 136 - 137
Sample Rollo …………………………………………………... 138 – 144
Sacraments ….……….…………………………………………….. 145 – 148

Synthesis ………………………………………………………. 147
Outline …………………………………………………………. 148
Action …………….….…………………………………………….. 149 – 164

Synthesis ………………………………………………………. 151 – 152
Outline …………………………………………………………. 153 – 156
Sample Rollo …………………………………………………... 159 – 164
Obstacles to a Life of Grace ……………………………………….. 165 – 168

Synthesis ………………………………………………………. 167
Outline …………………………………………………………. 168
Leaders ……...…………….……………………………………….. 169 – 185

Synthesis ………………………………………………………. 171 – 172
Outline …………………………………………………………. 173 – 178
Sample Rollo …………………………………………………... 181 – 185
Study of the Environment ………………………………………….. 187 – 208

Synthesis ………………………………………………………. 189 – 190
Outline …………………………………………………………. 191 – 197
Sample Rollo …………………………………………………... 202 – 208
Life in Grace …..…….…………………………………………….. 209 – 212

Synthesis ………………………………………………………. 211
Outline …………………………………………………………. 212
Christian Community in Action ………..………………………….. 213 – 231

Synthesis ………………………………………………………. 215 – 216
Outline …………………………………………………………. 217 – 218
Sample Rollo …………………………………………………... 221 – 231
V
The Cursillista Beyond the Cursillo® …….……………………….. 233 – 247
Synthesis ………………………………………………………. 235 – 236
Outline …………………………………………………………. 237 – 238
Sample Rollo …………………………………………………... 243 – 247
Total Security ………..…………………….……………………….. 249 – 272

Synthesis ………………………………………………………. 251 – 252
Outline …………………………………………………………. 253 – 257
Sample Rollo …………………………………………………... 264 – 272
Appendices ……………………………………………………………… 273 – 287
Appendix 1 ………………………………………………………… 275 – 276

The Story of the Threshing Machine
Appendix 2 ………………………………………………………… 277 – 279

The Prison Story
Appendix 3 ………………………………………………………… 281 – 283

Saturday Devotion to the Immaculate Virgin
Appendix 4 ………………………………………………………… 285

Service Sheet
Appendix 5 ………………………………………………………… 287

Group Reunion Sheet
VI
Chapter 1 – Cursillo® Schedule
CHAPTER – 1
CURSILLO® SCHEDULE1
FIRST NIGHT
6:30 p.m. - Registration
7:40 p.m. - Preliminary Rollo – Welcome and Cursillo® History2
8:15 p.m. - Begin Retreat Phase (Chapel)

Prayer before Meditation (P.G.3 pg. 22-23)
1st Meditation – Know Yourself
Prayer after Meditation (P.G. pg. 23)
8:45 p.m. - Way of the Cross (P.G. pg. 44-53)
9:30 p.m. - Break (Silence is observed by all)
9:50 p.m. - Chapel – Prayer before Meditation (P.G. pg. 22-23)

2nd Meditation – The Prodigal Son
10:15 p.m. - Night Prayers (P.G. pg. 29-35)

Examination of conscience (P.G. pg. 56-59)
10:25 p.m. - Announcements and Retire
10:30 p.m. - Team Reunion
1
See Chapter 3, Details of the Schedule and Rector(a)’s Guide.
2
The rollo may be extended if group introductions are done. If introductions are not one, the rollo should last
approximately 20 minutes.
3
P.G. – Pilgrim’s Guide
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FIRST DAY
7:00 a.m. - Arise (Silence)
7:30 a.m. - Chapel – Welcome and Morning Prayer (P.G. pg. 6-9)
Prayer before Meditation (P.G. pg. 22-23)
3rd Meditation – The Three Glances of Christ
8:00 a.m. - Mass – End of the Retreat Phase
8:45 a.m. - Breakfast
9:30 a.m. - Assignment by Decurias
9:45 a.m. - Ideal (25 minutes)

Meditation (momentary)
Discussion and Summary (30 minutes)
10:45 a.m. - Free time
11:00 a.m. - Habitual Grace (45 minutes)

12:15 p.m. - Lunch
1:00 p.m. - Free time
1:15 p.m. - Habitual Grace (45 minutes)

2:15 p.m. - Lunch
2:30 p.m. - Actual Grace – Introduce Palanca with this Rollo (45 minutes)
4:00 p.m. - Piety (40 minutes)

Rector’s intervention4 (5 minutes)
4:45p.m. - Rosary5 (Sorrowful Mysteries) and Chapel Visit
4
5
If there is a need to make adjustments because of the kitchen schedule, the Rosary can be done together with
night prayers, but the Visit should be done right after the Rector’s intervention.
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5:30 p.m. - Discussions and Summary (30 minutes)
6:00 p.m. - Dinner and Free time
7:00 p.m. - Summary of the Day and Prepare poster (30 minutes)
7:30 p.m. - Reunion of the Groups

(Presentation of summaries and posters)
8:45 p.m. - Chapel – Night Prayers (P.G. pg. 29-35)

Examination of conscience (P.G. pg. 56-59) and Confessions
9:00 p.m. - Retire

Visit with group leaders & Secretaries
9:30 p.m. - Team reunion
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SECOND DAY
6:40 a.m. - Arise
7:10 a.m. - Chapel – Morning Prayer (P.G. pg. 6-9) the Saturday Devotion to the
Blessed Virgin can be said here. (See Appendix 3)
7:30 a.m. - Prayer before Meditation (P.G. pg. 22-23)

4th Meditation – The Person of Christ
8:45 a.m. - Study (35 minutes)

(Reminder: Visits to the Blessed Sacrament)
10:00 a.m. - Sacraments Part 1 (50 minutes)
11:00 a.m. - Sacraments Part 2 (50 minutes)

(Visit to the Blessed Sacrament to end rollo)
12:00 p.m. - Prepare for Mass
12:15 p.m. - Mass (Eucharist as Homily for last section of Sacraments)
1:00 p.m. - Lunch and Free time
2:00 p.m. - Discussion and Summary for Sacraments (Group Chapel visits)
2:45 p.m. - Action (35 minutes)

4:00 p.m. - Obstacles to the Life of Grace (45 minutes)

5:25 p.m. - Leaders (35 minutes)

6:30 p.m. - Dinner and Free time
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7:30 p.m. - Summary and Poster of the Day (30 minutes)
8:00 p.m. - Rosary: The Joyful Mysteries and Chapel visit
8:30 p.m. - Reunion of the Groups

(Presentation of summaries and posters)
9:15 p.m. - Sharing
10:00 p.m. - Chapel – Night Prayers (P.G. pg. 29-35)

Examination of conscience (P.G. pg. 56-59) and Confessions
10:10 p.m. - Retire

Visit the Most Blessed Sacrament with the group leaders and
the secretaries
10:30 p.m. - Team reunion
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THIRD DAY
7:00 a.m. - Arise
7:30 a.m. - Chapel – Morning Prayer (P.G. pg. 6-9)

Prayer before Meditation (P.G. pg. 22-23)
5th Meditation –Christ’s Message to the Cursillistas
8:45 a.m. - Study of the Environments (35 minutes)

(Remind everyone about chapel visits)
Discussion6 (20 minutes)
9:50 a.m. - Life in Grace (45 minutes)

Explanation and Purpose of the Service sheet7
10:50 a.m. - Free time – prepare for Mass
11:00 a.m. - Mass8
12:00 p.m. - Lunch
12:50 p.m. - Free time – Put luggage in order
1:15 p.m. - Christianity in Action (45 minutes)

Discussion (20 minutes)
2:30 p.m. - The Cursillista Beyond the Cursillo® (20 minutes)

Visit to the Blessed Sacrament (Collect Service Sheets) 9
3:15 p.m. - Total Security (Group Reunion and Ultreya) (40 minutes)
3:55 p.m. - Group Reunion Demonstration10
6
The important thing of this day, is not so much the summary, but their sharing, discussion and visits to the
Blessed Sacrament collectively and individually while maintaining the discipline.
7
8
Mass can be celebrated in the morning or at any other convenient time.
9
This time can be used to collect the Service sheets. However if Mass is held in the afternoon hours, then the
appropriate time to collect them is during the Offertory.
10
A Practical (Friendship) Group Reunion should be demonstrated, preferably by members of the team who
normally group together. They may briefly share how the group came to be and perhaps two or three of them
may share about their group reunion.
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4:10 p.m. - Group Reunion by the Cursillistas and leaders11 (30 minutes)
4:40 p.m. - Light Dinner and Free time

(Prior to this break, inform the candidates that personal reflections
will be completed following light dinner.)
5:00 p.m. - Personal Reflections on the Cursillo® Experience

Directed to two questions:
1. What have I discovered about myself, Christ, and the Church
(Others) during the Cursillo®?
2. What do I plan to do with what I have learned?
5:30 p.m. - Preparation for the Closing
5:45 p.m. - Closing and Apostolic Commitment Service
7:45 p.m. - Final Cursillo® Reunion and Chapel Visit
11
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Chapter 2 – Dynamics of the Cursillo®, the Team, and Method of Preparing the Rollo
CHAPTER – 2
DYNAMICS OF THE CURSILLO®, THE TEAM, AND ROLLO PREPARATION
A Cursillo® is, in the first place, the proclamation of a doctrinal message. It presupposes
and demands a doctrinal structure, a solid dogmatic base, which will become the foundation
for a clear and profound religious conviction. From this comes a solid Christian life mixed
with theological truth.
The proclamation of the message should be done with simplicity and authenticity. A
witnessing of life bold enough to inspire imitation, yet expressed with true humility, giving
the glory to God.
The rollos are to be the joyful proclamations, not of academic and sterile truth, but of
truths that have been lived in the lives of the rollistas and found to be valid and dynamic
truths. All the rollos, whether given by priests, deacons, vowed religious or laity, should be
both doctrinally sound and a living witness of those proclaiming it.
The rollos are not everything in the Cursillo®, but they are absolutely essential because
they contain the doctrinal body of the Cursillo®. Their content outlines what is necessary for
living what is fundamental for being a Christian, to live out our love for God through a
relationship with self, Christ and others.
All of the rollos are interrelated. Each rollo is a necessary part within the whole of the
Cursillo®. The leaders should be familiar with all the rollos, have a total vision of the
message, and know the basic message outlined in each rollo, so that each rollo may serve its
proper role. We are not trying to give Christian doctrine in its entirety in each rollo. We are
attempting to give what is necessary to encourage a personal encounter with self, Christ and
others.
The rollos should present the Gospel to the Cursillistas in such a way that they clearly
hear the call to take a new direction in their lives. Therefore, they should be presented in a
way that is intimately related to the concrete circumstances of the lives of the candidates and
their environments. This should help them see the relevance of the Kingdom of God to
today’s world and to see that authentic Christian life should, and can, respond to those
problems.
The Cursillo® Movement has a definite approach to making the Christian life accessible to
the Cursillista. This approach is based on a psychological theory and on a theological view
of the Christian life. The Cursillo® centres on the Christian ideal, presenting only the very
basic, fundamental things, which are necessary for living life as a Christian. It presents them
in such a way that people can easily see how the Christian ideal relates to them and to their
lives.
THE TEAM
The team should be selected with plenty of time so they can meet and plan as necessary in
order to become a living community. The leaders should be persons properly prepared,
spiritually and technically, with regular attendance to the School of Leaders. The Secretariat
-9-
should encourage the participation of new leaders as auxiliaries, especially those who put
forth their possibilities and capabilities through apostolic action.
There are different ways of making the team selection:

1. The Secretariat selects the team from the School of Leaders.
2. The Secretariat selects the Rector(a), and together they select the rest of the team
from the School of Leaders.
3. The Cursillo® (3 Day) Chairperson recommends members from the School of
Leaders for the team to the Secretariat for approval.
Any of these options are acceptable as long as the final approval comes from the
Secretariat and the team comes from the School of Leaders.
The team leaders need to enter into a climate of group reunion, so they can become
witnesses of a visible and living community to the Cursillistas during the Cursillo®. There
rests the secret, if we become one in Jesus, there is no better witness. Although, we may
know each other (and we should) from the School of Leaders, the community, the Ultreya,
work, etc, it is in the team meeting where we get to know and share with each other in a more
intimate way. It is for this reason that teams should have several meetings when they are
called to serve in the Cursillo®.
A team should be formed to serve on a Cursillo® weekend at lease four months in

advance. During this period, they should be able to prioritize their time and dedication to
their task – to become an exemplary community in a climate of Group Reunion in such a way
that others may say, “Look at how they love each other.” For this purpose and other reasons,
immediate and long term preparation, the team will need to meet several times (F.I. #290-
291). The closer the Cursillo® weekend approaches, the more frequent these reunions should
be held.
Outcome of the Meetings:

 The first meeting should be held as soon as possible after being called to serve in this
capacity in order to continue the process started at the School of Leaders, of knowing
each other and becoming a community. Tasks are assigned so that everyone knows
their responsibilities. A schedule of future meetings should be provided at this
meeting.
 The second meeting is to continue growing as a group reunion team; therefore, the
team may share their “Tripod” as well as their closest moment with Christ, etc. Some
other things pertinent at this reunion and on all the following ones may be:
1. Going over one on the rollos in depth.
2. Review the different phases of the Cursillo® weekend.
3. To share about the three encounters (with oneself, with God and with others)
experienced during the Cursillo®.
 The third meeting may be to share about the main points of all the rollos in a
sequential order. (This meeting may be longer than two hours). This task should be
assigned by the Rector(a) at the second meeting.
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For a short time (approx. 7-10 minutes), each leader shares the main points of their rollo.
This may include a short summary of the main ideas as well as the situation or environment
of the Cursillo® at the time of this rollo. It may be helpful to include a brief summary of what
the previous rollista proclaimed in their rollo. This serves, not only to assure the rollista
captures the main points of their rollo, but also ensures the other leaders capture it as well and
can link together the overall message of Cursillo®.
At this point, reading the rollo from their notes may suffice, however, during their study
of the rollo, these ideas should be internalized. This type of sharing should be repeated
without depending too much on the notes.
Example: Let’s say for instance, that you are to give the “Study” rollo. During this
meeting, you would share the following:
1. Title and situation.
A. This rollo is titled Study. It is the first rollo of the second day following a brief
break after breakfast.
B. Study is the second leg of the tripod where all Christian life is sustained.
C. This rollo is not as vibrant as the Piety rollo, but also not purely intellectual.
2. State which rollo preceded yours and briefly, share some of the main ideas.
A. Study was preceded by this morning’s Meditation “The Figure of Christ” and the
Piety rollo.
B. In the Piety rollo we have experienced the enthusiasm of what is to live the life in
Grace. Piety is an Ideal. We are called to direct our whole life toward God; to
live our life in Grace; conscious, growing and shared – Our love toward God and
our love toward our brothers and sisters.
C. The Meditation, “The Figure of Christ,” introduces the 3rd phase of the Cursillo®:
development of the Christian life, which lays the ground for the second encounter
that Cursillo® provides, the “Personal Encounter with Christ.” A Christ who is
real, living, personal, present in the Eucharist; a friend who is close to us at every
moment of our lives. This is the Christ who is in the Tabernacle. Once we get to
know Him, we must incarnate Him.
3. Atmosphere at the Time of the Study rollo.
A. The atmosphere is one of enthusiasm. The first two phases of Cursillo®, the
preparation and proclamation phases, intended to put the Cursillistas face to face
with themselves.
B. Now they may be ready for an encounter with the Christ shared during the
morning Meditation. Study plays a big part towards that Encounter.
4. Share the central idea(s) of the rollo.
A. What we intend with the Study rollo is to implant the idea of Grace deeper but in a
more conscious and enlightened manner, thus to be a “living witness of our faith.”
B. The object of our study is centred, condensed, and synthesized in the words of St.
Augustine: “Lord Jesus, let me know myself and know You.”
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To know ourselves:
To Understand the Reality of Humanity.
This is the sum of our being and the reason we sometimes have moments of pride,
cowardice, sinfulness, narrow-mindedness, and childishness that hinder our sanctification and
can stop us from being the saints that God wants us to be.
To know God:
God is not a problem solver, but Who, nevertheless, is:
A personal Being; living; hopeful for you; someone who wants the best for you;
Omnipotent.
Apostolic:
Study is the aim of action.
The Church needs militant Catholics who base their action on piety (knees) and direct it
through study (intelligence),
We are called to project the virtues we have acquired and exercised into our
environments. The seller must know something about the product and the buyer. In order for
our actions to be effective, we must know Christ and the people we want to spread His
message to. By knowing more about Christ and our brothers/sisters, we are then better able
to serve the Lord in spreading His message to them. We can say that an hour of study is an
hour of prayer.
Study is the means for the progressive integration and conforming of man in Christ. It
would be a terrible mistake to turn it into an end.
A means that brings about the discovery of the possibilities of the normal, living, and
triumphant Christianization of our being.
Christianity is not just a way of life, but life itself.

It is not an outfit one wears that is made up of liturgical practices, prayers, medals, alms,
etc.
We do not work so Christians will go to Mass on Sundays, avoid saying bad words, or
become good people; we work so all may become modern day saints in their every day lives.
This concludes the short assignment of the Study rollo. After a brief time for
observations and feedback on the Study rollo, the Spiritual Advisor will share a brief
summary of the Sacraments rollo (the team may share a few minutes, concentrating on the
central message). The team continues the exercise of presenting their rollos in a sequential
manner.
 Personal contact, authentic witness, real Palanca, leader’s responsibility for the
“decurias” (group table), and experiences from previous Cursillos can be shared at a
different meeting. This may be helpful to the team members during the course of the
Cursillo® weekend.
 Other meetings may allow some rollistas to share their whole rollo or part of it.
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 As mentioned above, one of the meetings closer to the date for the Cursillo® weekend
should be conducted similar to what was suggested on the third meeting.
 The last meeting should be held as close to the Cursillo® weekend as possible. It
should be a time for fellowship and spirituality. It could include the celebration of the
Eucharist or a similar spiritual event.
Notes for the Meeting:

1. Each meeting should allow time for sharing with each other, to know each other
better.
2. Each meeting should include a brief, but appropriate spiritual or doctrinal reflections
by one of the Spiritual Advisors.
3. After each rollista shares their rollo or the main ideas of their rollo, whichever the
case may be, the other team members, with discretion and sincerity, may make
constructive suggestions to the presenter. The presenter should be open and receptive
to the suggestions.
4. The Team meetings do not replace the School of Leaders meetings or curriculum and
should be held separate from the School of Leaders.
THE CURSILLO® - A NEW VISION FOR THE CURSILLISTAS
During the Cursillo®, the participants have to receive a vision of what is fundamental for
being a Christian: (1) The love for God, and (2) the love towards our neighbours. They have
to understand they are being challenged to commit themselves to this way of life. They need
a vision of what their own lives can be, once they begin to live out what is fundamental to
being a Christian.
1. The love for God is demonstrated by the Palanca:

A. Palanca by the outside community:
(1) Through the reading of some of the individual offerings and the communal
offered by a group (i.e. Ultreya groups, parish, etc.)
- without exaggeration
- without manipulation
- without dramatization
B. Palanca by the Team:
(1) Visible in their posture, sincerity and self-surrender during prayer time and the
visits to the Blessed Sacrament.
(2) natural, without exaggeration.
2. The vision of this new life is demonstrated through our witness of love for the
Cursillistas.
A. During Precursillo – concern for their well being; always without personal interest
or without expecting anything in return; helping them with their needs:
(1) natural or material
(2) psychological
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(3) spiritual
(4) supernatural
B. During the Cursillo® - there are many small details we can contribute. We
demonstrate our love for them:
(1) by serving them, sharing with them at the decurias, during meal time, free
times, in the hallways, etc.
(2) being attentive to their needs; their medications or something they forgot to
bring, etc.
(3) giving them our joy, our friendship, and our respect.
(4) through the rollos, especially the witnesses of each rollista.
C. During Postcursillo – deepening our friendship with them and helping them grow
in their three encounters: self, Christ and others.
In general, we do not intend to give them what is good, but the Good News!
PROGRESSION OF THE ROLLOS
Considering the progression of the rollos in the Cursillo® is another valuable way of
bringing out the purpose and structure of the Cursillo® outlines. In order to better understand
the way all the Cursillo® rollos work together, it is necessary to consider them: (1) as a whole,
and (2) individually with their special messages. The proper perspective is to view all the
rollos as one rollo (one message) divided into many different parts. Actually, considering the
Cursillo® rollo-by-rollo pins down some of the main ideas and shows the flow of the
Cursillo®. Considering the main ideas topically may clarify some of the thinking behind the
Cursillo®, but it obscures the structure and development of ideas in the Cursillo® itself.
There are a number of ways to bring out the progression of the Cursillo® rollos because
they are interrelated in various ways. One obvious distinction is that of the Spiritual
Advisor’s rollos and the lay rollos.
The Spiritual rollos present the theology of living the life of grace (Structure of Ideas,
p.54):
 Habitual Grace: with divine life.
 Actual Grace: its promoter and its achievement.
 Sacraments: its sources.
 Obstacles: its enemies.
 Life in Grace: its nourishment.
The 5 Meditations (Structure of Ideas, p.65):
 Know Yourself: how you are.
 The Prodigal Son: how Christ is.
 The Three Glances: how Christ sees you.
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 The Person of Christ: how you should see Christ.

 Christ’s Message to the Cursillista: how Christ loves you.
The lay rollos present the witness to the actual living of a life of grace (Structure of Ideas,
pg.54). The lay rollos go through the following trajectory:
 Ideal: Man can be more and be better.
 The Layperson in the Church: He can be it from where hw is.
 Piety: Man discovers his heart spontaneously.
 Study: If he uses his intelligence with conviction.
 Action: Puts his will in motion with decision.
 Leaders: And his person as a whole.
 Study of the Environments: And if man accepts that his reality is made up of
persons.
 Christianity in Action: Whom he can help.
 Cursillista Beyond the Cursillo®: As long as it is done in a personal way.
 Total Security: In friendship.
The Spiritual rollos and meditations must be given by a Spiritual Advisor: a Priest,
Deacon or Vowed Religious. The lay rollos are to be given by a layperson.
PREPARING THE ROLLOS – INDIVIDUAL EFFORT

AS PART OF A TEAM APPROACH
Giving a rollo on a Cursillo® is different from most other types of speaking. “The
essential for giving a rollo is to live it, but also it is very important to know it and have
mastery of it. We cannot trust to improvisation what requires study. We cannot require the
Lord to make our laziness effective. A rollo not prepared – or poorly prepared – may be
better than a prepared one, but it is less honest.” (Structure of Ideas, p.44).
If a unified message is to come through, each rollista must present their rollo in the way it
was meant to be presented. Giving a rollo takes a special kind of discipline, technique, and
most importantly – humility.
THE FIRST DAY
The central message of the Cursillo® is the Sanctifying Grace; this formative task will be
completed in the Postcursillo. The purpose of the Cursillo® is the “Conversion”. In order for
the Cursillistas to accept the message of Cursillo®, it needs to propitiate a change in them –
Conversion.
The first day of the Cursillo® is a presentation of the life of grace, that which is
fundamental for the Christian life, the direction of one’s whole life to God. The message of
the first day is the basis for the rest of the Cursillo®. Perhaps the most characteristic mistake
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on this day is saying too much. There is a danger of including in the first day’s rollos the
entire message. In fact, many leaders have the idea of giving their own message and not what
the outline asks for; they think they are the ones who will be converting the Cursillistas.
They are not conscious that it is the Grace of God that gives opening for Conversion. The
rollos are only meant to present the idea of living the Christian ideal of the life of grace. The
message of the first day is: accept the Christian ideal.
The rollos sketch the Christian life from the angle of living grace, but what is said is very
general and not directly challenging. As Bishop Juan Hervás once said in his Leaders’
Manual (p.93), “It is not a question of challenging the attitude of the Cursillistas directly, but
of presenting them a much more worthwhile ideology, a ‘value’ much more sublime which, by
its intrinsic power, will displace the standards, perhaps not so Christian, which they have
upheld until now.”
The first day is an encounter with self. It is a call for a change in our lives. It is a call to
live the Christian ideal. I must know myself is the message we hear in the 1st Meditation.
The story of the 2nd Meditation, “The Prodigal Son”, is our story. How is Christ looking at
me this very moment of my Cursillo® is the question we ponder during the 3rd Meditation?
Where and how am I spending my time, money, talents, etc. is the challenge of the Ideal
rollo. Am I happy with my life? God’s Grace (Habitual Grace) gives us hope! The
consecration of the world depends on me as a layperson, (Laity). We are submerged under
the action of an intense downpour of “actual graces” of which we must take advantage
(Actual Grace). It is possible I too can live in the normality of a life of Grace through Piety.
All the rollos are, or should be, a living witness of those proclaiming them. The rollos are
low-key during the first day with the exception of Piety. The rollos are not necessarily
enthusiastic, nor designed to move the listeners to action and dedication.
As is stated in the instructions for the first day in Bishop Hervás’ Leaders’ Manual (p.93),
“Enthusiasm will not be the outstanding note in the presentation of the themes, since neither
their nature nor the inclination of the Cursillista permits it. One must really take into
consideration the fact that one of the main points of resistance on the part of the Cursillista
will usually stem from his/her shying away from their desire to convert him/her.”
The manner should, above all, aim at clarity, naturalness, and conviction. The Cursillistas
should be told clearly what a great thing they are called to. They should not be directly urged
to it. Moreover, the use of illustrations and examples is carefully controlled. The ideas are
illustrated by stories, comparisons, and incidents that make the points clearer. They are not
illustrated by experiences that show how something can be done.
The low-key approach of the rollos end with the reading of some Palanca letters and the
rollo on “Piety”. These are the two “shocks” of the first day. The Cursillista is brought up
short. They come to realise their need to respond in a way they probably never have before.
The “Piety” rollo uses living testimony in a way that none of the other rollos of the day have.
“Piety” presents the picture of a person who is truly growing and living this Ideal in their
normality of their daily life and the difference this increased love of God and man has made
in their life. “Piety” is intended to provide a summary of the first day by showing a life that
is dedicated to living the life of grace fully and unreservedly. It is the very strength of the
image presented in the Piety rollo which produces the challenge for the Cursillistas.
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THE SECOND DAY
The second day is the encounter with Jesus Christ, my Brother and Friend. My conduct
and criteria must conform to Christ’s doctrine and criteria.
The whole of the second day, like the first day, is a presentation of the life of grace and of
true Piety but on a different level. It no longer stresses the beauty of the calling and the
importance of a personal relationship with God. It patiently explains how it is done by
echoing the message of the first day. In addition, it explains what each person must do to
form themselves in the Christian ideal – to be Christian, and finally, it explains what each
person must do to become Christ-like.
THE THIRD DAY
The third day is the encounter with others. After the Cursillistas have meditated on the
person of Christ – 2nd encounter that the Cursillo® provides – now they should be ready to
share Christ with others. Christ not only grants His friendship (Sanctifying Grace), but He
places in the Cursillistas hands the treasure of His redeeming blood, so that he may make it
bear abundant fruit in others. We must go forth and bear true fruit; our Apostolic Action will
be the fruit that Christ expects of us.
“One bears abundant fruit only when he and I are mutually united; severed from me, you
can do nothing.” (Jn. 15:5) No sound and productive Apostolate can be achieved without
inner life, without contact with Christ, without Grace.
The third day is a call to the Apostolate. It is an explanation of what is involved in being
a Christian leader, an apostle of Christ, a person who lives the life of grace gully and without
reservation in the modern world. It does not focus on the individual as much as on the
individual’s presence in the world and their relations with other Christians. It gives life to the
vision of how the Church and, therefore, how the individual apostle, can function in the
modern world.
The third day also provides a vision, and in terms of that vision, explains a method. The
vision is that of Christianity in Action that is on the move, full of hope and striving to
accomplish something. It is also the vision of authentic Christians, apostles in the own
environments who are really making a difference according to their own possibilities.
As on the first two days, there is a progression in the style of the presentation. The first
two rollos are fairly low-key. The third rollo is more stirring. The last two are enthusiastic.
Moreover, the rollos on the third day are stronger, more urgent and, above all, more confident
and triumphant than the rollos of the second day. They should have the tone of rollos written
in the light of the Resurrection, written after having seen the victory of Christ. He is risen,
and He has overcome the world, and He is present in His Church, still overcoming the world.
The examples used during the third day are predominantly examples of a Militant
Catholicism. All Christendom should be the vanguard of Christianity. It must be something
alive; that of a handful of determined, enthusiastic, dedicated men and/or women who group
themselves about Jesus Christ with the aim of spreading the Christian ideal and translating it
into works. The Cursillistas should have the feeling that there is such a team in operation. At
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the end of the day, candidates should have no doubt that what has been said is possible and is
already being accomplished.
PREPARING THE ROLLO
The rollista should:

1. Ask the Lord to give wisdom and guidance (James 1:5-6).
2. Review the outline several times with other literature relating to the topic.
3. Prepare an outline covering the major points of the rollo. If possible, consult others
who have given the rollo. They can give useful ideas as to organisation and other
details.
4. Consider what witness can be given, ensuring that it is appropriate to the rollo. The
use of personal witness in a rollo is important, almost as important as the ideas
presented. The points in the outline present the ideas; the witness does the
convincing. Personal witness creates a bond between the rollista and the audience. If
personal witness cannot be given, to show the candidates that what they are being told
is more than a lot of philosophy or theory, they may then say: “So what? What
difference does this make to us as Christians?” Personal witness makes the Word
flesh for them, shows unmistakably God’s love and power active in the lives of
others.
5. Request Palanca from your group as you prepare your rollo.
The rollista is witnessing to two basic things: his/her Christian life and the value of the
Cursillo® method of perseverance. It should be his/her aim to present Christ in such a clear,
attractive, yet simple way, that those who hear will not only want to know Him too, but will
also want to know how to come to know Him in a personal way.
In planning a witness, it is not necessary to list a long string of successes. Failures can be
relevant. The one who gives the rollo should not want to present himself/herself as one who
has attained perfection, but as a Christian who is trying.
Whatever the witness is, it should be relevant to the topic of outline and reinforce the
point being made. It should not be a re-telling of the rollista’s “story” that has no relevancy.
A rollista can seek to make one point with the ideas presented but have a different one come
across to those listening because the witness was not well chosen. If rollistas wish to share
things that do not fit into their rollos, they can share them during the group discussion or at a
meal or in any personal contact the rollista has with the Cursillistas.
Paul’s personal witness (Acts 26:1-23) is perhaps the most exciting witnessing passage of
the Good News and provides excellent guidance on how to prepare personal testimony. This
does not mean personal testimonies must necessarily include sensational events. A simple,
honest witness is much better than a dishonest, sensational one. It does mean, however, that
those who give the rollos must apply their talents (Ephesians 4:7) to prepare their personal
testimonies well so that they can share Christ effectively with others.
Here are some practical suggestions on preparing witness rollos:

1. The Rollista Should:
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A. Include relevant, thought-provoking facts and experiences.

B. Witness in such a way that others will be able to identify with the experiences
recounted.
C. Give enough details to arouse interest, but do not get bogged down in details or
get off on a tangent.
D. Use at lease one Scripture verse.
E. Be honest. Admit to failures. Do not understate or overstate. If the rollista has
done things that have made a real difference, he/she should not be afraid to admit
it. On the other hand, they should not take simple experiences and try to make
them into earth-shaking events.
F. The best approach is for the rollista to use as much personal and recent witness as
possible. However, third party witness (i.e. “I have a friend who”) is permissible
if it helps to make a point to which the rollista cannot personally give witness.
Such witness, however, should not violate the trust of the individual involved.
2. The Rollista Should Not:
A. Emphasize how bad he/she used to be.
B. Speak in glittering generalities. In other words, avoid words like “wonderful,”
“glorious,” etc.
C. Mention other denominations, especially in a derogatory way.
D. Speak critically or negatively about any other individual or group.
E. Give the impression that the Christian life is a bed of roses.
F. Preach – telling others how they should live their lives.
G. Argue or use other high-pressure methods of getting a “decision” for Christ. The
rollista should remember that people are born of the Spirit, not through mere
human persuasion or logic, though God may use both.
H. Reveal the identity of people in the witness talk (unless he has their permission),
as in, “My son Tom is on drugs.”
When familiar with the outline and having thought out the witness to be used, the rollista
should write the rollo. The following hints may be useful. He/She should:
1. Work on the rollo early in the team formation and not wait until the week before the
rollo is to be given. A good rollo is not just prepared, it is lived. It is very hard to live
a rollo at the last minute.
2. Be clear. There is no “instant replay” for the candidates. They will only get from the
rollo what they understand and remember the first time around. The rollo should be
clearly organised to let the listeners know when the rollista is moving from one idea
or section to the next.
3. Use repetition, remembering the old rule of public speaking: “Tell your audience what
you are going to say, say it, and tell them what you have said.” The rollista should
not be afraid to repeat key points or to summarize.
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4. Use transitional words and phrases to connect different parts of the rollo and show
how the ideas are interrelated.
5. Choose only words normally heard in conversation. The rollista should not try to
impress the candidates with terms, which are rarely used or unnecessarily technical.
6. Use relatively short, simple sentences. Written sentences tend to be longer and more
complicated than spoken ones. The rollo should be specific. Do not beat around the
bush.
7. Don’t use lengthy quotations. Some rollistas use so many quotes it is difficult to tell
where the quotes end and the rollista begins. It is generally better to paraphrase than
to quote. And even with a paraphrase, cut the information to the bare essentials.
8. Try to phrase key points in memorable, snappy ways that will stick in the listeners’
minds. The rollo should begin with an interesting, attention-getting sentence and end
with a good conclusion.
9. Follow the outline, and be sure the rollo has the intellectual and essential content it is
supposed to have.
10. Avoid Cursillo® jargon, especially “De Colores” and even Christian jargon, such as
“born-again” (unless referring to Jesus’ use of the term in Scripture).
11. Limit the rollo to a little less than the allotted time.
12. Edit carefully and rewrite as necessary before a final draft.
The rollista should make the rollo precise. The primary question should always be, “Will
it be clear to the listener?” It is often wise to complete a rollo several days or weeks in
advance, put it aside to cool and pick it up again after a week or so. In many cases, it will
look very different on re-examination. Some passages will appear quite unclear, other
awkward or too long. Rarely does a piece of writing suffer from editing. In fact, most
writing benefits from being tightened up and condensed.
In summary, then, keep it brief, simple, and precise.
PRACTICE
After the rollo has been written, it should be shared with someone else who can comment
on it. Using a tape recorder during this practice session, the rollista can critique his/her
presentation and time the rollo. Aside from this informal sharing, the rollo should be
formally delivered before the Cursillo® with the group the critiques the rollo, the team
members, because they know it and the kind of witness it should present.
By giving the rollo several times, the rollista should become comfortable and more
familiar with it. In addition, it provides him or her with feedback and criticism to help revise
and improve the rollo. The criticism should be positive and Christ-filled, not negative or
derogatory. As such, it should be accepted in a spirit of humility as part of a loving
community effort.
During the Cursillo®, the rollista should be especially attentive to the rollos that come
before and try to tie in reference to them (i.e. “As Jim said yesterday in his rollo on Piety.”).
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DELIVERY
The most important thing for the rollistas is to be themselves. They should write and give
the rollos according to their own personalities and should not try to sound different than they
are. They should use language that is comfortable for them. They should project themselves
as they are – confident, scared to death or whatever. The rollista should talk loud and clear in
order to be heard, smile often, and make eye contact with the candidates.
It is not essential to the Cursillo® that those who give the rollos be polished public
speakers. Often it is the lack of polish that makes a rollo real. It is important that the
candidates relate and identify with them as Christians and recognise the sincere conviction of
their Christian witness. They must be able to also see in each rollista one who is living a life
of Piety, Study, and Action in and through the Cursillo® method.
PREPARATION OF THE CLIMATE

(Before the rollos)
An occasional song before a rollo helps create a relaxed atmosphere.
Each rollo should begin with the prayer to the Holy Spirit, with the exception of Ideal.
(There is no prayer said with the Ideal rollo, as the Rector(a) has already said it before the
distribution of the Decurias).
TONE AND STYLE OF ROLLOS
The tone and style of the rollo should bring out what is being said.
The rollos should be pleasant and contain language within the grasp of everyone. Allow
the message to come through in an honest and real manner.
DURATION OF THE ROLLO
The attention of the audience is the only effective rule to indicate the time for finishing a
rollo. However, general and flexible guidance may be given: the time limit set for each rollo
should not be exceeded.
OUTLINES FOR THE ROLLO
Included in this manual is a Synthesis, Outline, Method of Preparing the Rollo and a
Sample Rollo. The outlines for each of the rollos are based on their contents and allow a
degree of flexibility. They are intended to provide the message for the candidates and are
intended to give direction to the rollista. It is important to adhere to the progression and
content within each outline. The Sample Rollo is not intended to be used as the rollo.
Using the outline as a guide, the Sample Rollo will assist the rollista in the presentation of the
content and at the same time help the rollista stay within the context of that specific rollo.
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Chapter 3 – Details of the Schedule and Rector(a)’s Guide
CHAPTER – 3
DETAILS OF THE SCHEDULE AND RECTOR(A)’S GUIDE
BEFORE THE START OF THE CURSILLO®
It is the responsibility of the Rector(a) to make certain before undertaking the Cursillo®
that all the necessary material is on hand (Corresponding information about the Cursillistas,
publications, printed material, pencils, note paper, Pilgrim’s Guides, Crucifixes, Service
Sheets, etc.) The Rector(a) is personally responsible and with the help of some team leaders
must ensure that all the details are perfectly worked out and that any difficulties that may
arise are quickly resolved.
During mid-afternoon hours, the team should arrive at the Centre to meet and work out
any lat minute arrangements and begin exchanging information about the candidates. Ideally,
there should be time to have a group reunion, celebrate the Eucharist, and dine together.
Before beginning the Cursillo®, all the leaders will go visit the Blessed Sacrament to place
the Cursillo®, the candidates and themselves in the hands of the Lord.
With a layout of the facility in hand, make a quick check of the rooms and make the
assignment of the Cursillistas. The room assignment is designed to facilitate acquaintance
and contact among all and to give people the opportunity to begin making friends, which they
will greatly appreciate later. If it is necessary to put several people in the same room, it will
be to their advantage to separate those from the same parish, neighbourhood, etc.
FIRST EVENING
6:30 p.m. to 7:40 pm

As the candidates are registered and called to their assigned rooms, they should mix
together with the team only. Contact with others not making the Cursillo® is not only to be
discouraged but prevented. The Cursillo® should be held in a cloistered (closed and
prayerful) atmosphere. The team and the candidates will thus be left together to live the
Cursillo® until the closing ceremony on Sunday evening. The team will start the personal
contact work with the participants, confirming or selecting the leader and secretary for each
group. Those who are most open have the most talent and personality should be selected.
7:40 p.m.
Preliminary Rollo – The introduction Rollo is given by the Rector(a) who explains the
Cursillo® and introduces the team who will give the Cursillo®. Any secrecy regarding team
members or so-called hidden auxiliaries is contrary to the personal freedom guaranteed to
each candidate and the norms of an authentic Cursillo®.
The rollo should be able to:

 Enkindle interest and set minds at rest;
 Ask for the participants’ cooperation;
 Explain in simple words the following points:
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- “Chassis” bright of ideas…

- The chassis is made up of various parts which must be assembled one after
another, little by little…”
- “One must not utter premature judgements…
- “In the Cursillo® everything within us must be sifted, leaving only the best…
 Announce the beginning of the retreat and silence until the beginning of Mass the next
morning.”
Copies of the Pilgrim’s Guide are distributed after the rollo. In an environment of
communal prayer, the Guide provides a formula for morning and evening prayer and the
other spiritual exercises to be used during the Cursillo®. The candidates will use the
Pilgrim’s Guide as a daily prayer book afterwards if properly oriented towards it on the
Cursillo® by the Spiritual Advisor and Rector(a).
RETREAT
The Cursillo® begins with what has become to be known as the retreat.
The objective of the spiritual retreat is to awaken the moral consciences of the
Cursillistas, beginning with an analysis of their own lives and causing them to desire to
encounter God.
It is a simple, non-rhetorical call to reflective and sincere authenticity before the reality of
God, Father of the prodigal son, who approaches us and looks at us. The retreat predisposes
the interior attitude of the Cursillistas (the candidates) to accept the message of the Cursillo®
and inspires a sincere searching attitude. At the end of it, the Cursillistas begin to feel that
life without God makes no sense. His/her former life seems empty. The retreat shows the
Cursillista that life is a vocation, a future that must be built.
The Spiritual Retreat, which runs from Thursday night through early Friday morning,
provides a setting for the rollos, an introduction. It announces that the Cursillo® offers an
opportunity to discover the answer to all of each person’s problems (and, by implication, an
answer to all the problems of the world).
The logical attitude of people who discover the emptiness of their lives is represented by
the scripture passage in which the Prodigal Son says, “I shall arise now and go to the house
of my Father” (Luke 15:17-20).
SILENCE
It is important that silence be observed during the retreat phase of the Cursillo®.
Sufficient time must be given to the candidates so that they can quietly and peacefully reflect
and ponder on the truths being presented during the meditations.
The silence of the retreat helps the participants to look within themselves, discovering
that the rush of daily activities has often kept them from finding themselves and from hearing
God’s voice with their mind and heart.
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To attempt to achieve the effects of the whole Cursillo® on this first night is to risk
frustrating it. So it is not a matter of forcing the truth but of making room for it.
8:15 p.m.
Prayer before Meditation (P.G. pg. 22-23).
First Meditation “Know Yourself” (Given by a Spiritual Advisor in the chapel).

Encourage the participants to become aware of who they are and what their
potentialities and limitations are.
Prayer after Meditation (P.G. pg. 23).
8:45 p.m.
Way of the Cross – Led by the Rector(a) (P.G. pg. 44-53).
When the meditation is over, one of the team leaders hands the Crucifix and the candles
to three (3) Cursillistas previously assigned for this task (the Cursillistas may take turns
holding the Crucifix and candles at different stations during the Way of the Cross).
Meanwhile the Rector(a) announces: “We are now going to make the Way of the Cross.”
Advancing to the sanctuary, he/she joins the bearers of the Crucifix and candles.
Then he/she says: “During the readings of the Way of the Cross, each one is free to
remain in the position he desires: standing, kneeling or sitting; in complete freedom.”
And he/she begins: “In the name of the Father…” The team leaders, (pre-arranged prior
or during their afternoon team meeting) proceed with the reading of the stations.
For the closing of the “Way of the Cross”, the Rector(a) adds: “We are now going to san
an Our Father for the intention of the Pope and to gain the indulgence of the Way of the
Cross”
9:30 p.m.
Dining room for small snack and coffee.
After the blessing of the food, one of the team leaders reads something appropriate.
9:50 p.m.
Second Meditation: “The Prodigal Son” (Given by a Spiritual Advisor in the chapel) –
presents the figure of the Father and introduces the participants to a deeper knowledge of
Christ, bringing out the infinite difference between the goodness of the Lord and that of
persons.
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NOTE: If time allows, The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary may be said here12 (P.G.
pg. 68).
First Mystery – The Baptism in the Jordan – for all those who have separated themselves
from God.
Second Mystery – The Wedding at Cana – for those who need it the most and those who
feel they need it the least.
Third Mystery – Proclamation of the Kingdom – so that we can realise God’s love
personally.
Fourth Mystery – The Transfiguration – for those who rise God’s love.
Fifth Mystery – Institution of the Eucharist – for those who, even without knowing us,
pray and sacrifice for us.
10:15p.m.
Examination of Conscious (P.G. pg. 56-59) and Night Prayers (P.G. pg. 29-35).
After the Meditation or the Rosary, as the case may be, the Rector(a) may announce:
“Turn to page 29 of your Pilgrim’s Guide for night prayers and the examination of
conscience,” and before continuing, he adds: “Tomorrow we will have Mass, if anyone
wishes to go to confession he/she may do so now. The Priests are located…”
NOTE: This first night, the Examination of Conscience is different. The Rector(a) will
start with Night prayers up to the “silent pause for reflection” (pg. 29). He then announces:
“Now you may close the Pilgrim’s Guide and reflect of the following”:
“Jesus Christ speaks to you.”

“I have chosen you. I called you for these three days to be in my company. I love
you, and it is because I love you; that I have called you here.
Because I love you, I need you. I want you to be holy and I want you to help me
make others holy.
Do not be afraid, I am your God and I want to be your friend.
To those who really know me my yoke is easy and my burden light. (PAUSE)
The world is much more demanding than I.
Be calm my friend and think. Think about yourself, think about Me. You are in
the Cursillo®; I am pleased that you are here. It was not circumstances that brought
you here. It was not your spouse, or a friend, or a fellow worker, or a priest who
brought you here – IT WAS I JESUS, your brother, and your friend, who called you.
The atmosphere, the very lifeblood that runs through Cursillo® depends upon you;
your idealism, your self-surrender, and your spirit of charity, this is your contribution
and what the Cursillo® will reflect.
Remember the Graces, which will pour over you, will also pour over the others
who are here with you.
12
Confessions should be available throughout the Cursillo (morning and night prayers, free time, and other
times as long as it does not interrupt rollos, meditations and meals.) It is not recommended to have a certain
time allotted for confessions because not all persons may feel ready to go.
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Try to be cheerful, optimistic, courageous and friendly to all who are here. So
that through you, those who do not know Me, will come to know what it means to live
in my friendship and in my Grace. Forget about everything else – your family, your
home, your occupation, and your friends.
Use your time – all the Cursillo® time – well. When the bell rings, respond
quickly, bringing your idealism, your self-surrender, and your spirit of charity; by
doing so you will certainly live these three special days of Grace.
Do not waste this opportunity. In order to get the most out of this Cursillo®, place
yourself into the spirit of these three days and listen to the message. Think about all
those who have prayed for you; all those who are still praying for you; and all those
who have sacrificed and will continue to sacrifice for you. Do not take these prayers
and sacrifices of others lightly.
Up until now, in your family, your work, your studies, your duties, have you lost
or gained? Have you been satisfied? Are you satisfied now?
I am constantly present in the Blessed Sacrament for all your needs. Come and
visit Me any time. I am always there for you. Know that I consider all of you my
special friends.
From here on – I AM COUNTING ON YOU! And you – on whom or what do you

count on?
“Now speak to the Lord.” Let us pray together the universal act of contrition, I confess…
After the act of contrition, the Rector(a) will say: open your Pilgrim’s Guide on page 29
and let us continue with “night prayers.”
10:25 p.m.
Announcements before retiring (silence).
When the evening prayers are over, the Rector(a) will announce:
 Tomorrow the bell will ring at 7:00 a.m. You will be given a half-hour to get ready.
The bell will ring again at 7:25 a.m. for us to assemble in the Chapel. We will not
start until everyone is present. Please do not forget to bring you Pilgrim’s Guide with
you.
 If someone is used to getting up early, he may do so, but do not disturb the others.
 Tomorrow Communion will be given to those who wish to receive it. I remind you to
fast before receiving Communion (water, medicine… is okay).
 Since it is already late and people are tired, it is best to go to bed at once. Please
remember to observe silence. Let us take advantage of this time in silence to reflect
on our life and what has been said so far in the Cursillo®. Please do not make use of
any electronic devices (cell phone, pager, laptop, etc.), as this will only disrupt our
Retreat.
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 If anyone wants to go to confession, he may remain in the Chapel. The others may go
to their rooms. Maintain absolute silence.
10:30 p.m.
Team Reunion.
When the participants have gone to bed, the leaders will hold their reunion along with the
Spiritual Advisor (s) in order to exchange information and prepare for the next day’s
activities.
The meeting should open with prayer (P.G. pg. 5) and end with a chapel visit.
Among the matters for consideration are:

1. The results of personal contact between the leaders and the participants with a view
towards setting up the groups.
2. The selection of the group leaders and group secretaries based on their personalities,
talents, etc. Since the group leaders and secretaries will be the first ones personally
contacted and worked with by the leaders, those selected should be the ones most
likely to be open and with personality.
3. Assignment of the team leaders to a group.13 Each group will be under the care of a
team leader or a team leader learning that role. The team should be small, with just
enough persons to do the job, as large teams and extra team leaders tend to overpower
the participants if only by their numbers.
4. Review the rollos and meditations with those scheduled to give them. Remind the
team leaders about staying on schedule.
5. Review the Mass schedule.
6. Review the meal schedule.
7. Remind the team leaders of their role in personal contact work; arising early enough;
observing silence themselves; being punctual in getting to the Chapel and all the
activities and see to it that everyone is there; shepherding the individuals in their
group; leading in everything except where the participants are expected to; mixing
with the participants; taking notes within the group. They should not forma group
apart from the participants and should respect the confidentiality of the participants.
Go through the rooms five minutes before the bell rings for Chapel in order to make
sure that everyone is up. Pray and respond in a clear, strong, calm voice to the
prayers in order to guide the Cursillistas whom you will likewise lead in the kneeling,
standing, or sitting. Prepare pencils and note paper for everyone in their Decuria in
advance of each rollo.
The team reunion ends with a short visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament led by the
Spiritual Advisor.
13
When friends attend a Cursillo, they should not be assigned to the same decuria (group). However, on the
third day, they should be encouraged to group together after the Total Security rollo.
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FIRST DAY
7:00 a.m.
The bell to arise is rung at 7:00 a.m. and a reminder given that silence is in order. All
these are just minor tools in the process of facilitating the unfolding of the Cursillo®. Five
minutes before the call for the first Chapel service, the bell is rung again and all the rooms
will be checked to see whether anyone is still asleep. Candidates must not be deprived of
their watches and other personal items (except radios, televisions, newspapers, cellular
phones, pagers, and notebook computers).
7:30 a.m.
Morning Prayer (P.G. pg. 6-9).
During Morning Prayer, the Spiritual Advisors will be available for the Sacrament of
Reconciliation, spiritual direction or counselling. The third Meditation is given by the
Spiritual Advisor of the Cursillo® following a brief time for reflection and the celebration of
the Eucharist.
The Rector(a) begins by saying: “Please open your Pilgrim’s Guide on page 6.” Then
he/she adds: “If anyone wants to go to confession, he/she may do so now. The confessors are
located in…” (This announcement will be made at the beginning of each of the Chapel
services).
Third Meditation: “The Three Glances” – (given by a Spiritual Advisor) Asks the
participants how Christ see them now. We seek to create an attitude of openness to the truth,
which will be proclaimed later by sharing three distinct attitudes.
8:00 a.m.
The celebration of the Eucharist is at an early time so that the retreat phase of the
Cursillo® may end before breakfast on the first morning, thereby ending the silence. (See
Spiritual Advisors’ Manual.) The celebration of the Liturgy of the Eucharist on the first day
should be in keeping with the atmosphere – low-key with a minimum of singing.
After the Mass is ended, the Rector(a) thanks all of the Cursillistas for their cooperation
during the Retreat phase and the Silence. He/she then encourages them to engage in
conversation with one another. Everyone sings “De Colores” while walking towards the
dining room for breakfast.14
8:45 a.m.
Breakfast is announced and grace is said.
The team should continue personal contact during meal time.
14
The atmosphere at this time should be one of joy while maintaining the discipline. The atmosphere grows
each day. However, having too many songs can create deviation from the intended purpose and affect the
schedule.
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After breakfast, each person on the Cursillo® should be introduced to the whole group.
Team members and candidates as well should interview the person on their right for three
minutes. After the interviewing, each person introduces the person on their right, mentioning
their name, their parish, family, work, and hobbies. This continues around the room until all
are introduced. After the introductions, grace is recited and free time announced until the
time to gather in the rollo room.
The free time allows the priest and lay leaders to continue the work of personal contact.
This time may be used to make changes in the assignments of the discussion leader or
secretaries for the “Decurias”, if it is deemed necessary for the progress of the Cursillo®.
9:30 a.m.
Assignments by Decurias.
Before the “Ideal” rollo, the Rector(a) will say the prayer to the Holy Spirit then he/she
announces the composition of the groups or Decurias.
[Throughout the whole three days, the participants are being prepared for the Postcursillo,
particularly the Group Reunion. With this in mind, each group is formed with two key
people and a member of the team as the nucleus. The team member’s first job is to build a
core group with the two key people- the discussion leader and the secretary. The core group
is the first group that the Rector(a) and team take to make a chapel visit. Following a normal
development as a unity based on Christ and personal friendship, they become a group with
the team member and begin the process with the other members of the group. Thus, the
participants “learn” the process of personal contact as outlined in the “Action” rollo, during
the three days. They also experience what is to be an apostolic Group Reunion, a Christian
community. The Cursillo® does not teach primarily by lecture but through experiencing the
truths and method and seeing them in action].
The Rector(a) will have lists of each of the Decurias ready; there should be four or five
groups (decurias), each with not more than seven people, including a team member or
members assigned to it, and two persons designated as group leader and secretary. He/She
will then proceed to call all the participants to their respective Decuria, making sure that all
the participants have been assigned to a Decuria and that each Decuria have a discussion
leader and a secretary. The Rector(a) and the Spiritual Advisor should not be assigned to a
Decuria. The Decurias may be assigned a name of a Saint (one suggestion is to use the four
authors of the Gospel; i.e. St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke and St. John, etc. and if a fifth one
is needed, use St. Paul).
There will be a certain amount of disorientation at this point among the participants.
When everyone is seated according to assignment, notepaper and pens or pencils are
distributed. The Rector(a) then makes the following announcements:
“First of all I am going to share some guidelines for making everything go as smooth as
possible.
 The Cursillo® set-up requires that each one do at each moment what they are supposed
to do. If not, the proper fruits will not be derived.
 All could be discussion leaders and secretaries…
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 Five rollos are given daily.

 Invitation to take notes of the rollos and to prepare a summary of the rollos with the
assistance of their companions.
 Please do not interrupt the rollista during their rollo, as they only have a certain
amount of time to cover their material.
 These summaries will be given each evening during the reunion of the groups”
Poster paper and markers or crayons will also be distributed later in the day so that each
group may make a daily drawing of their impression of the message of the day as given in the
five rollos. These will also be shared at the reunion in the evening.
Next, the Rector(a) calls on the rollista who is to give the rollo on Ideal.
9:45 a.m.
The first rollo “Ideal” 15 is given by a layperson and should last about 25 minutes.
10:10 a.m.
Discussion and Summary.16 When the rollo is over the rollista says the “Thanksgiving
prayer” and discreetly withdraws in order to avoid questions and discussions that should not
be brought out or answered at this time. The Rector(a) invites the Decurias to dialogue about
the rollo and write the summary.
10:45 a.m.
Free time17 – The purpose of the “free time” I to allow the work of personal contact
between the priest and lay leaders and participants to take place. It is also a period for each
participant to reflect, pray, or simply have a quiet time.
11:00 a.m.
Second rollo “Habitual Grace” given by a Spiritual Advisor and should last around 45
minutes. The participants should be invited to take notes. Copies of the New Testament may
be handed out to them before this rollo to include meditation and discussion.
11:45 a.m.
Discussion and Summary.
12:15 p.m.
Lunch and free time. The same guidelines apply as at breakfast.
1:15 p.m.
Third rollo “Layperson in the Church” given by a layperson and should not last more than
35minutes.
15
It is not necessary for a team member to go to the Chapel to offer Palanca during the rollos. Palanca is being
offered for the whole Cursillo by the Fourth Day Community.
16
It is important to allow the person to exercise their personal initiative to get organised in the group.
17
It is important to allow sufficient free time. This time is for the person to reflect on the message and on
themselves. Personal contact should be done strategically. The Cursillo schedule should not be overloaded with
accidentals such as Agape, etc. in order to avoid imposing superficial emotion.
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1:50 p.m.
Discussion and summary.
2:15 p.m.
Free time. (Since there is sufficient free time provided, it is not necessary to designate
breaks for coffee, etc. If coffee and tea are made available, they should be located where the
participants may partake of tem at appropriate times.)
2:30 p.m.
Fourth rollo “Actual Grace” given by a Spiritual Advisor and should last around 45
minutes. (He will have Palanca sheets available.) The rollista will introduce the meaning of
Palanca during this rollo by appropriate comments and examples of Palanca received.18
3:15 p.m.
3:45 p.m.
Free time.
4:00 p.m.
Fifth rollo “Piety” given by layperson and should not exceed 40 minutes.
As the rollo is ending, just before the Thanksgiving Prayer, the Rector(a) stands (He/she
should not be the one who gives this rollo) and makes comments in order to centre and focus
better the fruits and reactions of the Cursillistas. The Rector(a) will assume an informal tone
and attitude, Crucifix in hand:
 What you have just heard is very important. We did not come here just to have a
good time, or to take a vacation from our family.
 All the Lord’s Graces, all the sacrifices, and all the works of the Cursillo® are for you.
Skier’s anecdote:
A group of skiers went to ski to the mountains, among the group there was some couples.
While they skied, and avalanche surprises them and all were buried. Little by little they
managed to get out and went to the place agreed in case of these types of emergencies. The
noticed one of the wives was missing. The worked a plan, and in spite of the large risk and
the immense cold, went after her search. After several hours, the cold, the tiredness, the
hunger and the clarity betrayed them, but risking their own life, they continued the search.
Hours later, as the night approached they caught up with the girl heavily ill. They carried her
to the camp where, after coming to all her senses and knowing what all had done for her,
said: “All this done for me!”
All the Graces of the Lord, all the sacrifices, all the works of the Cursillo® for you!
 Do not close yourself to receive God’s Grace: (Anecdote of a sealed bottle) a sealed
bottle can be in the immense sea, yet not even a drop of water will enter it, thus can
18
It is important to read some Palanca after the Actual Grace rollo to give witness of the efforts and support of
the Fourth Day Community. Certainly, Palanca should be made known in the Cursillo but in no way should it
be used for manipulation or dramatization. It should be made clear that sacrificing for other is normal.
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happen with your heart and with your mind. Here we are submerged in the immensity
and depth of Grace, if you choose to close your heart and your mind; the Grace of our
Lord will not be able to enter. Remove the “seal”, that which impedes God’s Grace to
enter.
 One cannot continue the rhythm, the path without cutting strings (Anecdote of the
Indian girl) let’s not allow it to happen to us as it did to the Indian girl, that the first
time she went to the city (civilization) a lady gave her a new pair of shoes, and when
the girl presented herself barely walking (jumping) to the lady wearing shoes for the
first time, the lady realised that the girl could not walk, well she had not cut the string
that tied the shoes one to the other as they come packed from the factory. To live in
Grace is necessary to cut some strings… (The material things, bad habits, selfishness,
etc.).
 Is it possible to live in Grace? Now? Later?
Let us now proceed to the Chapel.
NOTE: In some facilities a private staff controls the dining schedule. If you are running
behind schedule for supper, then the visit should be done next, followed by supper. The
Rosary can then be done after supper or later, with the right prayers.
4:45 p.m.
Rosary and chapel visit.
Rosary – Sorrowful Mysteries (P.G. pg. 69).
Whenever the schedule calls for free time, or spiritual exercises (other than the
celebration of the Eucharist), the priests should be available for the Sacrament of
Reconciliation of Spiritual Direction while the exercise is being conducted by the Rector(a)
in the chapel.
“Because she is the Mother of God and ‘mother to us in the order of grace’ (Vatican II,
“Constitution on the Church,” No. 61) the type of virginity and motherhood of the total
Church, and the sign of a secure hope and solace for the pilgrim people of God, Mary ‘in a
certain way unites and mirrors within herself the central truths of the faith,’ and she,
‘summons the believers to her Son and to His sacrifice, and to love for the Father’
(Constitution of the Church, No. 65), ‘Therefore, the Church… venerates in a most special
way Christ’s mother, who is also her mother’ (General Catechetical Directory, No. 68).
“Pope Paul VI, in the Apostolic Exhortation ‘Marialis Cultus,’ says: ‘Devotion to the
Blessed Virgin Mary is an indication of the Church’s genuine piety. This devotion fits into
the worship that is rightly called “Christian” because it takes its origin and effectiveness
from Christ, and leads through Christ in the Spirit to the Father’” (Pilgrim’s Guide p. 67).
The intentions of the Rosary are as follows:

 First Mystery: For those who need it most and for those who think they need it the
least.
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 Second Mystery: For all those who, even without knowing us, have made, are making
and will make sacrifices and offer prayers for us.
 Third Mystery: That all of us may offer our idealism, self-surrender and spirit of
charity.
 Fourth Mystery: For those who resist God’s love.
 Fifth Mystery: For all our family members.
5:15 p.m.
Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Eucharistic worship, centred in the celebration of the Mass, is prolonged during the day
through personal and collective contact with Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament; thus the
importance of the visits to the Lord which intensify with each passing day of the Cursillo®.
Held within the schedule of the Cursillo®, they are of an extraordinary spiritual and teaching
value. These prayerful visits, spontaneous and shared (in which the problems and climate of
the Cursillo® are placed before the Lord), promote the common unity of the Cursillistas,
bring hearts more closely together, and encourage true friendship. With the, sharing and
taking as our own, one another’s problems solidifies the community. Therefore, in these
visits we become aware not only of our closeness to Christ, but also of the community spirit
blossoming in the three days and the value of shared prayer.
(no confessions at this time as all the Cursillistas are requested to go to the Sanctuary)
When the Rosary is over, the Rector(a) will ask everyone to approach the Tabernacle to kneel
nearby, he/she will be behind all of them leading the group visit. The other leaders will
distribute themselves among the group. Once all are settled, after a brief pause, the Rector(a)
will say in an informal manner, giving the greatest possible intimacy to their words:
“Here you have us, Lord, all those of the Cursillo® # _______. In Grace? You know.
You alone know which of us are in Grace.”
“When one visits an important person for the first time, the truth is that he does not know
where to put his hands or where to direct his glance… And we are visiting You for the first
time in the Cursillo®… You, Lord, Who are the most important person of all; and therefore,
we do not know where to direct our glance or put our hands. But You, Lord, know all the
things and You will know how to forgive us our awkwardness.”
“Lord, in our eagerness for happiness, we want to have a good time, and many times,
almost always, we mistake the way. You know the ideal that each one of us has, and in what
direction our desires are taking flight… We want to understand what Your Grace is.”
“The Cursillo® interests us because we know that You have done all this for us. Lord, all
for me! Because we are beginning to find out that Your will, Your fond hopes, Your desires,
Lord, are those that we pursue when we ‘truly seek our well being’… Lord, we have begun to
understand that we only put ourselves in harmony with You when we are sensible.”
“Insert in our soul a triumphal concept of Your Kingdom and of Your things, which may
make us put forth our very best efforts in the service of Your Grace.”
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“Make us serve You, as You want to be serves: in spirit and in truth. Bring it about that
in this world where there is an overabundance of ‘the sanctimonious,” of ‘the practitioners,’
and ‘the Pharisees,” we may have the good taste to want to be saints, to please You, so that
all may see what it means to live in Your friendship and your Grace.”
“The ideal of being authentic Christians in divine style makes our soul jump with joy, to
undo all wrongs and to put all the reserve force of our soul in the service of spreading Your
Kingdom…”
“As our body has no strength to urge You more, we are going to ask it of You through
Your Mother, by praying a Hail Mary…”
“Hail Mary…”
5:30 p.m.
Discussion and summary of the Piety rollo.
The Rector(a) will remind them that the discussion and summary of Piety needs to be
done at this time.
6:00 p.m.
Supper and free time (same as other meals).
7:00 p.m.
Summary of each Decuria’s impression and poster on the message for the day. A brief
summary of the day’s message will be written. A poster with the overall message of the day
is prepared even if a poster was prepared for each individual rollo.
7:25 p.m.
Free time.
7:30 p.m.
Reunion of the Groups – Presentation of Summaries and Posters.
The Rector(a) begins with the prayer to the Holy Spirit and briefly explains the program
for the meeting. Announcing:
 As each Decuria is called, a participant delegated by the group will present a
summary of a rollo when called by the Rector(a) (depending on the amount of time
available, each Decuria may be called to present a summary of one or all of the rollos.
However, it should be done in an alternating order).
 It is not a matter of repeating the rollo, which would be a long and never-ending
process, but of giving a simple summary. Nor is it a matter of giving personal
impressions.
 The other Decurias will pay attention.
 The reunion should have the joyful seriousness of the things of Christ. Listen without
making any comments.
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 Each group s also asked to present their poster, summarising the day’s rollo in a
drawing. The spirit of the reunion is more important than the quality of the drawing.
Before the Thanksgiving Prayer has been said, the Rector(a) announces:
“Now we shall go to the Chapel to make the examination of conscience and say the
Night Prayers.”
8:45 p.m.
Night prayer is in the chapel, led by the Rector(a) (P.G. pg. 29-35) and an examination of
conscience is included (P.G. pg. 56-59).
When all are in the Chapel, the Rector(a) announces the page number for the examination
of conscience, and reminds them that the priest(s) will be available for confession.
When the Night Prayers are over, the Rector(a) will make some of the announcements as
the previous night:
 Tomorrow we will be following a similar schedule as today (The bell will be rung
at…).
 If anyone needs to go to confession, he/she may remain to do so. The others may now
go to their rooms to rest, except the group leaders and Secretaries which will remain
for a moment with the Rector(a). Meanwhile, the rest of the team should take a tour
throughout the corridors, encouraging the Cursillistas to go to bed, while taking
advantage at this time to help those who appear worried and hesitant.
9:00 p.m.
The group discussion leaders and secretaries are invited by the Rector(a) to stay in the
chapel for a communal visit to the Blessed Sacrament, asking God’s grace to bring others to
Christ. When the others leave, the Rector(a) will ask them to approach the Tabernacle, and
kneeling near it, he/she will direct the collective visit, saying:
Here we are Lord, In Grace? You know. We are the leaders, your leaders of the
Cursillo®, who have come to give ‘news to the King.’ Without our deserving it, through Your
Grace, You have charges us with bringing the course of this Cursillo® to a good end. To tell
the truth, today it has gone quite well, but tomorrow it will go better yet, we desire that all
those who cost You Your blood, may become through Your Grace and our efforts, Temples
worthy of Your glory.”
“We promise You that tomorrow we are going to put forth more idealism, more self-
surrender and a greater spirit of charity – there is always room for more – in order to
concentrate every moment on each detail of the Cursillo®.”
“We know that there are many of our brothers and sisters – who don’t know us – who are
saying complete Rosaries with arms extended in the form of the cross for the success of the
Cursillo®. We do not want the prayers and sacrifices of our brothers and sisters to be in
vain. Thank you for choosing us. We are going to say an Our Father, and we are going to
say it as many have said it for us, with our arms extended in the form of a cross.”
“Our Father…”
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9:30 p.m.
The team meeting is held, and a review of the day made along the following lines:
 Prayer to the Holy Spirit.
 Review tomorrow’s schedule, rollos, meditations, and Eucharistic celebration.
 Review of each group by its team leader and, in general, the atmosphere of the whole
day.
 Remind the team to pray slowly during collective acts in the Chapel and at the same
timing and rhythm so the candidates can follow.
 Remind everyone to encourage a joyful climate especially before each rollo.
 Remain with your Decuria at all times and take notes.
 Review the personal contact work: The leaders, on the second day should no longer
confine themselves only to listening and becoming acquainted with the background of
the Cursillistas, but should try always to exert a tactful, charitable and positive
influence in helping everyone channel their problems and reactions to advantage. A
very important function of the leaders is to make the first contacts with the priests
easy for the more timid and hesitant.
 The visits to the Blessed Sacrament with the Cursillistas begin in the afternoon. The
leaders for each Decuria should set the example. They should also encourage,
without forcing, for the Cursillistas to make a visit during free time as well as during
group discussions either individually or in groups. They should also plan visits by the
whole Decuria group discussion of the afternoon rollos.
 Thanksgiving prayer/Chapel visit – Same as on the previous day.
 Retire.
SECOND DAY
All is the same as the previous day except the inclusion of the Sanctuary Devotion to the
Blessed Virgin and the exclusion of the Way of the Cross. Visits by table groups,
participants from the same parishes and other appropriate groupings are to be encouraged.
6:40 a.m.
The bell to arise is rung.
7:10 a.m.
Morning Prayer. The Saturday Devotion to the Blessed Virgin can be said here. (See
Appendix 3).
7:30 a.m.
Fourth Meditation: The Person of Christ (Given by a Spiritual Advisor).
(NOTE: For the purpose of this schedule, Mass will be held after the rollo of Sacraments
as a conclusion. In many Centres, due to many factors, Mass could be held at different times
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on the second day. Because the Mass is part of the Retreat phase, it is important to have
Mass in the morning of the first day.)
8:00 a.m.
Breakfast is announced and grace is said.
8:45 a.m.
The first rollo “Study” is given by a layperson and should last about 35 minutes.
9:20 a.m.
When the rollo is over the rollista says the “Thanksgiving prayer” and the Rector(a)
explains that the rollistas visit the Blessed Sacrament before and after their rollos, first to ask
Him to put the right words on their lips and, second, to thank Him for using them, The
Rector(a) reminds them of the chapel visit made the previous evening when he/she spoke
aloud in an intimate but informal visit to the Lord. He/She then encourages each participant
to do likewise during the breaks, by themselves, with the group, with friends:
“Well then, after a day of living with Him, we now know the Lord a good deal better. As
His friends, it is important that we visit Him in the Tabernacle. We can do this during the
free time periods. We can visit Him individually, with friends, or by Decuria. You may use
all the free time periods to make your visits.”
After the announcement, the Rector(a) invites the Decurias to dialogue about the rollo and
to make the summary.
9:45 a.m.
Free time.
10:00 a.m.
Sacraments Part 1 (Given by a Spiritual Advisor) (45 minutes).
NOTE: The duration of this rollo has always created controversy regarding the amount of
time that is dedicated to this rollo. At times, the Sacraments rollo has been treated as eight
individual rollos (one rollo for each Sacrament plus the introduction). Although there is a
great sense of responsibility towards attaining an attitude of conversion for the Truth as the
rollo is presented on this day, we must, however, remember that the rollo is not a class on
catechism.
Eduardo Bonnín, while speaking of the essential, important and accidental elements of the
Cursillo® movement, explained the following:
“The Cursillo® Movement – and this has caused confusion – is directed in first place, to
bring about conversion in the person. At times, the duration of the rollos is emphasised too
much and in an effort to explain everything in three days, we create confusion. We give the
impression that this is a form of catechesis, and it cannot be catechesis simply because there
isn’t sufficient time. It is simply a way to explain an impact that leads to conversion. Thus,
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exaggerated long rollos – boring at times –wanting to explain the entire theological system in
the Sacraments rollo, would be an abuse. No one will endorse this.” (Eduardo Bonnín – The
Essential, the Important and the Accidental) “The Sacraments rollo should avoid excessive
length and melodramatic attitudes.” (Structure of Ideas, pg. 50)
What is certain is, that if any one of the Sacraments deserves more explanation within the
time allotted for this rollo, it would be the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Besides, the homily at
Mass should stress the following three points:
 Sacrifice – of Christ on the cross.
 Sacrament – Nourishment by which God communicates His Divine life to men.
 Symbol of Brotherhood – Spiritual bond that brings us together as the Body of Christ.
10:50 a.m.
Free time.
11:00 a.m.
Sacraments Part 2 (45 minutes).
11:50 a.m.
Visit to the Blessed Sacrament.
12:00 p.m.
Free time – prepare for Mass.
12:15 p.m.
Mass (Last section of Sacraments rollo is the Homily on the Eucharist).
1:00 p.m.
Lunch and free time.
2:00 p.m.
Discussion/Summary for Sacraments (Group Chapel visits)
(Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament by Decuria).
After lunch, during the discussion for the Sacraments rollo, as instructed by the Rector(a)
(or arranged during the leaders’ meeting the previous night), the leaders from the Decurias
will guide their Decuria to the Chapel for a visit. When one decuria returns, the next one
follows, and so on. If there is not enough time for all of the Decurias to make the visits, they
will continue after the next rollo.
During the visit, the leader will take care not to force the Cursillistas to speak on the first
occasion. After this first visit by Decuria, they can go as a group whenever they want as long
as it is during free time or during the discussion time. During the following visits, the leader
will try to encourage them to overcome their natural fear, suggesting that perhaps some of
them may not dare to speak because carefulness prevents it.
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Examples of visit: While kneeling in front of the Blessed Sacrament the leader takes the
initiative and begins the conversation with our Lord by mentioning everyone’s name. The
idea is to encourage the candidates to speak as they begin to feel comfortable. This is their
time to speak and listen to the Lord.
2:45 p.m.
Action is given by a layperson and should last about 35 minutes
Discussion and Summary (25 minutes) – Chapel visits by Decuria continued.
3:45 p.m.
Free time.
4:00 p.m.
Obstacles to the Life of Grace (Given by Spiritual Advisor) (45 minutes).
Discussion and Summary (25 minutes).
5:10 p.m.
Free time.
5:25 p.m.
Leaders – Given by a layperson and should last about 35 minutes.
Discussion and Summary (25 minutes).
(Rector(a) reminds Decurias about Blessed Sacrament visits).
6:30 p.m.
Dinner and free time.
7:30 p.m.
Summary and Poster of the Day (30 minutes).
8:00 p.m.
Rosary (Joyful Mysteries – P.G. pg. 68) and Visit to the Blessed Sacrament.
(Priest should be available for Confessions).
The intentions of the Rosary for the second day are:

 First Mystery: In thanksgiving for the fruit of the Cursillo®.
 Second Mystery: For those in our Apostolic efforts.
 Third Mystery: For the success of the next Cursillo®.
 Fourth Mystery: For those who use the perseverance method of the Cursillo® and
those who do not.
 Fifth Mystery: For all those who offer Palanca for the success of this Cursillo®.
8:25 p.m.
Visit to the Blessed Sacrament.
After the Rosary, the Rector(a) invites all to gather around the Tabernacle for prayer.
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NOTE: No confession during the Visit as a group.
“Here you have us again, Lord. In Grace? You know. You alone know which of us are in
Grace. Lord, in our eagerness for happiness, we want to have a good time, and many times,
almost always, we mistake the way. We now realise it more clearly than ever. Each day our
desire to understand what it means to live in Grace grows greater.”
“We have the impression that the Cursillo® has been much better today. We now begin to
realise that Your will, Your fond hopes, Your desires, Lord, are the same as those we pursue
when we ‘truly seek our welfare’… Lord, we now realise, also, than we can call ourselves
‘reasonable’ when we are in harmony with You.”
“Embed in our soul, Lord, a triumphal concept of your Kingdom and of Your things,
which may make us put forth our very best of ourselves in Your service.”
“Help us serve You, as You want to be served: in spirit and in truth. May we have the
desire to want to be saints. May we earnestly desire to enter every crossroad of every
highway so that all may see what it means to live in Your Grace.”
“The ideal of being authentic Christians in divine style leaps in our soul to undo all
wrongs and to put all the springs of our soul in the service of spreading Your Kingdom.”
“We ask it of You through Your Mother, by praying a Hail Mary…”
“Hail Mary…”
8:30 p.m.
Reunion of the Groups.
(Presentation of summaries and posters).
9:15 p.m.
Sharing (songs, fellowship, etc.)
10:00 p.m.
Chapel – Night Prayers (P.G. pg. 29-35).
Examination of conscience (P.G. pg. 56-59) and Confessions.
10:10 p.m.
Retire and visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament with the group leaders and the secretaries
(as on the previous night). They may briefly share about the progress of the Cursillo®. The
Rector(a) encourages them to intensify the friendship among everyone tomorrow.
NOTE: The Rector(a) makes the following announcements:

 You may continue to share with your friends since this is our last night together,
however, be sensitive to others who are going to bed.
 Tomorrow is a full day of work so get plenty of rest so you can be alert.
 Pack as much of your luggage as possible.
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 Make sure to dress accordingly in the morning for the Closing in the evening since
there will not be time to change later.
Upon leaving the Chapel, the leaders should take advantage of doing personal contact.
This is an opportunity to help Cursillistas who still appear concerned or confused.
10:30 p.m.
Team reunion and visit.19
In addition to reviewing the progress of the Cursillo® and tomorrow’s work, they may
review some elements about the Closing (i.e. Who and how many leaders from the team will
speak, the names of the 4th Day community who will also speak, etc.).
THIRD DAY
7:00 a.m.
Arise
7:30 a.m.
Chapel – Morning Prayer (See P.G. pg. 6-9).
5th Meditation – Christ’s Message to the Cursillistas (Given by a Spiritual Advisor).
8:00 a.m.
Breakfast.
8:45 a.m.
Study of the Environments (Given by a layperson) (35 minutes).
Discussion and Summary (Remind everyone about chapel visits).
Signing of the Pilgrim’s Guide by the leaders and spiritual advisors (20 minutes).
Although the Rector(a) encourages the discussion and summary (to maintain the order),
what it is more important today is that they become closer friends among themselves.
9:40 a.m.
Free time.
9:50 a.m.
Life in Grace (Given by a Spiritual Advisor) (45 minutes).
The leaders in each Decuria should have the “Service Sheet”20 to be distributed when
instructed by the Spiritual Advisor during the rollo.
19
The timing for the team reunion can vary since this time is of utmost importance for doing personal contact
and ensuring the Cursillistas remain within the proper atmosphere of the Cursillo.
20
See Appendix 4.
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10:35 a.m.
After the Thanksgiving prayer, the Rector(a) will emphasise the following points:
 The commitment made in the “Service Sheet” does not oblige under penalty of sin. It
is a matter of commitment to Christ on one’s honour.
 This commitment is something you consult with the Lord in the Tabernacle; Spiritual
Advisors and team leaders are available to assist you. You decide the practices and
frequency to follow.
 Since there will be no discussion and summary for this rollo you may use this time to
obtain more explanation or answers to any questions you may have about the Service
Sheet from the leader of your decuria.
 We will have a collective visitation to the Most Blessed Sacrament in the afternoon at
which time you may turn in your “Service Sheet”. Please make sure to write your
name on it. (NOTE: If done at Mass, it may be deposited during the Offertory.)
10:50 a.m.
Free time – prepare for Mass (Setup Chapel, rehearse songs, prepare lectors, etc.).
11:00 a.m.
Mass.
This Mass takes longer as there is additional singing. Mass is explained by the priest.
Everyone stands around the Alter if possible.
12:00 p.m.
Lunch.
NOTE: Rector(a) explains about the Cursillo® donation.21
Before the Thanksgiving prayer, the Rector(a) will explain the reason for the suggested
donation to cover the expenses of the weekend. Following is a suggestion on how to explain:
 Explain the reason for the donation.
- God’s grace cannot be bought nor does it have a price, however, there are
expenses such as fee for the facilities, meals, materials, etc.
 You will be given an envelope to put your name, parish and city where you live.
 Include the recommended donation. If someone wishes to and is able to, can donate
more than the recommended amount. This is very much appreciated.
 Please make cheques payable to: _____________________________________.
 If for some reason, you are not able to make the full donation, include a note in the
envelope as to how you will send the payment to the Secretariat.
 Give your envelope to the team leaders of your respective Decurias after the free time,
before starting the next rollo.
21
This is a suggested way to collect a donation in those Dioceses or Archdiocese where the candidates have not
paid the Cursillo fee in advance.
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12:50 p.m.
Free time – Put luggage in order.
1:15 p.m.
Christianity in Action (Given by a layperson) (45 minutes).
Group discussion, Chapel Visits (25 minutes).
2:20 p.m.
Free time.
2:30 p.m.
The Cursillista beyond the Cursillo® (By layperson) (20 minutes).
2:50 p.m.
Collection of the Service Sheets.
Verify that each person has put their name on the Service Sheet. The Service Sheets can
be collected during a visit to the Blessed Sacrament or during the offertory at Mass.
Remember to place an appropriate receptacle for the Service Sheets near the Blessed
Sacrament. The Spiritual Advisor leads the visit to the Blessed Sacrament with a brief prayer
followed by a blessing. Each person places their Service Sheet in the receptacle.
Once everyone has left the Chapel after the visit or Mass (whichever the case may be) the
Spiritual Advisor gives all the Service Sheets collected to the Rector(a). The Rector(a) will
ensure that all the candidates turned in their Service Sheet with their name on it and then
places them inside the Carnets. The Service Sheet and Carnet along with a Crucifix will be
given to each candidate by the Spiritual Advisor at the Closing after the Apostolic
Commitment Service.
3:05 p.m.
Free time.
3:15 p.m.
Total Security (Group Reunion and Ultreya) (Given by a layperson) (40 minutes).
Pass out Group Reunion sheet.22
3:55 p.m.
Group Reunion Demonstration – A practical Friendship Group Reunion should be done,
preferably by members of the team who normally group together. Briefly, they may share
how the group came to be, and perhaps two or three of them may share their group reunion.
4:10 p.m.
Group Reunion by the Cursillistas and leaders.
The Rector(a) works on the formation of the groups, those who live in close proximity
and those who have shown that they have developed particular friendships in the Cursillo®.
22
See Appendix 5.
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The Cursillo® leaders are divided accordingly with at least one leader assigned to each group.
The groups should be small enough so it can be accomplished during the time allowed.
4:40 p.m.
Dinner and free time
5:00 p.m.
Personal Reflections on the Cursillo® Experience.
Let us come together as a Decuria for the next half hour and share your personal
reflections of the Cursillo® experience using the following questions as a guide:
1. What have I discovered about myself, Christ, and the Church (Others) during the
Cursillo®?
2. What do I plan to do with what I have learned and lived?
5:30 p.m.
Preparation for the Closing.
After the Personal Reflections, the “Closing” and the “Apostolic Commitment Service” is
explained to the participants by the Rector(a).
 At the Closing, we will share the “Apostolic Commitment Service” together with
some of the Cursillistas who were doing Palanca for us.
 They would like to hear your impression about the Cursillo®. The two questions you
reflected on (what have you discovered and what do you plan to do with it?) will help
in preparing your impression.
 Each Decuria appoints a spokesperson who will share with the community what they
have lived as a group (make sure to limit the time).
 After this, some of you, if you wish, will follow. You may give your personal
impression of the Cursillo®.
 Be careful not to make a public confession.
 After the witnesses, we will share the Apostolic Commitment Service (P.G. pg.
73).There will be a moment when a crucifix will be handed to you, and you will be
told: “Christ is counting on you” and you may respond “and I on him.”
 NOTE: At this time the group can discuss and agree on a date to get together after the
Cursillo®.
(The chapel visit is postponed until the Apostolic Commitment Service at the end of the
“Closing”)
5:45 p.m.
The Closing and Apostolic Commitment Service.
The Spiritual Advisor(s) will prepare for the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after
the witnesses have concluded. Meanwhile, an appropriate song can be played.
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 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

 Apostolic Commitment Service (P.G. pg. 76).
 Rite of Benediction.
 Rector(a) and Spiritual Advisor call each Cursillista by name and hand them their
Carnet with their Service Sheet. The Spiritual Advisor will present each Cursillista
with a Crucifix saying: “Christ is counting on you!”
The purpose of the “Closing” is not to proclaim to the outside community how great it
was. Rather it is to allow the candidates to see and hear that it is possible to live the 4th Day.
In the third day of the Cursillo®, candidates are normally concerned with two things:
“Can I persevere?” and “Can I put into practice all that I have learned?”
While the theory has been presented in the rollos, especially “Group Reunion and
Ultreya,” the practical answer is given at the “Closing” by the presence, witness, and support
of the outside community. Thus the final lesson of the Cursillo® in Christianity is taught, as
usual, by experience. “Yes, it is possible to persevere in the 4th Day.” The witness from the
4th Day community provides this final lesson.
This truth should be proclaimed joyfully in the “Closing.”23
The Cursillistas (outside community) will have gathered where the “Closing” is to take
place while the participants are at supper or sharing at the Decurias. Those who are waiting
to take part in the “Closing” should in no way interfere with the process of the Cursillo® or
establish contact with the participants before it begins. When ready (not later than 5:45
p.m.), the participants, led by the priest and lay leaders, enter and take their places.
The format for the “Closing” is as follows:

 The Spiritual Advisor for the Cursillo® begins with the prayer to the Holy Spirit. (P.G.
pg. 5).
 The Rector(a) makes the following announcements:
- “We are going to begin the Closing (Clausura) of Cursillo® # _______ of the
Diocese/Archdiocese of…
- Before continuing, it is important to understand that a Closing cannot be
understood if one has not lived a Cursillo® in Christianity. We beg you to abstain
from prejudging the act which is about to unfold.
- Please do not interrupt (pictures, gifts, flowers, etc.) the process of the Closing
since the Cursillo® has not ended.
- For the benefit of those who are present for the first time, I am going to share the
steps we will follow for the Closing:
1. First, a representative from each Decuria will share their over-all impression.
23
The Closing should not include Mass. The Mass during the Cursillo is for the candidates and the team. All
other Cursillistas (outside community) should have attended Mass at their respective community.
- 45 -
2. After each Decuria representative has spoken, other members of the Cursillo®
may volunteer to share their personal experience with the 4th Day community.
(NOTE: It should not be mandatory that all Cursillistas share their experience
during the Closing. It should be on a voluntary basis.)
3. When the Cursillistas who wish to do so have spoken, we will invite some of
the 4th Day Cursillistas.
(NOTE: The 4th Day Cursillistas, who will witness at the Closing, should have
been identified prior to the Closing.)
4. Finally, some team leaders and the Spiritual Advisor, etc. will share.
5. Let us remember that we are in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament (if in a
Chapel).
6. We will conclude with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the
Apostolic Commitment Service (P.G. pg. 73).
- I leave you now with the representatives of the Decurias… (The Rector(a) will
then follow the Agenda as presented above).
 Presentation of crucifixes and Service Sheets with the remark “Christ is counting on
You.” (The Rector(a) proceeds to call on the Cursillistas one by one, asking them to
come forward to the indicated place in the Sanctuary to receive from the hands of the
Spiritual Advisor of the Cursillo® a crucifix along with their Service Sheet and
Carnet).
 Closing prayer.
7:40 p.m.
Visit to the Blessed Sacrament. The team usually makes a final visit.
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Chapter 4 – Rollos
CHAPTER 4
THE ROLLOS
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Chapter 4 – Rollos – Preliminary Rollo
PRELIMINARY ROLLO
- 48 -
- 49 -
PRELIMINARY ROLLO
SYNTHESIS OF ITS CONTENT AND CHARACTERISTIC NOTES
THEME
The Cursillo® is a means to finding a practical solution to all problems. Its effectiveness
is linked to Grace, to the technique and, the idealism, self-surrender and spirit of charity with
which one lives it.
NOTE
Curiosity and distrust are present in the atmosphere due to the mixed backgrounds of
social, economic, educational status and religious present in the group.
The Rector(a) must assume the direction of the weekend in a natural way, without
imposing his authority.
CURSILLOS IN CHRISTIANITY
 Cursillo: A short course.

 Christianity: or more precisely, authentic Christendom; constitutes elements of our
tradition, of our culture and of our life and has done so for two thousand years.
- Cursillo is a means: (We don’t assert that it is the only one).
- For a practical solution: (purpose of the Cursillo®).
 Solution: Group of ideas – dogmatic truths.
 Practice: Proven effectiveness – Grace and technique.
- Of all the problems: (Universal characteristics).
 All of man’s problems are reduced to the one fundamental problem of his
authentic happiness.
- Of our personality: (Total person).
 Our being, our life and our circumstances.
 A Cursillo® is not for those who don’t have personality.
THEIR EFFECTIVENESS
 Demonstrated by experience.
 It is linked to Grace: (Primary essential element).
- Spiritual preparation.
 To the technique: (Secondary essential element).
- Organisation – everything is foreseen,
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 and their idealism, self-surrender and spirit of charity: (Attitude)

- Cooperation that they must contribute to the whole Cursillo®
 with which one lives:
- The Cursillo® must be lived; it must serve as a pattern for life; it is necessary
to make life a perennial Cursillo®.
 Practical indications to live in the first moments.
SITUATION
The development of this topic, or Preliminary rollo, constitutes the official content of the
Cursillo®.
It begins immediately after the rooms have been assigned on arrival at the facility where
the Cursillo® will take place. It will usually begin around 8 p.m. and it should not last more
than forty minutes. When it is finished each candidate is given a Pilgrim’s Guide.
ATMOSPHERE
The most prevalent thing to note in the atmosphere at this time is without a doubt the
curiosity or impatience to know what the Cursillo® will be. In some this curiosity is
combined with certain distrust regarding the effectiveness of the Cursillo® or regarding the
competence of the leaders to resolve their arguments about Cursillo®, which they would like
to discuss.
A total bewilderment exists in all regarding what Cursillo® is and how it should be lived,
or they may have a mistaken perception of Cursillo® due to lack of discernable elements or as
a result of false preconceived ideas.
If the candidates are properly selected (the diversity present among them) when
individually considered, and from a religious aspect, goes from the honest Catholic to the
practical or theological atheist, and in other aspects: from the rich to the poor person, from
the worker to the middle class, from the academic to the illiterate. The details of all this
should be known ahead of time through studying the individual applications.
Already in these first moments of the Cursillo®, small groups will probably already exist,
either formed during the trip to the weekend location or before, due to a dangerous affinity
between those who may have the intention of not integrating and who may seek to take the
initiative in all possible ways thereby destroying the progress of the Cursillo®.
OBJECTIVES
In the eyes of the candidates, the “Preliminary Rollo” will have as its objective, to
provide an answer, (and this is how it should be presented) to their understandable curiosity
to know what the Cursillo® will be about.
However, this is only a secondary objective, and in practice, this rollo won’t do naything
but increase this curiosity since this rollo does not explain what Cursillo® is.
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The rollo has a primary objective, which should stay carefully obscured, and this is only
to take hold of the reins of the weekend since to try to do it later would not be possible
without forcing the issue.
It also has another essential objective, which is to state and affirm some unquestionable
ideas and statements that constitute the basis and starting point for the whole path of the
weekend and which will be repeated over and over.
It is also necessary to ridicule dangerous situations along the way, although in a light-
hearted manner, in order to avoid deviations and to foresee difficulties.
For good progress to be made, the collaboration of the candidates is requested and must
be clearly specified, stimulating in them the desire to lend this collaboration.
It should be stated, that this progress will not be made possible if they are not in Grace,
for without it, they will not understand the truths of the Cursillo®.
At the end they will be given some practical norms so that they know what is going on
and how to live the first hours of the Cursillo®.
TECHNIQUE
To achieve the previously mentioned objectives, it should have been made very clear that
during this rollo, all, both leaders and candidates, must be present and must pay attention to
what is being said, making them aware of the seriousness and importance of all the activities
of the Cursillo®.
The Rector(a) gives this rollo since he/she is responsible for the progress of the Cursillo®
and he/she should have the reins of the Cursillo® in his/her hands.
It would be a serious error in technique to seek to impose authority with unfortunate

statements and interventions. Authority is not imposed, it is granted to those who deserve it.
The recognition of the Rector(a)’s leadership and competence must come from the manner in
which he/she conducts himself/herself. He/She must demonstrate a quiet self-confidence in
from of the candidates. To appear to have an inferiority complex may lead them to believe
that the Cursillo® will be easy. To demonstrate his/her command of the situation, he/she
must remain calm.
Poking light-hearted fun at certain postures ahead of time – towards those who may be
difficult – helps to avoid difficult situations.
Without mentioning the word confession, it should be made clear, that in order for them
to understand the Cursillo®, it is necessary to be in Grace. The use of an analogy of dirty
windows in your house preventing you from seeing the world outside clearly helps to make
this point. The aim is to lead them to this conclusion themselves do that they will take the
necessary steps to be in Grace.
The candidates must not be attacked openly nor should the opinions some of them hold be
ridiculed. Also, to tell them that the weekend will be what it must be whether they agree or
- 52 -
not, serves no purpose and creates very critical situations. They are more willing to lend their
cooperation than to allow any type of imposition.
STYLE
This rollo must develop with supreme naturalness, without any type of arrogance; if this
is done the arguments will be made without any need of oratory.
This naturalness should be accompanied by a firm confidence in the ideas and in the way
they are expressed, without hesitation or inaccuracies that lead to confusion.
It should not be forgotten that, being the first of the rollos, the impression that is given is
of supreme importance since the rest of the weekend will be gauged by it.
While remaining peaceful, the best way, however, is to give the rollo in an amenable
manner using some phrases that, when combined with the Grace present in the candidates,
facilitates the acceptance of the truths that are presented.
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PRELIMINARY ROLLO
OUTLINE
1. INTRODUCTION
A. Welcome/Invocation to the Holy Spirit.
B. Brief History of the Beginning of the Movement.
2. WHAT IS A CURSILLO® ?
A. It is an experience – A Cursillo® is lived and, as such it cannot be defined.
To know what a Cursillo® is, it is necessary to live one. You will say the same thing
yourselves at the end of the three days.
B. It is a short intense course.
Cursillo®: A short course of three full days.
An intense course taking advantage of each one of the days.
Objective: Total solution of all the problems of our life that will be reduced to the
fundamental problems of our happiness. You will find your authentic happiness.
3. PURPOSE OF CURSILLO®
A. It is not theories but realities.
Solution: a framework of ideas which are able to provide a solution.
Practical: effectiveness; possibilities and means to bring them to completion.
B. We have come to fill:
Our heads with ideas.
Our hearts with fire to carry out the ideas.
C. To be filled we must open:
Our minds and hearts are either opened or closed from within.
Waiting too long can be equal to arriving late.
4. CHARACTERISTICS
 Humility – God solely reveals Himself to the humble person.
 Sincerity – The Truth will set you free and it is only revealed to those who are sincere.
 Don’t judge in advance – Like the disappointment when opening the first boxes of a
machine which is received in several pieces.
 Forget your prejudices. They don’t change anything.
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5. FOR WHOM IS THE CURSILLO® INTENDED?

A. The Cursillo® is not for those who are:
 without personality.
 immature.
 angry.
 coward.
 non-Catholics.
B. The Cursillo® is intended for:
 those with personality.
 the mature person.
 the courageous.
 all who are restless for a better life.
 each one of you.
6. EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CURSILLO® DEPENDS

On our Openness to Grace, Organisation, and Cooperation.
A. On the Grace of God: sacraments, prayers and sacrifices that others have offered
and which they will continue to offer for you during the Cursillo®.
B. On organisation: everything is foreseen and orderly to have the most
effectiveness.
C. On cooperation: we ask for your:
 Idealism – Necessary to undertake anything.
 Self-surrender – Attention to the moment that one is living; there is time for
everything; to listen although they may be truths you already know. We will
ring the bell when it is time for you to come.
 Spirit of Charity – We have come from different places to make better friends
with each other.
7. WHAT IS DONE DURING THE THREE DAYS?

A. Pray – In order to facilitate the process of prayer, you will be provided with a prayer
book called the Pilgrim’s Guide.
B. Study – The truth can be known through study.
C. Act – Your work (action) will consist of participating in group dialogue.
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8. CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS

A. Put all your concerns aside.
B. Do not expect more than what Cursillo® offers at each moment.
C. The Cursillo® pretends that a life well lived is worthwhile.
D. Spiritual Retreat introduction.
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PRELIMINARY ROLLO
SAMPLE ROLLO
(20 MINUTES)
1. INTRODUCTION
A. Welcome to Cursillo® #_______. Let us start this Cursillo® with the invocation to the
Holy Spirit. Every act during this weekend will always be preceded by this prayer. “Come
Holy Spirit...”
You may be feeling nervous and anxious to get started. Whatever you are feeling now is
normal.
We are all here for various reasons. Perhaps you were prompted by your spouse, a friend,
a family member or because you are searching for something in your life or feel a need to
grow.
Regardless of what reasons you think you are here, you are here because God wants you
here.
Try to relax and put aside all of the responsibilities you left behind. They are in good
hands, His hands.
B. Brief history of the beginning of the Movement.
Born out of a spirit of renewal in the Church that preceded the Second Vatican Council,
the Cursillo® Movement originated in Spain in the early 1940s and therefore, many terms we
use are of Spanish origin.
Bishop John Hervas of Mallorca and a dedicated young layperson, Eduardo Bonnin, were
the two primary leaders of the first Cursillo® in Christianity. The first Cursillo® was held in
August 1944 and has spread throughout the world. Cursillo® was first introduced in the
United States in 1957 at Waco, Texas and in the Caribbean in 19 at . The first
®
Cursillo in the _______________ Diocese was held in __________.
2. WHAT IS A CURSILLO® ?
A. It is an experience.
Because the Cursillo® is an experience and as such cannot be fully described, it must
be lived and experience firsthand to appreciate its fullness.
B. It is a short intense course.
The word Cursillo, pronounced Kur-See-Yo, in English means a short course. The
official name is Cursillo® in Christianity – a short but intense course in Christianity. It
consists of three full days of sharing and living what is fundamental for being a Christian.
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Objective: Total solution of all the problems of our life that will be reduced to the
fundamental problems of our happiness. You will find your authentic happiness.
3. PURPOSE OF CURSILLO®
A. It is a method – a way of accomplishing something.
Practical: The Cursillo® will provide you with a method to help you find practical
solutions to the problems we face on a daily basis. The application of this method will prove
that true and lasting peace is attainable.
Solution: It is a framework of ideas, the absorption of which demands openness.
B. In order for all of us to be able to accept the ideas that will be presented, it is essential
that we have open hearts and minds. Without openness, the walls that we build, or allow
remaining standing, may prevent us from actually hearing and absorbing what is being said.
We cannot open your heart and mind. Only you have access to the key that opens your
heart and your mind. You must do that from within.
We have come to the Cursillo® to fill our heads with ideas and our hearts with fire in
order to accomplish these ideals.
4. CHARACTERISTICS
 Humility – God solely reveals Himself to the humble person. The prideful and the
satisfied are not able to experience this revelation because they feel no desire to know
because they know it all. True, we may not teach you anything new, but in this Cursillo® you
will gain much depending of the degree of humility of each person.
 Sincerity – The Truth is the only one that sets you free and it is only revealed to those
who are sincere; those who truly open their hearts and minds.
 Don’t make judgements in advance – today is the most difficult day. Like in the first
stages of any important project, we need to wait until it is completed. The Cursillo® is a
perfect machine in which each part, however insignificant it may seem, has its importance.
(“The Story of the Threshing Machine”, Appendix 1, can be shared at this time.).
 Forget your prejudices. The Cursillo® makes the best of us bloom and the not so good
in us disappear. We must not only be in the Cursillo®, but live it, also.
5. FOR WHOM IS THE CURSILLO® INTENDED?

A. Let us first mention for whom it is not intended.
 It is not suitable for persons without personality – those who allow themselves to be
dragged by the current. For the, even if they get something out of the Cursillo®, it will not
last.
 It is not suitable for immature persons. The Cursillo® requires serious decisions
which the immature cannot make.
 It is not suitable for the pessimist – those if invited to a picnic, will say it will rain; if
we ask them to do something, they will say it won’t come out good. For them nothing has
remedy, and the Cursillo® is founded on “everything is possible.”
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 It is not suitable for the coward. The coward avoids confronting the truth, his own,
the truth of others and God’s Truth. The Cursillo® requires confrontation with the truth, that
as we previously mentioned will be the only thing that will free us.
 The Cursillo® is not intended for non-Catholics, since the Cursillo® itself is centred on
the Eucharist.
B. Now, for whom is the Cursillo® intended?
 For those with personality. The Cursillo® is especially intended for those persons,
who by their strength of character and personality have the ability to affect others. They are
persons who can and do influence members of their families, co-workers, friends and other
people in general and in their environment.
 For the mature ones. Capable of making their own decisions.
 For the courageous. Men and women of truth, who think, plan and are sure of
themselves.
 Cursillo® was designed for all who want to grow, and for all who are restless for a
better life. It is for each and every person who is determined to live life and experience it.
 The Cursillo® is for each one of you, since you possess these qualities.
We are all here because this is the place that God wants us to be at this very moment.
Perhaps, by the end of this weekend, the reason He called you here might become clearer to
you.
6. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CURSILLO® DEPENDS

On our Openness to Grace, Organisation, and Cooperation.
A. Grace – The primary source of success comes from the Grace of God. This Grace
comes to us freely from God and through the Sacraments, prayer and sacrifice of other
people, many of whom you do not know.
B. Organisation - Everything is foreseen and orderly; everything has been organised and
prepared to allow the Cursillo® to flow smoothly.
C. Cooperation – The effectiveness of the Cursillo® also depends on your cooperation,
but what we ask of you is real simple. We ask you to contribute three things: Idealism, Self-
surrender and Spirit of Charity.
 Idealism – Necessary to undertake anything. Giving your whole-hearted attention to
what is going on at that time just as you would to any worthwhile task.
 Self-surrender – Living each moment with the intention of doing your very best; there
is time for everything. Being open and giving of yourselves and surrendering yourself to the
prepared schedule for the weekend. We will be on a fairly tight schedule, and I ask for your
cooperation. We will ring the bell when it is time for the next activity.
 Spirit of Charity – A loving attitude of friendship, we have come from different places
to make better friends with each other and not to form cliques. Sharing your love and
concern for others needs, respecting each other’s feelings, uniqueness, and individuality.
This will be impossible if we isolate ourselves or relate only to our friends and acquaintances.
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7. WHAT IS DONE DURING THE THREE DAYS?

There will be time for many things in the Cursillo®; laughter, singing, eating, sharing,
resting, etc. There will be time for all the ordinary things of daily life. And speaking of daily
life, there will also be time for prayer, study and action (work):
A. Prayer: There may be many things we need to “let go” during the next three days that
the time allotted for the Cursillo® will seem too short. In order to facilitate the process of
prayer, you will be provided with a prayer book called the Pilgrim’s Guide.
B. Study: The truth can be known through study. The truth will be proclaimed by Priests
and Laypersons through talks known as “rollos”.
C. Action: Your work (action) will consist of participating in group dialogue in order to
gain the most from the Cursillo® and its message.
8. CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS

A. Put all your concerns aside for the next three days along with any prejudgements
which you may have about Cursillo®. We are all adults and since we’ve made an effort to
come, let’s take advantage of the Cursillo® experience.
B. Try not to expect more than what the Cursillo® can offer at each given moment. The
Cursillo® is composed of many different elements. With God’s grace, you will see and
experience it awesomeness once all the elements come together.
C. Keep in mind that the Cursillo® does not impose on anyone nor does it attempt to
brainwash anyone. It simply demonstrates that a life well lived is worth living. Those who
wish to accept it will and those who do not won’t. However, those who accept the Cursillo®
message will thoroughly enjoy it and come Sunday will say what was said to the Samaritan
Woman: “Now we believe what you said at the beginning not because you told us, but
because we have experienced it for ourselves.” (Jn. 4:42)
D. Finally, this night will seem the most difficult. Beginning tonight, you are asked to
maintain silence until tomorrow morning after Mass. We will begin our silence as we begin
the Spiritual Retreat.
(1) It is good to have some silence in the Cursillo® to facilitate reflection.
(2) The Spiritual Retreat will be based on two meditations, Way of the Cross and night
prayer for tonight. Tomorrow we will continue with morning prayer, a third meditation and
Mass in the morning. This will conclude the Retreat and silence.
(3) For your convenience, this facility is equipped with dormitories, bathrooms, Chapel,
etc.
The Pilgrim’s Guide will be handed out at this time. Please carry it with you at all times.
We will now move to the Chapel. Remember to maintain silence as we begin the Retreat.
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Chapter 4 – Rollos – Ideal
IDEAL
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IDEAL
ORIENTATION
At this time the participants are encountering themselves – their anguish, their hopes and
their failures. They desire to be something more. It is the beginning of an eager search for
happiness.
The proclamation of the message begins with this talk; it is a call to be human. It does
not have a specifically religious tone, though it does leave the participant open to God’s
saving plan.
We are trying to explain the fundamentals of being human – in the light of the ideal. The
talk is intended to cause the participants to feel the need of realising their own ideal and to
come to the conclusion that they need one to be fully human.
Although we are at the centre of all creation, we feel dissatisfied, anguished, empty. We
seek happiness in fall values that, far from satisfying our anxieties, activate new insatiable
desires. In their wake we’re left with a sense of failure and even of slavery to unworthy
goals. We need to have a worthwhile ideal in order to have individuality and personality so
we can be truly ourselves.
Thus, the participants are better prepared to assimilate in the next talk what is
fundamental to being a Christian: our dignity as children of God. (The Fundamental Ideas of
the Cursillo Movement, No. 370, p. 144).
GENERAL COMMENTS
The five talks of the first day are intended to present the ideal of the Christian living out
the life of grace. The presentation begins with “Ideal,” which asks the question, “What is it
to be a person?”
The answer is that persons who are fully human are those who have come to grips with
themselves and have learned to continually reach out to learn, to give of themselves, to love.
The only way to reach this is through an ideal. The talk goes on to consider what an ideal is
and how it functions in a human life. At the end of the talk, the participants are asked to
confront their lives and really discover what their ideal is (during the talk most of them will
be telling themselves that their ideal is to be a Christian) by asking themselves where their
free time, their money and their thoughts are at present. That will show them what they are
really directing their lives towards. The answer will show them where their ideal truly is.
“Ideal” is the opening talk of the Cursillo®, and it lays the foundation for the rest of the
weekend. The Cursillo® is meant to give men and women a new ideal, the Christian ideal.
The Cursillo® is designed to call men and women to become saints and apostles, leaders in
the work of the Christian renewal of the world. “Ideal” is the first step in explaining to the
participants what they can and should become.
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The background for “Ideal” is the spiritual retreat. During the first evening and the first
morning, the participants have been asked to consider their own lives. They have been told
that they should know themselves, and they have been given a picture of the personality of
Christ, especially of His love. In the meditation of the morning, they have been placed face
to face with Christ. Christ is looking at them, inviting them. The whole first day unfolds in
the context of the meditation. The participant is before Christ, and each must consider his or
her own life.
“Ideal” presents the participants with a way of thinking about their lives. It gives them a
framework for thinking about themselves and examining themselves in relation to
Christianity. They are invited to consider what a person is and what it is to become a person.
The rollista presents the concept that a human being is a creature who has an ideal. The
concept of the ideal is then used as a means for the participants to think about their own lives.
The talk is divided into three major parts. The first six sections provide the listener with a
concept of what the capacities of a person are. It develops quickly by describing humans as
rational beings separated from the lower animals by intelligence, will and freedom. Sections
three through six explore the psychology of the human being, pointing out our great potential.
Sections five proceeds to discuss the primary motivating force in life: love. Here the ultimate
act of humanity is revealed as the ability to give of oneself totally.
In the second major part, the talk moves back to describing an ideal. Sections seven
through nine discuss the ideal and its effect on life, showing how having an ideal is the only
way to achieve the goal of being the fully alive human being described earlier.
The third major part, sections ten and eleven, describes the kinds of ideals and then
presents the real purpose of the talk by giving a simple formula for helping the participants
discover their own ideals. At the end of “Ideal,” the participant should be ready to proceed
with the rest of the Cursillo®. The whole of the first day is a presentation of the life of grace
as the Christian ideal. It ends with the “Holiness” talk which is a call to the participants to
make the life of grace their real ideal. The first day, in other words, is built upon the structure
presented in “Ideal.” Moreover, the rest of the Cursillo® is built upon the basis of the first
day. The second day explains to the participants how to make their ideal a part of their lives,
and the third day explains to them how to bring their ideal to other people and situations:
How to spread the Christian ideal effectively, and how to sustain themselves in union with
others who believe as they do.
ATMOSPHERE
The participants are in a somewhat tense mood as “Ideal” begins. The retreat lies behind
them, a period of meditation and listening to the call of Christ. Some will have felt nothing,
some will be unmoved, but most will be more or less nervous, depending on their
personalities. They are in a group with people they don’t know; they are worrying about
what others will think of them. Many will have heard tales of what “they” will do on the
weekend and now “it” is starting. This mood will continue until the discussion time, during
which the members of the group will get to know one another and relax a little.
The atmosphere of nervousness is most powerful at this time. The group “order” has not
yet been established (“Who will talk on what?” “Who will be quiet?” “Will they like me?”
“I don’t know how to take notes.” “I can’t talk religion.” “I’ll show them what theology is,”
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etc.) It will be the end of the day before they feel at home, so the talk on the ideal should not
dazzle, but should steadily point the way.
For most people, their nervousness will be shaped by the spirit of retreat the evening
before. Most will be desiring some sort of change in their lives; they will have been stirred
by the challenges of Christ. If the talk is presented clearly and carefully with examples and
illustrations, the groundwork will been established for the remainder of the weekend.
On the other hand, if the talk is garbled, theatrical or theoretically inclined, then the
participants will turn off the rollista, and it will be difficult to awaken their interest later on.
Their nervousness must be relaxed. The presentation should be warm and carry with it an
invitation to listen.
The participants, though nervous, are eager to begin. The atmosphere is charged with
anticipation. The “Ideal” talk should slide in, reach into their hidden sense of what is right,
and get them thinking of where they truly are in their lives and in their relationship with God.
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IDEAL
METHOD OF PREPARING THE ROLLO
The rollo appeals primarily to the mind, like the other opening talks of each day. It is
intended to capture the interest of the participants, provoking them to think about what it is to
be a person and about what kind of an ideal they have. The only urging the rollo does
towards living the Christian life is by arousing an interest in what might be a better ideal, the
possibility of becoming fully human. Ideal tries to fill the candidates with the conviction of
the necessity of having an ideal, and the persuasion that we all must seek out our ideal. The
rollo should, in other words, not be a soul stirring to have an ideal, but an interesting rollo
that raises some interesting points. The participants should fee afterwards that they have
understood something vital to them in a better way.
Ideal could be described as the “pre-evangelisation” rollo of the Cursillo®. This rollo
prepares the way for presenting the Christian message by considering needs in human life
which the Christian ideal fulfils. Because of its preparatory nature, the rollo is secular, that
is, it does not mention God, Christ, the Church, sin, Grace, salvation, redemption or any of
the things that relate directly to religion. It should not even begin with prayer. There will be
temptation to talk about religious ideas, and there will be a temptation to bring ideas from the
rest of the Cursillo® into this rollo. Ideal is the basis for the rest of the Cursillo®, but it does
not mention the later themes. Writing the rollo involves a great deal of restraint. It is
essential that this rollo remain secular in nature and not deviate from its purpose.
The development of the rollo should aim for simplicity and clearness. It must present in a
clear manner ideas which will be the basis of the rest of the Cursillo®. But it should do so in
a way that gradually brings the participants to confront their own ideal.
The rollo should be, in general, cautious, clear, and full of simple examples the listener
can relate to. The rollo should be developed in a detached manner.
It is not until the very end that the rollista should turn to the participants and say that
he/she wants them to consider their ideals. This is the first time in the rollo that the rollista
says “you.” He/She ends by asking them to look for what their ideal really is.
At the end of Section 9, it is best if the rollista finishes with this question, and then turns
and leaves the participants to provide their thoughts on their own answers. Nothing more
need be said.
There will be two dangers that the rollista will have to avoid in the beginning parts of the
rollo. The first is the danger of making the rollo too theoretical. The introduction is not
meant to be a detailed philosophical treatise on the nature of people. It is just meant to raise
certain points which will help the participant to see the importance of the ideal. The rollista
should not get bogged down in the first six sections or overload the participant with too much
theory.
The second danger is the danger of being defensive. The rollista should not feel that
he/she has to defend the fact that a person has a free will, or defend the fact that a person has
ideals. The rollista should just state these things in a clear way without any defensiveness.
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The rollo is written to avoid philosophical controversies and just describes common sense
facts – that people are different from animals and that there are important differences.
The manner of speaking should be natural and assured and should have conviction. There
should be no enthusiasm (but the rollo must be interesting, not boring). It is a low-key rollo.
The examples used should be illustrative stories. They should not be stirring examples of
great things that have been done.
Immediately following the closing prayer, the Rector(a) should allow a short time to
elapse before introducing the discussion time. The short time is to allow the participants a
period of reflection before engaging in the opening bit of conversation to assist in this period
of reflection.
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IDEAL
OUTLINE
1. INTRODUCTION
Now is the moment to stop and think! What is the meaning and direction of my life?
(NOTE: Don’t spend too much time on this so that you leave enough time to focus on the
second part, which is the most important.)
The intelligence of man surpasses the instinct and the brute force of animals.
2. MANKIND IS SUPERIOR
Animals are stationary, do not progress.

Human progress shows the difference and superiority of man over animals.
Experience tells us that the difference and superiority of man lies in the fact that man not
only participates in, but that he transcends animal life.
Beast – animal life, instinct.
Man – rational life, ideas.
Man lives in two worlds: in the material world and in the world of intelligence.
Man has a superior and more complete life.
The explanation – man’s superiority is that he is the only created being gifted with:
Intellect: the capacity to think, to develop ideas
Freedom: to be able to do what he desires
Will: the capacity to make up one’s mind, to want
Conclusion: Man has been gifted with intellect, will, and freedom so that with these gifts
he can direct and order his actions towards an end (Ideal) so that human life is not an end
in itself, but a means to arrive at the end.
3. THE CONSEQUENCES OF THIS SUPERIORITY
A. Human beings expand and go beyond their own lives, whereas animals are limited to
their own lives and the circumstances that condition it, such as instincts and habits.
B. Life cannot be a goal in itself for the human being. He/She must transform it into a
vessel through which he/she shapes their own destiny, and comes to be through
his/her own decisions. A human being is always developing, always becoming.
C. The human being in complete use of all of his/her faculties, is responsible for the
consequences, foreseen and accepted, of his/her free actions.
D. Nevertheless, the human being is the only creature in danger of losing his/her own
essence and identity to be less than human, to be dehumanised – when he/she waives
the use of those faculties that are his/her and give him/her character. This
dehumanisation may lead him/her, by excess or default to,
(1) Angelism – toward the purely spiritual.
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(2) Materialism – towards the purely material.

(These ideals should be reinforced with examples.)
4. THE LIMITATIONS AND POSSIBILITIES OF BEING HUMAN
A. Despite human progress, evil injustice and unhappiness still exist.

B. Each person has an overpowering drive for happiness (self-fulfilment).
C. The human being’s greatest limitation is self-centredness.
D. Persons have enormous potential due to their innate talents.
E. This potential is best realised by setting goals.
F. Limitations of this potential create frustrations and restlessness.
5. THE MEASURE OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
A. Giving oneself totally is the highest personal and creative act a person can
accomplish.
B. Each person must challenge all of his/her talents by giving of themselves totally.
C. Giving of oneself can be directed to –
1) Self; 2) Objects; 3) Ideals; 4) Persons.
D. The focus of a person’s life limits or extends the meaning of that life.
6. THE PROCESS OF BECOMING FULLY HUMAN
A. The mature person is master of his or her own life.

B. Becoming fully human is a process. This process requires the individual to,
(1) Choose a goal.
(2) Gain conviction for that goal.
(3) Let the goal fill his/her aspirations.
(4) The goal sets the criteria for his/her actions.
(5) Achieving the goal becomes a way of life.
C. Every person has a goal – an ideal.
7. WHAT IS AN IDEAL?
A. Definition: An ideal is the centre of our goals. It is the combination of ideas,

aspirations and preferences which attracts a person and moves him/her towards its
attainment. It sums up happiness for the person. It is the axis of the person’s life.
B. Definition has two elements:
(1) Vision – The combination of ideas aspirations and preferences of life.
(2) Motivation – the force that moves a person to achieve the vision.
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C. Both elements must be present:

(1) Vision – static – like the chassis of a car, gives framework to the whole (or other
appropriate example).
Static Element:
Combination of ideas (convictions that preside over life).
Tendency to have aspirations, feeling, towards a determined purpose.
And preferences: judgement and free choice,
That centres our life: “mainmast”.
(2) Motivation – dynamic – like the engine of a car, gives power or drive (or other
appropriate example).
Dynamic Element:
That decides our will and is the force that moves us into action.
That drives our effort. It forces us into action.
To become realities: real objectives, not fantasies
Therefore both the object and extent of self-giving define a person’s ideal.
D. A person’s life ebbs and flows according to his/her ideal.
E. Ideals in life change: They’re different in childhood, youth, maturity, etc.
Ideal of a child: toys, First Communion.
Ideal of a youth: school, sports, grades.
Ideal of the young: games, love, girlfriend/boyfriend, car.
Ideal of an adult: family, honour, fame, house.
F. Since all persons have goals, there is no human life without an Ideal.
8. QUALITIES OF AN AUTHENTIC IDEAL CAPABLE OF SATISFYING A

PERSON’S EVERY NEED
A. It’s vital – provides great meaning.

B. It’s complete – we’re able to live our whole life for this ideal because it will lead us to
maturity.
(1) Definable goals.
(2) Goals which fulfil our present and future needs.
(3) Goals which always inspire us to reach out and give of self.
(4) Goals which challenge us to strive to fulfil our potential.
C. It’s attainable.
D. It motivates us to overcome obstacles to meet its criteria.
9. INFLUENCE OF THE IDEAL ON LIFE
A. Authentic Ideal.
(1) Gives purpose and meaning to life.
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(2) Causes a person to rise above self.

(3) Forms persons who are vital, hopeful, realistic, unselfish, masters of their lives
and in love with life.
(4) Gives direction to life, causing us to act not by instinct but through conviction.
(5) Elevates human actions to a more superior level than those of animals, since they
give content and meaning not only to one’s actions bit to all of life (mainmast).
(6) Gives a higher purpose, above and beyond ordinary life.
(7) Gives meaning to work (airline mechanic).
(8) Gives optimism (“You’re everything to me”).
(9) Gives direction to our actions, doing what we do by conviction, not by instinct.
We know where we’re going and why.
B. False Ideal.
(1) Discourages and disheartens.
(2) Prevents a person from trying for a new and perhaps authentic ideal.
10. KINDS OF IDEALS
A. By subject: Personal, family, collective, national, universal.

B. By goals: Wealth, scientific knowledge, glory, fame, honour, prestige, peace, beauty,
justice, happiness, perfection, artistic achievement, family, sports, fun.
C. Apparent ideal: That which we like to believe motivates us.
D. Real ideal: That which in fact motivates us. (Appropriate examples to reinforce the
distinction between real and apparent ideal.)
11. NECESSITY OF KNOWING OUR IDEAL
What is my ideal? What is your ideal?

A. It is important to know your ideal because it is like the main mast which holds up
your life as a sail before the wind, supported by the keel of your personality.
B. To discover your ideal, just observe where your thoughts, your free time, your money
and your energy go. There is your ideal. One way of knowing it is: by thinking of it
as a “Comet” – which direction does your free time and money head towards, that
direction is your ideal.
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IDEAL
SAMPLE ROLLO
(25 MINUTES)
1. INTRODUCTION
We are being given the opportunity right now, to stop and look beyond the routine of our
daily lives and to think about our very existence; its meaning and purpose.
Focussing on this subject is not easy. We can be overwhelmed by our daily

responsibilities to our families, jobs, and other demands of life. We rarely find or take the
time to think about this question that is so fundamental to our lives.
This weekend will provide us with the time to break from our ordinary routines and
patterns of life and allow us to focus on this subject – Who are we? What are we doing?
Where are we going? NOW is the perfect time to stop and consider WHAT IS THE
MEANING AND DIRECTION OF MY LIFE?
2. MANKIND IS SUPERIOR
Three Kingdoms
As human beings, we begin by looking at our place in the natural order and at those
characteristics that make us superior to creatures and other things with which we co-exist.
We recall, from our science classes, that there are three natural kingdoms:
(1) Minerals - Minerals are essential to our life, but do not possess life themself. They
are not born... do not die... they exist... (examples: rock, sand, water and others).
(2) Plants – Plants are made up of living cells. They are born out of a reproductive
process, develop, reproduce, and die. They have no relationship and usually no movement
beyond their present locale. (Examples: trees, plants, flowers, etc.)
(3) Animal Kingdom – The Animal Kingdom is made up of two distinct categories:
a. Irrational Animals – The creatures, like plants, possess life but, in addition, they have
mobility, senses, and instinct. What they do lack, however, is their ability to reason.
(Examples: other mammals, birds, and fish.)
b. Rational Animals – The human being, the person, is superior to plants and animals
due to the ability to move about in a world of ideas. The human being possesses an intellect,
will, and the ability to choose its course of action.
The attributes of intellect, will and freedom, are more clearly defined as:
 Intellect – The ability to think about, to understand concepts, to seek the truth;
 Freedom – The ability to choose between one thing or course of action; the ability to
determine preferences (likes or dislikes), and it is the ability to make decisions based on the
information supplied;
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 Will – The ability to act or not act; it is the ability to pursue that which is desired.
3. THE CONSEQUENCES OF THIS SUPERIORITY
Our superiority as rational beings expands and goes beyond their own lives. The animals
are limited to their own lives and the circumstances that condition them, such as instincts and
habits.
Life cannot be a goal in itself for the human being; he/she must transform it into a vessel
upon which he/she shapes and comes to be, through his/her own decisions; a human being is
always developing, always becoming.
The human being, in complete use of all of his/her faculties, is responsible for the
consequences, foreseen and accepted, of his/her free actions.
There is a danger that the same capabilities, which make us superior to all other creatures
and give us our individual character, may serve to jeopardise our humanity. They may put us
at risk of losing our own essence and identity if our abilities are under-utilised or misdirected.
Only a human being can do this. Because of our ability to choose and direct our lives, we are
not forced to grow. We may choose to halt our progress in one area and to move (grow) into
an area that may be less than human. This dehumanisation may lead us, by excess or default
to:
Angelism
Angelism is a state in which the person becomes totally absorbed in purely spiritual
matters. The person disengages himself/herself from the needs and cares of the world and
those around him/her. In many cases, the person is directed towards things that are detached
from reality. Many times the person in this state tends to immerse himself/herself in
intellectual concepts that relate to life only in theory but have no practical application to life.
(Provide appropriate examples.)
Materialism
There is also a danger that one can become absorbed solely in the purely material. This
is the desire to acquire or possess the newest, biggest, best, and most of whatever there is to
be acquired or possessed. (Provide appropriate examples.)
Each individual must balance his/her life. It must be a balance that permits us to grow
and develop within ourselves and in our relationship with others – this balance will allow us
to become more fully human.
4. THE LIMITATIONS AND POSSIBILITIES OF BEING HUMAN
Throughout the history of the world man has made great progress. Progress in science,
medicine, industrial production, food production, etc. But, despite this progress, we remain
basically dissatisfied beings. Evil, injustice and unhappiness still plague our world.
We need only to listen to the evening news or read the daily newspaper or listen to our
fellow human beings to confirm the state of the human condition.
Each one of us has an overpowering drive for happiness and self-fulfilment. Bur we find
ourselves continually seeking out things that we hope will satisfy these desires. The truth is
that we are totally happy and self-fulfilled only when we give of ourselves. Simply stated,
we “get” by giving.
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Humanity’s greatest limitation is self-centredness. We are the least happy and feel less
fulfilled when we become obsessed with our own importance. When we place ourselves at
the centre of all life. In fact, it is the self-centredness that is one of the greatest obstacles to
becoming fully human.
People have enormous potential due to their innate talents.
Each of us has enormous potential as a result of the innate talents we possess. Very few
of us, however, for whatever reason, ever achieve the full potential of our talents.
Potential is best realised by setting goals. What is it that allows some people to realise
their full potential and for others to fail to do so?
The deciding factor in whether or not we can realise our full potential lies in the setting of
goals for ourselves. If we drift aimlessly through life without defined goals and clear
direction, we cannot expect to fully realise our full potential.
Limitations of this potential creates frustrations and restlessness.
When we fail to take advantage of our favourable talents and all of our potential, or in
other words when we limit our potential, the result is restlessness and frustration.
Setting goals helps us to discover and put into use, all of our talents and direct them
towards attaining our goals.
On one hand, all too often we hear of gifted individuals whose lives are stifled and
sometimes devastated because of their inability to achieve their potential. On the other hand,
we have all heard uplifting stories of individuals who use what talent and gifts they had
including their limitation, physical or mental, to attain their goals against overwhelming odds.
(An example of someone who exemplifies the use of gifts and talents to their fullest extent is
appropriate here, e.g., sports figure, family member, friend, business person, public official
not a religious person such as Mother Theresa.)
5. THE MEASURE OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Giving oneself totally is the highest personal and creative act a person can accomplish.
It is the highest level of human development, for it is only when we turn our needs and
efforts outside ourselves that we set our talents into motion and challenge our full potential.
Giving of oneself can be directed to: 1) self, 2) objects, 3) ideas, and 4) persons.
The giving of oneself can be directed to four areas:
(1) Self – To direct the giving of self to self is to strive to be the best we can be. All of
our energies are directed solely to our goals. Examples may be a body builder or aerobics
dancer whose energies are spent in developing their bodies for health or to master a sport, or
it may be the musician or sculptor who strives to perfect their artistic talent. (Use other
examples as appropriate.)
(2) To Objects - Here the individual directs all of his/her energies, gifts and talents to the
accomplishment of some project of program. For example, the construction of a building, a
bridge, a space vehicle or the creation of a particular business. (Use other examples as
appropriate.)
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(3) To Ideals – This is to strive to bring into reality or to bring alive a drive or to realise a
certain cause. It may be the use of all of our potential and talents to make this world a better
place to live. For example, Jonas Salk who spent many years of his life developing the polio
vaccine. (Use other examples as appropriate.)
(4) To Other Persons – In giving of oneself to other persons, we direct our gifts and
talents to helping others, the assisting the less fortunate, the sick, the elderly, the homeless,
and the lonely. We put the needs of others or the injustices they suffer ahead of our own
needs.
The focus of a person’s life limits or extends the meaning of that person’s life.
6. THE PROCESS OF BECOMING FULLY HUMAN
Let us now discuss the process of becoming fully human.

The mature person – the key to this process is the realisation that the mature human being
is the master of his or her own life. The individual may be physically or mentally challenged
or may have other limitations. However, each person realises that nothing, other than their
individual self, can command their inner being to direct their actions towards becoming fully
human or to hold back and restrict their development as a human being.
Becoming fully human is a process. We can now examine the five (5) specific steps in
the process of becoming fully human. They are:
(1) The person chooses a goal;
(2) The person gains conviction for that goal;
(3) The person lets the goal fill his/her aspirations;
(4) The goal sets the criteria for the person’s actions;
(5) Achieving the goal becomes a way of life.
Starting the process to be fully human requires a person to achieve each and every one of
these steps. Let us now look into each step in the overall process of becoming fully human.
(1) Choose a goal – The goal must be worthwhile. It cannot be a goal that is of little
consequence to us.
(2) The goal and its criteria must become an inner conviction. It must be something that
compels us to act in a certain way.
(3) Set the goal in an attractive and feasible light so as to fill all of our aspirations.
(4) The aspirations will guide and rule the criteria for our actions. Each step we take in
obtaining our goal must be guided by what we believe is most worthwhile.
(5) The achievement of the goal becomes a way of life. It encompasses all that we do, all
that we are, and all that we wish to become. We live, drink, and eat to achieve the
goal.
Every person has a goal – an ideal. The awareness of this goal, this ideal, may not always
be consciously in our thoughts, yet it exists. We need only to set the goal clearly and move
towards its achievement.
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7. WHAT IS AN IDEAL?
It is necessary to understand what is meant by an ideal, in order to seek its achievement.

Ideal is defined as the centre of our goals, it is the combination of ideas, aspirations, and
preferences which attracts a person and moves him/her towards its attainment. It sums up
happiness for the person. It is the axis of the person’s life.
Definition has two elements which are: 1) a vision, and 2) motivation. We will examine
these in greater detail.
(1) Vision – Vision is the combination of ideas, aspirations, and preferences in life.
Vision is static or fixed. It provides the framework, structure, and understanding of the ideal.
(2) Motivation – Motivation is the force or power that moves us towards the vision. It
empowers us to act out our vision, we could say then, that motivation is our desire or effort to
consciously pursue our ideal.
Both elements must be present or it is not an ideal. Without the vision we can not know
our ideal. Without motivation we cannot move towards the accomplishment of the ideal.
Therefore, both the object and extent of self-giving defines a person’s ideal.
A person’s life ebbs and flows according to their ideal. All people have ideals. We may
not be consciously aware of all of our ideals, but they exist. There is no human life without it.
As we experience the ebbs and flows of life our ideals change.
Ideals in life change. They are different in childhood, youth and maturity. As young
children our ideals most likely involved toys, games, parental support, and comfort. As
young adults, our ideals probably included athletic and scholastic achievement, fashionable
clothes, and romance. As adults, our ideals may very well include marriage, children, career,
and associations (secular and otherwise).
Since all persons have goals, there is no human life without an ideal.
8. THE QUALITIES OF AN AUTHENTIC IDEAL
Our lives become a reflection of our ideals. Because this is so, it is important that our
ideal be authentic, that is, one that is capable of satisfying our every need. An authentic ideal
must possess four (4) qualities – it must be vital, complete, attainable, and motivational.
It’s vital – it must provide great meaning and constantly move a person into an ever-
growing awareness of life, and all that makes up life.
It’s complete – able to live our whole life for this ideal because it will lead us to maturity.
It must contain definable goals which fulfil our present and future needs. It must inspire us to
reach out and give of ourselves. It should challenge us to strive to fulfil our potential and
enable us to live our whole life for it because it will lead us to a mature and meaningful
existence.
It’s attainable – the authentic ideal must be attainable to prevent us from becoming
disappointed, disillusioned, and discouraged. If the ideal is not attainable, we will be wasting
our gifts and talents towards an end that will not allow us to fulfil our potential.
It motivates us to overcome obstacles to meet its criteria. The authentic ideal should
motivate us by giving us the strength and courage to continue to move forward towards its
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attainment in the face of strife, time, energy, frustration, and other obstacles we may face in
our life’s journey.
(A good example of how someone sets goals, ideals, and it was their authentic ideal – Lee
Iacoca, Bill Gates, Abraham Lincoln, ___________ (add women as well) or other example –
fulfilled all criteria.)
9. INFLUENCE OF THE IDEAL ON LIFE
Authentic Ideal
An authentic ideal gives purpose and meaning to life, and causes a person to rise above
his/her normal self. It forms a person as a vital, hopeful, realistic, and unselfish individual
who is in control of his/her own life and in love with life itself. An authentic ideal will drive
each person to enhance the lives of others. The person’s life is directed not by his/her
instincts but rather by his/her conviction. His/her ideal has the potential of becoming more
important than life itself.
False Ideal
A false ideal discourages and disheartens.
It prevents a person from striving for a new and perhaps authentic ideal.
Giving oneself to a false ideal, one which is hollow or undefined, can only discourage and
dishearten. It may also prevent a person from pursuing a new and perhaps authentic ideal.
Therefore, a person should carefully evaluate his/her choice of an ideal, but not be so
cautious so as to never give of himself/herself or never take a risk or accept a challenge.
10. KINDS OF IDEALS
As you would expect, there are many kinds of ideals in life. They are categorised by
subject, goals, apparent ideals, and real ideals.
By Subject – These ideals would include personal, family, collective, national, and
universal.
By Goals – These would include wealth, glory, fame, honour, prestige, peace, justice,
happiness, sports, fun, and many others.
A person may have any number of ideals to match each part of his/her life. For example,
one may strive to be a good business manager, strive for happiness, and tranquillity in his/her
family, work to end hunger and work for world peace and social justice for all people. The
examples are as endless as there are ideals.
We should also be aware of the distinction between an apparent ideal and a real ideal.
Apparent Ideal – An apparent ideal is one that we like to believe motivates us.
Real Ideal – A real ideal is one which in fact motivates us. A person might say that
he/she is concerned for the homeless and less fortunate of the world or of a particular region,
and donate time and money to this praiseworthy ideal. However, in his/her concern for
others there may be a self-fulfilling ideal to acquire prestige and recognition in the
community.
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The person’s real ideal is the building up his/her own prestige and power. His/Her concern
for the homeless and less fortunate is only an apparent ideal.
11. NECESSITY OF KNOWING OUR IDEAL
We need to examine our ideals to determine whether it is a real ideal or just an apparent
ideal.
It is important to know your ideal. Without a clear knowledge and understanding of your
ideal you may very well subject yourself to an aimless, frustrating, and discouraging
existence.
A comparison can be made between the structure and course of a sailboat, and the whole
of a person and the course of his/her life. The main mast of a sailboat holds the sails that
enable the keel – the main frame of the boat – to move forward. Without the mast, the boat
would drift aimlessly at the mercy of the elements. Similarly, our mast is our ideal, and
without a clear perception of it, we too, would drift aimlessly through life at the mercy of all
that surrounds us. The mast of the boat is fitted to the keel to ensure that it will be steady and
secure. So too must our ideal be fitted to our life to provide stability and security. One
person (all that we are) must be offset by our ideal (what we are trying to become) as it
supports and gives direction to our whole life.
To discover your ideal, simply observe where your thoughts, your free time, your money
and your energy go. There is your ideal.
So now I ask you to consider – what is your Ideal? To arrive at a complete answer, I
leave you with the following questions to ask yourself:
 Where are your thoughts?
 What do you think about most often?
 How do you spend your free time?
 On what do you spend your money?
 What pleases you most in life?
In the answers to these questions, there you will discover your ideal!!!
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Chapter 4 – Rollos – Habitual Grace
HABITUAL GRACE
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HABITUAL GRACE
SYNTHESIS
The “Ideal” rollo has just address the issue of what distinguishes the human person from
other beings – the capacity to decide, to exercise one’s freedom. “Habitual Grace” presents
God’s freedom, God’s free communication of the Trinitarian life to the person, inviting the
free human response of the person to accept this new life by way of a continuous metanoia.
This rollo introduces the truth of the Christian human person. The person is, thus,
“divinised” and becomes more fully human, more fully alive and growing in his or her
capacity to glorify God.
The invitation to a new relationship flows from God’s great love for us, made flesh in the
person of God’s beloved Son, Jesus. Persons, as sharers in God’s life are called to relate to
God as sons and daughters. This rollo, by expressing the encounter of human freedom with
God’s grace, situates the “Layperson in the Church,” the next rollo.
“Habitual Grace” is seen as God’s desire to call us into friendship with Him. This
friendship will then be the source of the person’s capacity to live in friendship with God and
with other persons. This dual aspect of friendship is essential to the proclamation of the
Cursillo®, and indeed, to life after the Cursillo®, what the Movement calls “The Fourth Day.”
This rollo, central to the underlying theme of the first day, the encounter with oneself, is
the cornerstone of all the Spiritual rollos which are to follow. It is to be a kerygmatic
proclamation, accompanied by the presenter’s personal testimony of response to God’s
invitation.
Duration: No more than 45 minutes.
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HABITUAL GRACE
OUTLINE
1. HUMAN SEARCHING AND GOD’S RESPONSE.
2. GRACE, COMMUNICATION OF GOD’S LIFE.

(The gratuity of God’s invitation to a new life of holiness and our capacity to respond.)
3. WE ARE GRAFTED INTO CHRIST...
4. AS GOD’S CHILDREN.
5. TRINITARIAN INDWELLING MAKES US SHARERS IN GOD’S NATURE.
6. PERSONAL TESTEMONY.
7. WE ARE PART OF GOD’S PEOPLE.
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Chapter 4 – Rollos – The Layperson in the Church
THE LAYPERSON IN THE CHURCH
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THEME
The layperson is someone who is sanctified by practicing, with responsibility and

conscience, the task of being a person in the Church, using his freedom as a point of entry to
transform the world according to Christ, sacrificing whatever is necessary in order that he/she
should be truly free, but without the risk of giving up his/her own free will.
The layperson is called to be a living testimony of the Gospel in his/her everyday life, by
means of radiating the reality of his/her life in Grace in all facets of their life, rather than
serving as a perennial assistant, often becoming a complication to those who preach the
Gospel.
NOTE
One must take care that this rollo is neither clerical nor anti-clerical, but maintains a
proper balance of what it is to be an authentic Christian.
THE CHURCH
The Church is not a building of stone but Christ in history who desires to continue His
Work in those living in Him.
Composed of:
 Its ministers – the official depositories of the revealed truth with the task of
transmitting it.
 The Laity – “Men constituted in their inviolable integrity as the living images of God,
men who are proud of their personal dignity and their healthy freedom.”
 Mission of the Laity: To personify (incarnate) Christ in all circumstances of life.
Characteristics of their Mission:
 Human: The Christian must be fully human in order to achieve the miracle of
normality to do the same things as others, but to do it more fully.
 Supernatural: The supernatural does not consist in life after death; but living life to the
fullest during our lifetime.
 Apostolic: The apostolate consists in the salvation of those around us.
 Hierarchical: The hierarchy is the backbone of the Mystical Body of Christ.
“The Christian is a joy, a joy for God and a joy for other people” (Pope John XXIII)
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SITUATION
It is the first rollo in the afternoon on the first day. Normally not all are living in Grace.
Neither are they open to listening attentively. Despite these disadvantages, with the help of
the friendship that has started, and the newness of the truths that have been revealed, it is
possible to keep a keen interest. It is best if it doesn’t last too long.
ATMOSPHERE
The general atmosphere is still cold. “Ideal” disturbed most of the candidates, but
“Habitual Grace” will probably have had a calming effect by presenting the potential of a
better life.
OBJECTIVE
To get across the concept that the Church is not just the building one enters through the
“big door”; but is that which Christ desires of them – to let Christ live in them becoming a
wellspring of His life.
TECHNIQUE
The rollista should stick to the simple points in the outline and develop them with living
force.
STYLE
This rollo must be given in a manner that is composed, calm, convinced, and in such a
way that it is capable of catching the interest of those listening in spite of the fact that it is
given after lunch when they may be tired. The truth must be stated clearly and with the
proper perspective. The truths must be to the point and directed like arrows that will
penetrate their mind.
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OUTLINE
1. INTRODUCTION
The great problem of today is that people are not living as a family – God’s family.
2. GOD’S PLAN FOR THE WORLD
A. Our society is troubled by grave problems (examples).

B. Human solutions have failed miserably in solving these problems (more examples).
C. These problems are only symptoms. The root of the world’s troubles lies in its
separation from God.
D. God works out His plan of salvation at a personal level and at a community level.
(1) If the key to happiness for the individual lies in Jesus Christ (Read Phil. 3:7-9),
(2) Then the radical and only solution to the problems of the world also lies in Jesus
Christ. (Read Col. 1:15-20) It lies in all men living as we were told this morning in
the “Grace” rollo. (Christifideles Laici, Nos. 7 and 34)
E. The ideal of grace is not lived in isolation, but in community. (Christifideles Laici,
No. 29.)
3. WHAT IS THE CHURCH
A. It is not buildings of stone, but something alive – People.

B. It is not a mere religious society with legal ties, apart from people, but something
visible and spiritual at the same time (Constitution on the Church, No.8).
C. It is not the hostess of the world dispensing her bounty, but one more member within
the group sharing life.
D. It is the same Christ as the one in history, the Body of Christ alive and real
(Constitution on the Church, No. 7).
E. It is the people of God – Light, Salt and Ferment of the world (Constitution on the
Church, No. 6).
F. It is born of the evangelisation activity of Jesus and the twelve. She is the normal,
desired, most immediate and most visible fruit of this activity. The Church, then, is
the reunion of those who believe, hope and love. It is the community of believers
united in the spreading of hope, realising the love of God and of people (On
Evangelisation in the Modern World, Nos. 13, 15; Constitution on the Church, No. 9).
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4. THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH
A. It is above all Jesus’ mission, His role of being an Evangeliser, that the Church is
called on to continue (On Evangelisation in the Modern World, Nos. 15). There is
only one mission of the Church, of all its members – the Evangelisation of the world.
(1) The Lord entrusts a great part of the responsibility of the Church’s mission to the
lay faithful, in communion with all other members of the People of God.
(Christifideles Laici, No. 32).
Definition:
“The Church evangelises when she seeks to convert, solely through the divine
power of the message she proclaims, both the personal and collective consciences
of people, the activities in which they engage, and the lives and concrete milieux
which are theirs” (On Evangelisation in the Modern World, No. 18).
B. Within this unity of mission there is within the Church a diversity of functions or
ministries (Constitution on the Church, Nos. 18).
(1) The hierarchy – the pope and the bishops, teach, sanctify and govern, representing
Christ, the head of the Body.
(2) The priests – in communion with the pope and bishops and ministers of the Word
and the Sacraments, building up the ecclesial community (On Evangelisation in
the Modern World, No. 70).
(3) The religious – witness to the entire church, hierarchy, priests and laity, a life
totally devoted to God.
(4) The laity – are witnesses, bringing Christ to all the structures of life and the world
(Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, Nos. 13; Constitution on the Church
World, No. 31).
We are all, each at his/her own level, co-responsible for the unique mission of the
church (1 Cor. 12:4-6). (See also Christifideles Laici, Nos. 14, 15).
C. We have been called to the Christian vocation and sent with the Christian mission to
evangelise the earth. The evangelisation function is not an incidental or luxury of the
Christian life, but rather is the only true response to the call.
D. The redemptive work of Jesus extends to every aspect of life in the world.
 There is no other solution to the problems of the world (Constitution on the
Church, Nos. 1).
5. WHAT THE LAYPERSON IS NOT
The layperson is neither Clerical nor Anti-Clerical.

Clerical (priestly wannabes).
There are two types of personalities within this group:
 They seem to “worship the ground” the priest walks on; often giving more importance
to what Father says than to what the Word of God says.
 They seem to be the type that “talk the walk”, but definitely don’t “walk the talk” –
lots of talk, no action.
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Anti-Clerical (clerophobes).
 They don’t like the clergy simply because they are clergy.
6. WHAT THE LAYPERSON IS
Definition: A person who imagines and lives his life in the world according to Christ.
Pope Pius XII defines it as: “men constituted in their inviolable integrity as the living
images of God; men who are proud of their personal dignity and their healthy freedom.”
7. THE SPECIFIC MISSION OF THE LAYPERSON
The consecration of the world depends on the layperson, that is: to personify Christ in all
circumstances of life: family, work, play, etc…. (Pope Pius XII).
A. It derives from Baptism, from Confirmation, from the commandment and virtue of
love (Gal. 3:27; Vatican II: Constitution on the Church, No. 33; Decree on the
Apostolate of the Laity, No. 3; Christifideles Laici, No. 33)
B. It is exercised in the world and for the world.
C. The words of Pope Paul VI to the Cursillistas meeting in Rome sketches a program
valid for all of the laity.
(1) The permanent task of the layperson will ever be the insertion of the Gospel in
life, by means of the personal encounter and friendship with God, and in
communion with our brothers and sisters (Constitution on the Church, No. 31);
Christifideles Laici, No. 32).
(2) The layperson, in making himself over into a Christian, reforms his attitudes.
Being converted, he believes the Good News and makes it come alive
(Constitution on the Church, No. 42).
(3) The layperson transforms the temporal order in which he is immersed by taking
his own responsibility seriously (Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, No. 7).
(4) The layperson realises his human and Christian ideal in the world and in the
Church by conforming his life to the image of Christ and by bringing this life to
his temporal commitments at all levels: personal, family, professional, civic,
socio-economic, political, etc. (Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, No. 4). We
are called to be saints and to sanctify the world (Eph. 4:11-12).
(5) We should become not only bearers of the Gospel, but persons that truly live its
message. When a Christian does not speak of Christ and of His message, it is a
sure sign that the person is not convinced of the importance of Christianity. It is
not a matter of always speaking about Christ, but rather being filled with his
Grace in a way that it flows through our pores.
8. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LAYPERSON’S MISSION
A. It is personal, human – They must put their gifts and talents at the service of Christ in
order to spread the Kingdom of God. The Christian must be fully human in order to
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attain the miracle of the everyday doing the same as the rest of the world, but doing it
well.
B. It is communal, supernatural – The supernatural is not life after death; but living life
to the full during our lifetime. Our kingdom is not of this world, although it gives
fullness and value to the kingdoms of this world. The only thing that counts is the
effectiveness of our lives, especially on the people around us and God’s judgement.
C. It is a work of grace.
D. It is ecclesial – This means that it is the work of the whole Church.
E. It is apostolic – The apostolate consists in the salvation of those around us. We can’t
shut ourselves off from the world. The apostolate does not consist only in word, but
above all, in being:
(1) a witness living Christianity with all its consequences, and
(2) a Living Instrument – communicating our holiness in every situation in which
God has placed us (Vatican II, The Church in the Modern World, No. 18).
9. CONCLUSION
A. This is what it means to be a Christian living in the world: To know how to change
our freedom into a springboard from which we can go about transforming the world
around us in Christ and according to Christ in every moment and within the normal
flow of life.
B. We are talking about being saints today, people who, captivated by the Spirit, move
out into the groups and structures of the world courageously.
 People capable of taking the marvellous realities of grace seriously.
 People who can live fully as God’s children.
 Brothers and sisters of Christ.
 Temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16-17).
 People disposed to project Christ in all the crossroads of life.
 People who judge all the problems of life by Christian criteria.
 People who live in grace and by means of grace, with the most intense grace
possible (2 Cor. 4:7)
C. People who realise in their lives the beautiful definition of a Christian given by Pope
John XXIII:
“The Christian is a joy – a joy for God and a joy for other people.” (Phil. 4:4, 10).
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This rollo should be presented with “liveliness and vitality” and yet should not be “a
profound theological discourse.” This instruction is the key to the whole approach of the
rollo. The participants do not need a lot of theory. They need to feel the importance of the
apostolate in their life.
The rollo presents a vision of God’s call to them and the purpose for their life as
Christians. The rollista should show his/her own feeling of excitement over having a part in
God’s kingdom – a part that is his/her very own and cannot be done by anybody else.
What it is intended with this rollo is not to teach the whole doctrine of the “Mystical
Body of Christ”, but of emphasizing the mission of the laity as a living and operative member
of the Church. The rollista should avoid too much theory, steer clear of complexities and
avoid discussing, at length, theological questions. To do so will keep the participants from
confronting themselves. The participants should see and hear in the rollista the importance
and excitement of the apostolate rather than hear a refined theory on the subject.
The rollista should stick to the simple points in the outline and develop them with living
force. Layperson is not designed to be a witness rollo. Those hearing the presentation are to
grasp the mission in the world, not necessarily how the rollista is living it out. The will hear
this in the rollo that follows. It must explain some important ideas: that the Church has been
sent by Christ to give life to human society, that each layperson has a part in the Mission of
the Church and should be an active apostle: “to personify Christ in all circumstances of life:
family, work, play, etc.” Each point should be developed and established by authoritative
reference from the Documents of the Second Vatican Council, or from Pope Paul VI’s
Apostolic Exhortation on Evangelization in the Modern World, and Pope John Paul II’s
Christifideles Laici and other Apostolic Exhortations from other Popes.
Layperson should give witness to the importance of Christianity and the apostolic life, but
it should not be on a personal level. The first day of the Cursillo® is very general (until the
Piety rollo), and the approach of the outline is very careful in not telling the participant how
to live as a Christian and an apostle. The participants at this point are wary of any attempts to
convert them. The approach should be one of sketching the attractiveness and the greatness
of the Christian ideal.
The rollista must be careful of the kinds of examples used. It is good to convey in a
personal way what the apostolate means to the rollista but not to illustrate how to be an
apostle in the way the Action and the Study of Environment rollos will.
As preparation for this rollo, the rollista should study and become thoroughly familiar
with the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in
the Modern World, and Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity from the Documents of the II
Vatican Council, as well as Pope Paul VI’s Apostolic Exhortation on Evangelization in the
Modern World, of which Chapters I and II and section number 70 could stand alone as a
commentary on this rollo, and Pope Paul II’s Christifideles Laici. An excellent book to use to
increase the understanding of the lay apostolate is His Way by Father David Knight.
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It is not necessary to quote all or most of the Papal documents and/or Scripture
references. They are intended to provide the presenter with a broad view of the Church’s
perspective regarding the place and role of the laity.
PREPARING THE ROLLO
Section 1 – the Introduction begins making the cursillistas to look out to all the world and
its great problems and great aspirations. Even more important, Section 1-B and 1-C makes
one simple assertion – that the problems that face the world today are only symptoms. And
that the unique radical solution to our problems and to the problems of the world is Jesus.
This section makes them see the urgency and importance of the lay apostolate. There is
no better answer and solution than this to the problems that face today’s world. Each
problem must be handled in Christ. Although the transformation of the world does not
automatically happen by simply turning to Christ. But nevertheless, Christ must be the
foundation of every life and of all of society.
Section 2, briefly, intends to explain what the Church is. Previous manuals spent a great
deal of time trying to explain the immensity of such an important point, “the Church”. What
is intended is to clear up some very basic points. One must leave behind the idea and the
superficial concept they may have about the Church. It is not the structure. It is not the stone
nor the temple or chapel. It is greater than that.
This section touches briefly about the doctrine of the Mystical Body of Christ; it is not
until subsequent rollos where this subject will be expanded in greater detail. The Church is
Christ in history who desires to continue His work in those living in Him. The Church is the
people of God – Light, salt and ferment of the world. “You are the salt of the world.” In
other words, One must clearly state that although the Church has a hierarchical structure; the
Church is the community of all who live in union with Christ. Therefore the Church is
formed of priests and laity, and one cannot advance without the other. Both pursue the same
objective, from their different places in which the will of the Father has placed them.
Section 3 specifies what the layperson is not. It explains than being a layperson is not
about assuming the role of the Priest. The rollista should be careful, and avoid giving the
impression that to be an apostle one must belong to some apostolic organisation or participate
in the liturgical or catechetical apostolate. The apostolate is being presented in the Cursillo®
in the context of “an element and instrument of Prophetic Pastoral Action and, within this, of
the Kerygmatic Ministry” (FI #652). So the emphasis in this rollo is in the call to be an
apostle in the world. The rollista should avoid directing the participants through personal
examples.
Section 4 explains what indeed a layperson is. Laypersons are all the baptised except
those in Holy Orders. We are in contact with the family, our job, politics, society, etc. “A
layperson sanctifies himself/herself exercising, with responsibility and conscience, the
meaning of being Church, utilising his/her freedom as point of departure to transform the
world according to Christ.”
Section 5 is the central message of the rollo. Although the layperson has an active role in
building up the Church, they also have a special role within the mission of the Church. The
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rollo then proceeds to consider what the layperson’s mission actually is. The mission of the
layperson derives from their Baptism, their Confirmation, and the virtue of love. The same
point is made in the “Constitution of the Church”, article #33. It would be a good idea to cite
some other documents of the Church and some Papal Encyclical. For example:
Pius XII tells us: “The consecration of the world depends on the layperson”; that is: to
incarnate Christ in all the circumstances of life: family, work, play etc.” Our field is where
God has placed us to carry out our mission.
Pope John Paul II stated that “The Lord has entrusted a great part of the responsibility of
the Church’s mission to the lay faithful, in communion with all other members of the people
of God” (CL #32).
Lay people, whose particular vocation places them in the midst of the world and in charge
of the most varied temporal tasks, must for this very reason exercise a very special form of
evangelization.
Their primary and immediate task is not to establish and develop the ecclesial community
– this is the special role of the Pastors – but to put to use every Christian and evangelical
possibility latent but already present and active in the affairs of the world. Their own field of
evangelizing activity in the vast and complicated world of politics, society, and economics,
but also the world of culture, of the sciences and the arts... (On Evangelization in the Modern
World #70).
One of the key points to be made in this rollo is the wide scope of the lay apostolate.
Most participants will mentally tend to restrict the apostolate to doing “Church” things, to the
point of not even hearing the term “world” in its broad meaning. Much misunderstanding can
be prevented later on id the vision of transforming the societal world is clearly presented and
understood during this rollo. The problem is so pervasive that it may be a good idea for the
rollista to leave the participants with a leading question concerning the place of the apostolate
in everyday living. Te group leaders could use the discussion as a time to clarify, if
necessary, or use the tone of the discussion to provide the team with a better insight as to the
flow of the weekend – is the lay apostolate understood in its broad meaning?
Section 6 continues the description by means of some characteristics of the mission of the
laity. This part is designed to clear up some misconceptions about the mission of the
layperson, and to emphasize certain aspects of it. The mission is:
 Human – The Christian layperson should live a normal life; at work, with family and
friends. To be a layperson, is to do the same as others do, only to do it better. It is not
necessarily to do heroic things. Their goal should be to live a life of holiness in
today’s world according to the marvellous truths explained in the rollo of Actual
Grace: to be, by Grace, children of God, brothers/sisters of Christ and living temples
of the Holy Spirit.
 Supernatural – The supernatural is not life after death; but living life to the full during
our lifetime. This point clears up that “supernatural” is not something out of our
reach, to the contrary, God is here present, and those who find Him will find a fuller
life in the here and now.
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 Ecclesial – This means that it is the work of the whole Church, no one is excluded
from this mission. This point lays the foundation for a collaboration between the
layperson and clergy. There is a unity of mission, through a diversity of functions.
 Apostolic – The purpose of this part is to define the concept of apostle and therefore,
our mission as laypersons – apostles in the world – today. Being an apostle is not a
special activity. We do not have to join an organisation and then begin to do new
things, apostolic things – “apostolate”. Rather it is a matter which concerns our whole
life, our daily living. Wherever we are, we should constantly be trying to draw the
world to Christ.
When a Christian does not speak about Christ and about the things of Christ, it is a
sign that he is not convinced of the importance of his/her Christianity.
An apostle is a herald of the truth which he/she knows. An apostle does a great deal
more than to give a good example. He/She lives a certain way so that others can see a
good way of life. The Christian wants to bring others to know and accept certain
facts, certain truths, truths which can change their lives.
Duration: Not more than 35 minutes.
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LAYPERSON IN THE CHURCH
SAMPLE ROLLO
(35 MINUTES)
1. INTRODUCTION
This morning in the first rollo “Ideal” we were asked to reflect and to consider what we
live for. In the second rollo, “Habitual Grace”, ___________ presented to us the “Ideal of the
ideals”; to consider the new life God offers us. We will discuss our role as laypeople in this
rollo entitled “The Layperson in the Church.”
A. Today our society is troubled by great problems: War, hunger, violence,

discrimination, social injustice, etc.; at the same time it has great aspirations such as: peace,
freedom, justice, brotherhood and unity...
The following is an example:
The problems in our society seem never-ending. We have many programs and shelters
for the poor and homeless set up in our cities and towns, yet we continue to see so many
people on the streets. One reason this happens is because the information, the help, and the
money they need has not filtered down to them. As a consequence, homelessness and
poverty continue to exist and, in some cases, grow. We have clinics for substance abuse, but
the drugs are still waiting on the streets when the treatment ends. We have prisons for
criminal offenders to punish and rehabilitate them but the prisons themselves are so violent
and overcrowded that many inmates leave the prison with more problems than when they
were sent there. There are many more examples that could be mentioned and we are all
aware of them. If we concentrate on these problems we could become very depressed.
B. These problems are only symptoms.
Human solutions have failed miserably in solving these problems. The mere essence of
Christianity is being attacked... The root of the world’s troubles lies in its separation from
God. The world is not living in Grace; it lives with its back turned to Christ.
C. The radical and only solution to the problems of the world lies in Jesus Christ. And
Christ continues to be present in the world, in and through the Church.
2. WHAT IS THE CHURCH?
A. It is not buildings of stone, but rather something alive... it is people. The question
comes to mind – what is the Church and what makes it what it is? When we look at a Church
from the outside, we see a building made of stone and bricks. Some with stained glass
windows and a cross on the roof. This is a visible sign that this building has some religious
significance. It is similar to what we see when we look at each other from the outside. We
see bodies and faces. The shells that hold us together. This is a visible sign that we are
seeing another human being. But inside our bodies we find our hearts and brains and all the
other organs and tissue that enable us to live each day. Without these parts we would not be
alive. It is the same with the Church. It is what is inside the building of stone and brick that
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make the church come alive. It is the people who pray and worship there that makes up the
Church, the Body of Christ.
B. The Church is the people of God – the light, salt and leaven of the world. It is born of
the evangelizing activity of Jesus and the twelve. It is the same Christ as the one in history,
the Body of Christ... alive and real.
The Church then is the reservoir of those who believe, hope, and love. It is this
community of believers united in the spreading of hope and realising the love of God, and the
love of other people.
NOTE: Rollista may provide an example of what it means to be Church. The rollista
should give examples not personal witness. The following is an example:
When Pope John Paul II visited Colorado a few years ago, he spoke to the thousands of
young people gathered there. A young woman was interviewed following the Pope’s visit.
She was asked how it felt to be present with so many people to hear the Pope’s message. She
said it was good to be encouraged by the Pope, but it was so nice to meet other young people
from different backgrounds and regions of the country, yet sharing the same faith. She said,
“Here, it’s just one big Church.”
This statement says it all. This is what the Church is all about... people who are alive
with faith and spirit. So it only follows that I am the Church, you are the Church, and
together we are the church.
C. This mending of the world (to make it better) is the primary work the Church must
accomplish through two angles:
(1) The transformation of the people by God’s Grace.
(2) The transformation of the world by those living in Grace.
The first one belongs to the Clergy,
The second belongs to the Laity.
Therefore, the Church is formed by both the Clergy and the laity, and the one cannot
advance without the other. Both pursue the same end, from different angles, in which the
will of the Father has placed them. Since we who are present at this Cursillo® are laypersons,
we will look at the part that corresponds to us in the Church.
3. WHAT THE LAYPERSON IS NOT
The layperson is neither Clerical nor Anti-Clerical.

Clerical (priestly wannabes).
There are two types of personalities within this group:
 They seem to “worship the ground” the priest walks on; often giving more importance
to what Father says than to what the Word of God says.
 They seem to be the type that “talk the walk”, but definitely don’t “walk the talk”.
Lots of talk, no action.
Anti-Clerical (clerophobes).
 They don’t like the clergy simply because they are clergy.
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4. WHAT THE LAYPERSON IS
Definition: A person who imagines and lives his life in the world according to Christ.
- A person who live the Gospel despite the “ups and downs” of life. Their Christian
ideas do not remain theories; they permeate life itself.
- A person who is constantly confronting the risk of freedom and decision – his/her
fidelity to the Gospel. This is his/her only illumination to his/her decisions.
- A person who learns to navigate with the essentials of his faith, trusting that this same
faith will enable him with all the resources to overcome all the obstacles of daily life by
exercising his/her freedom with humility.
Pius XII defines it as: “men constituted in their inviolable integrity as the living images of
God; men who are proud of their personal dignity and their healthy freedom.”
5. THE SPECIFIC MISSION OF THE LAYPERSON
“The consecration of the world depends on the layperson” (Pius XII), that is: to personify
Christ in all circumstances of life: family, work, play, etc. If we are the Church, then together
as Church we have a mission.
A. The Mission of each layperson is derived from our Baptism, Confirmation, and from
the commandment and virtue of love. St. Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, Chapter 3, verse
27, says: “You were baptised in union with Christ and now you are clothed so to speak with
the life of Christ himself.”
B. The mission, this role of the layperson in the mission of the Church, is to be exercised
in the world and for the world. We cannot avoid the world and perform our role only with
those with whom we feel comfortable. It is not solely a role performed within the Church or
its associations and parochial communities. The redemptive work of Jesus extends to every
aspect of life. It extends to our families, friendships, work situations, and social gatherings.
It is necessary for us to bring the “Good News” through our witness. Remember, there is no
other solution for the problems of the world.
Pope John Paul II states that: “the Lord has entrusted a great part of the responsibility of
the Church’s mission to the lay faithful, in communion with all other members of the people
of God.” (Christifideles Laici #32)
However, it is not a role to be realised only in the organisations and associations of the
parish.
Paul VI reminds us in Evangelii Nuntiandi (#70) “Their primary and immediate task is
not to establish and develop the ecclesial community – this is the specific role of the pastors –
but to put to use every Christian and evangelical possibility latent but already present and
active in the affairs of the world. Their own field of evangelical activity is the vast and
complicated world of politics, society and economics, but also the world of culture, of the
sciences and the arts, of international life, of the mass media.”
The world is searching for happiness. It is our responsibility to bring it to them, a
happiness that only Christ can give. The Layperson is called to live Christianity in the world.
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To live as a Christian signifies to live in Grace in a conscious manner. His witness should be
vital and direct: committing his whole being with the message he is proclaiming.
C. Pope Paul VI, when he addressed the Cursillistas meeting in Rome, sketched a four-
part program that is valid for all of the laity:
First, the permanent task of the layperson will ever be the insertion of the Gospel in life,
by means of a personal encounter and friendship with God, and in communion with our
brothers and sisters. In addition, Pope John Paul II, in his apostolic #32 exhortation,
Christifideles Laici, states: In the context of Church mission, then, “the Lord entrusts a great
part of the responsibility to the lay faithful, in communion with all other members of the
People of God.”
Second, the layperson, in making himself/herself over into a Christian, reforms his/her
attitudes. Being converted, he/she believes in Good News and makes it come alive.
Third, the layperson transforms the temporal order in which he/she is immersed by
taking his/her own responsibility seriously, and
Fourth, the layperson realises his/her human and Christian ideal in the world and in the
Church by conforming his/her life to the image of Christ and by bringing this life to his/her
temporal commitments at all levels: personal, family, professional, civic, socio-economic,
political, and so on.
Simply stated, Pope Paul VI, reminded us that we, as laity, have a very important role in
the mission of the Church. The laity makes up the largest percentage of the people of God.
We are obliged to accept our task to be the messengers of the Gospel, and to bring that
message into the world as individuals and together with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
We become not only bearers of the Gospel, but people who actually live its message. We
must take this responsibility very seriously. We bring the message of Christ to every aspect
of our lives – without exception. It is a message to be lived everywhere and with everyone.
We need only remember that I am the Church, you are the Church, and together we are the
Church, the people of God.
We should become not only bearers of the Gospel, but persons that truly live its message.
When a Christian does not speak of Christ and of His message, it is a sure sign that the person
is not convinced of the importance of Christianity. It is not a matter of always speaking about
Christ, but rather being filled with his Grace in a way that it flows through our pores.
6. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LAYPERSON’S MISSION
The laity, as we have seen, has a specific mission within the mission of the Church. This
mission of the laity also has certain characteristics that help us to better understand this
mission. These characteristics are human, supernatural, ecclesial, and apostolic.
Let’s examine each one individually:

A. Human – each of us has a different role to play. Each of us has different gifts and
talents that we have received from God and we must put them at the service of Christ in order
to spread the Kingdom of God. The Christian must be fully human in order to attain the
miracle of the everyday normal life, doing the same as the rest of the world, but doing it well.
Heroes of the moment. It is a matter of being saints today, in this century, whether at the
workplace, at home, in the neighbourhood, etc. A person living in the Gospel according to
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the way that it was explained. By Grace, we are sons/daughters of the Father, brothers/sisters
of Christ and living temples of the Holy Spirit; projecting Christ’s image in every crossroad
of our life.
B. Supernatural – it is work of grace – our mission is a gift from God. His help,
encouragement, love, and spirit shows us the way. The supernatural is not life after death;
but, living life to the full during our lifetime. Our kingdom is not of this world, although it
gives fullness and value to the kingdoms of this world. What interests us is saving souls.
The only thing that counts is the effectiveness of our lives, especially with the people around
us.
C. Ecclesial – this means that it is the work of the whole Church. No one is excluded
from this mission. We can’t wait for the priest to tell us what to do and when to do it. It is a
mission that is performed and accomplished in communion with those who believe as we do,
hand to hand with the hierarchy. It is truly the work of God and His people.
D. Apostolic – Apostolate: Mission for the spiritual salvation of those around us. We
can’t shut ourselves up in the sacristies when the world needs us to live in it. This apostolate
of being the bearers of the Good News does not consist of word alone. Above all it consists
in being a living witness of one who is living out his/her Christianity with all of its
consequences.
It is also in being a living instrument. We are called to put on the mind and heart of Jesus
Christ wherever we are.
The mission of the laity, our role in the Church’s mission, can be summed up in this short
story. Following World War II, two Air Force pilots, returned to the site of heavily allied
bombing raids. There they found a Church that had been severely damaged. Amongst the
rubble they found pieces of a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. They put the pieces
together as best as they could. When they had nearly completed the project, they realised that
the hands were still missing. They were unable to find them. Rather than leave the statue as
it was, they made a plaque that read: ”He has no hands but yours.” We are truly the hands
and feet of Jesus to reach out to the world and be His witnesses. We become the living
witnesses through which the world can recognise that Christ is alive today. He is alive
through and in us.
7. CONCLUSION
Each person has the capacity to discover and accomplish a bit of the Truth and Goodness
in the world, if he doesn’t discover it, he doesn’t accomplish anything. Each one of us, in our
lives, depending on our personality and circumstances must give the world a bit of the truth
and goodness since we are laypersons.
This is what it means to be a Christian, a layperson, living in the world today. It gives us
an opportunity to make our lives a living translation of the Gospel by what we do, nothing
more than that. We bring Christ with us wherever we go and in whatever we do in our
normal everyday lives. We live in Grace to transform the world to Christ.
We are talking about being saints today, people who, captivated by the Spirit, move out
into their everyday environments courageously. We are people who are capable of taking the
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marvellous realities of Grace seriously. We are people who can live fully as God’s children,
as brothers and sisters of Christ, and as temples of the Holy Spirit.
Then, we will be people who realise the beautiful definition of a Christian as stated by
Pope John XXIII: “The Christian is a joy – a joy to himself, to God and a joy for other
people.” We can be messengers of joy”, in the world!
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Chapter 4 – Rollos – Actual Grace
ACTUAL GRACE
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ACTUAL GRACE
SYNTHESIS
The candidates have been exposed to the “theory” of God’s unmerited love and of the
consequent call to live as Christian human persons in the Habitual Grace rollo and have
begun to see the contours of how a Christian should live in the world (“Layperson”). At this
juncture of the first day, of the encounter with oneself and with the initial proclamation of the
relationship between God and the human person, the candidate may find himself or herself
anywhere in the spectrum between despair and presumption. “Are these truths beyond my
reach/” or “I’m doing quite well on my own I’ll check in with God if I need Him.” Some
may appear to be detached, preferring to be “bystanders.” (Table leaders should be sensitive
to the state of each candidate, respecting the candidate’s freedom to respond or not respond.)
This rollo should encourage the candidate, giving him or her hope: in the possibility of
attaining God’s grace, in overcoming obstacles, in the “divinization” of one’s life (what is
human becomes the bearer of what is divine). It is not meant to be a comprehensive treatise
on God’s grace (“everything you wanted to know about God’s grace...”). It proclaims the
absolute necessity of Christ who reminds us that “without me you can do nothing.”
However, it insists on our responsibility to humbly receive God’s grace and to be good
stewards of them. God’s offer of friendship, of His grace, is only that, an offer, if we choose
not to respond. As long as we are disposed to receive these graces, they are within our reach,
for God always makes them available.
At certain points of the Cursillo movement’s history, this rollo was (erroneously) called
“Faith.” Faith is related to actual grace. Working in conjunction with prayer, faith will
enable all who are disposed to recognise and to receive the graces which are proper to each
moment. (Thus they are called “actual graces,” graces which are unique to a given moment.)
Through the lens of faith, and sensitised and fortified by prayer, we seek God’s providential
hand (and call for our response) in every circumstance.
These graces will produce the effect that God intends only if we are docile to them. Our
failure to respond to actual graces impoverishes us spiritually and diminishes our capacity to
live as the Body of Christ in the world. It would be well, at some point in this rollo, to
distinguish between “actual grace” and “habitual grace.” The latter makes us children of God
while the former empowers us to perform the works of the children of God.
The concept of spiritual solidarity, as exposed in “Palanca” is introduced – the prayers

and the sacrifices of the Body of Christ are the conduit through which the Lord addresses His
call to us. Indeed, this moment (and the entire Cursillo) is an outpouring of actual grace.
(Recall that the writings communicating the prayers and sacrifices are not “palancas,” but,
rather, the written expression of palanca.) The candidates should be made aware that the
Cursillo, in its entirety, is propelled by palanca.
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ACTUAL GRACE
OUTLINE
1. DEFINITION OF ACTUAL GRACE.

(Like habitual grace, actual grace is communicated through God’s free initiative.)
2. OUR NEED OF ACTUAL GRACE.
3. WHEN DOES GOD GIVE ACTUAL GRACE TO US?

(always)
4. HOW DOES GOD GIVE ACTUAL GRACE TO US?

(in the normality of life)
5. OUR RESPONSIBILITY – TO FREELY RESPOND TO GOD’S OFFER.
6. THE ROLE OF FAITH IN RECOGNISING AND RECEIVING ACTUAL

GRACE.
7. WHAT DRIVES THE LIFE OF GRACE?

(Prayer and Actual Grace)
8. THE FUEL OF CURSILLO – PALANCA – (THE MOTOR IS GRACE).
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Chapter 4 – Rollos – Piety
PIETY
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PIETY
THEME
Keeping in mind that there are many prejudices and false concepts towards piety, it is a
matter of centring and channelling one of three things that re-Christianization of the world
should be based upon, Piety, Study and Action, poking fun at the attitudes that are evident in
false piety.
NOTE
Since this is one of the means of the Cursillo®, it is necessary to take the most advantage
of it. To encourage the Cursillistas to take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation,
after the rollo, the Rector(a) takes the opportunity to do a group :”stabbing” saying: “a sealed
bottle, although it is floating in the sea, not a single drop of water can enter it. The heart and
the head are closed from the inside.”
PIETY
The orientation of our lives towards God.
False Concepts
Sanctimonious, Practitioners, Pharisees
Piety is:
 Orientation – Precise understanding of what we place in the first plane.
 Of our whole life – All our realities and possibilities.
 Towards God – Transcendent understanding of our mission.
Authentic Ideal
Our life determined by God’s conquest.
SITUATION
It is the last rollo of the first day. The key piece in the technique of the weekend is the
rollo on Piety. Because of the place it occupies in the grouping of truths and because of the
disposition of the participants, this rollo completes the first phase of the Cursillo® and
prepares for the second.
ATMOSPHERE
The participants attending the Cursillo® may be very confused, because although they
have been impacted by the ideas of the previous rollos, they don’t see how they can manage
to achieve this in a practical and specific way in their own lives.
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OBJECTIVE
This rollo must counteract the prejudices and false concepts regarding piety by pointing
out its more absurd postures in a very realistic manner. It is imperative to firmly establish the
true concept of piety and highlight the characteristic notes of true piety.
The first part, a negative one, serves only as an introduction to the principal theme which
is to present piety not as egotistical sentimentalism, but as a life in Grace, conscious and ever
growing, alive and conscious of the light of the Gospel.
TECHNIQUE
This rollo has the mark of personal testimony, but it should be presented in such a way
that the candidates may see in the leader the incarnation of the truths revealed in the Actual
Grace rollo through the witness of his conviction and joy. The ideal of life in Grace is not
only possible, but true, attractive, and appealing.
STYLE
Vibrant and natural; strong and clear; brave and human; joyful and truthful.
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PIETY
OUTLINE
1. INTRODUCTION
The layperson carries out the mission to which he has been called by his Baptism to a
beat in three-part harmony: Piety, Study and Action.
A. God call us to a new life involving for each person a radical change from within
which touches our relationship with
(1) Self.
(2) God.
(3) Other people.
(4) The world.
B. Living the life in grace gives spirit and life to these relationships. That is what we call
being Christian. The only valid response to God is in BEING a Christian, not simply
in DOING Christian things. BEING a Christian is expressed in three dimensions:
(1) Piety.
(2) Study.
(3) Action.
C. Piety – our ongoing relationship with God.
(1) Authentic life of piety – being fully Christian.
(2) False notions of piety – merely doing Christian acts in order to appear Christian.
False notions of piety have driven others from knowing God and from finding the
truth.
2. FALSE NOTIONS OF PIETY
A. “Holy Joes”/”Holy Hannahs” – give the impression about God which does not fit with
reality. They are out to “save themselves from something.” (The Fundamental Ideas
of the Cursillo Movement, No. 386, p. 148).
(1) Believe that they will gain the Kingdom of Heaven solely by keeping the law.
(2) Their concept of Piety consists mostly of statues and pictures.
(3) They desire to be “angels” and not saints, who are human beings the way God
made them.
(4) They see the world as an evil place instead of the redeemed work of God.
(5) Their “Christian action” occurs mostly in the Church or church groups. They
often fail their family and jobs. Their view of faith lacks maturity.
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B. “Mechanical Mikes”/”Routine Ritas” – practice only the external manifestations of

religion. They give the appearance of an interior life that does not in fact exist at all.
(1) They are less sincere that the “Holy Joes”/”Holy Hannahs.”
(2) They go to church because they always have, and it is expected of them.
(3) They go because they fear hell.
(4) They attempt to make up for the lack of Christian life by saying “Lord, Lord” (Mt.
7:21).
They show a belief that is not internal.
C. “Pharisaical Phils”/”Pharisaical Phyllis” – have attitudes which devalue the worth of
being fully human. An hypocrisy such that they use religion for their own selfish
ends.
(1) They attempt to use religion for their own goals.
(2) They are models of perfection in the Church, but unethical in business and other
daily encounters with others. (Mt. 23:25-26).
(3) Though active in Church, they are idle gossipers who ruin the good name and
reputation of others.
(4) They burden others with what they do not believe themselves (Mt. 23: 2-4).
They serve two masters and, because of their hypocrisy, turn others away from the
truth. (Mark 7:6-8).
D. All of these are but caricatures of false notions of piety, turning away from God those
who are searching for the truth.
[NOTE: These caricatures are used to present some of the false images of God and
our relationship to Him that exist in our world today. Emphasising that we are not
talking about any particular individual or group or being judgemental. We are merely
looking at false notions we may find among so-called good Catholics and their effect
on others.]
3. GENUINE AND AUTHENTIC PIETY
A. A life of piety arises out of our personal relationship with God. It is the life of Christ
in us, the life of Grace, conscious, growing and shared.
(1) Piety is a life in Grace, a Life in Christ - reflecting the Father’s love, following
Christ’s example and fully human, seeking better relationships in the ordinary
world of work, family and social life (Jn. 15:9-10).
(2) Conscious – by Grace we are sons and daughters of the Father, brothers and
sisters of Christ and living temples of the Holy Spirit. It is a life that is Conscious
of:
a. commonplace acts that, in Grace, increase the life in us.
b. the love of the Father, brotherhood in Christ and the continued presence of
Christ among us in the Eucharist.
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(3) Growing – Our relationship with God must be constantly growing. It is a life that
is dying to self, living as Christ, to free ourselves in love, humility and
understanding so that the Gospels become the bread of life within us.
(4) Shared – Finally, a life in Christ is a life that is shared with others, God’s channel
of grace. Sharing our Grace, being truly open to people and expressing to them
the reason for our joy and happiness: that God loves us! (Constitution on the
Church, No 33; Rom. 12:10; See generally Christifides Laici, No. 17).
B. Piety is the direction of one’s whole life to God.
The love for the Kingdom of God and service in the Kingdom of God and service in
the Kingdom of God is that which is translated into the orientation of our whole life
towards God.
(1) Individuals today can and do respond to God’s call.
(2) There are three elements in every act or response: knowing, wanting, and doing.
a. To Know – What is done, and the reason why it is done, excluding routine,
mechanical, automatic and irrational practices.
b. To Want – The capacity to determine the emotional drive which spurs one to
action.
c. To Do – The act of the will, which converts our plans into realities,
surmounting all obstacles.
C. A life of Piety is an authentic ideal (See Sections 5, 6and 7 of the “Ideal” talk;
Constitution on the Church, No 2013 and following).
Give personal witness to your response to God’s call. Do not include any of the false
notions of Piety.
4. STYLES OF PIETY
A. Natural
Sincere expression of our inner spiritual life with simplicity carried to its ultimate
consequences. We want our Christianity founded on our humanity; the confidence of a
child in its Father.
B. Courageous
We know that the world belongs to God and that God “lends” it to the brave; we don’t
fear men because we fear God. What the world calls cowardice is really courage.
C. Vibrant
We are willing to acknowledge the faith that we profess without blushing or caring what
anyone thinks. Therefore, our attitude in prayer and in acts of piety must be
straightforward and firm. We cannot be called “Holy Joes”/”Holy Hannahs” because we
are not and wouldn’t tolerate it. Unlike the “Holy Joes”/”Holy Hannahs” we live with the
God’s strength within us.
D. Joyful
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We make the well-known phrase a reality: “A sad saint is a sad sort of a saint”. Our joy is
truly authentic, constant and sure because it comes from deep within. We know how to be
happy, joyful people and living temples of the Holy Spirit.
5. SPIRITUAL AIDS TO A LIFE OF PIETY
If the ideal is the sum of ideas, plans or goals that drive us to achieve an objective, our
piety constitutes a true and complete ideal since it is nothing less than the whole of our
life dedicated to God.
A. Distinguish between Piety and aids to a life of Piety.
(1) Piety is the state of being Christian.
(2) Aids to a life in Piety are those things we do in order to nourish our life in being
Christian. They are the concrete manifestations of our love for God.
B. We must be conscious at all times of being:
(1) Children of God.
(2) Brothers and sisters of Christ.
(3) Temples of the Holy Spirit.
C. Give examples of Spiritual aids to a life in Piety.
(1) Prayer – Rote, Spontaneous or otherwise.
(2) Offering our Works – Lifting everything we do up to God.
(3) Meditation – The truth of Christ realised in our own lives.
(4) Rosary.
(5) Attending Mass – Christ’s Sacrifice coming down to us, our sacrifice lifted up to
heaven with that of Christ.
(6) Communion – Complete realisation of the “complete majority” of our union with
Christ.
(7) Sacrament of Reconciliation.
(8) Mourning offering / Evening examination.
(9) Spiritual direction.
(10) Visits to the Blessed Sacrament – The tabernacle where Christ is, the source of
our authentic piety, where we can talk with Christ
(11) Other forms of piety.
[The rollista may give example of how he/she uses one or more of the examples listed
above to nourish his/her life of Piety.]
NOTE:
It is not necessary to go into great detail on the various types of piety in this rollo. As
the Cursillistas draw closer to God, they will seek out appropriate ways of responding
to Him.
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6. CONCLUSION
We are active Christians who live our Christianity deeply, by knowing it, understanding it,
and spreading it. When the response we give to God, to Christ, to people and the world is the
reflection of an authentic relationship with God, Christian joy will be born in us and in others,
the joy of sharing with each other, life and its happiness, virtues, and defects, just as Christ
came to share with us His relationship with others. Our lips will speak from the abundance of
our heart. If piety is living a Christian life, the perfection of our piety will be the Apostolate,
bringing alive this life in others. We are generous and we want the best for others. We are
ambitious and we won’t rest until others know that God loves them so that Christ may live in
them and their lives be directed totally towards God.
A life of authentic piety is only complete when it is shared with others because they are our
brothers and sisters, and we want for them the best that we have – Christ (Christifides Laici,
No. 17).
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PIETY
The Piety rollo, if it is handled well, is one of the most effective talks of the Cursillo®. It
is the rollo which has the greatest impact on the participants. This is the rollo in which the
participant’s values are most often realised. It is a time where they begin to make the
transition to putting God first in their life. The effect comes partly from the skilful handling
of the false concept of Piety, however, the rollista should not spend too much time on this
subject (seven to ten minutes maximum). The false concepts pick out images of what
religion is that have been influencing the participants, often subconsciously. Once these
ideas are brought to consciousness, they can easily be disposed of. But the main impact of
the rollo comes from the personal witness of the rollista. In the rollista, the participants see in
a concrete way what is to live a life of true piety. They see how successful and how attractive
it can be. What before was meaningless or distasteful to them now becomes something they
have seen as valuable.
The rollo is meant to be delivered with strength.
Perhaps the most common failing of the Piety rollo derives from the rollista’s failure to
take the ideas in the rollo seriously. The idea-structure of the rollo should come through
clearly. The idea of Piety is the basis of the participant’s response to the Cursillo®. It is not
enough to present an enthusiastic call to conversion. It must also be stated in a clear way to
what a person is being converted. The Cursillo® always makes a change in the men and
women who attend it. Great care has to be exercised in making sure that what they change to
is authentic Christianity.
PREPARING THE ROLLO
Section 1, the opening section of the rollo has an important part. Besides summarising
the other talks, it covers the opening points that Piety is one’s whole life, by discussing that
the Christian must indeed be Christian, and not just do Christian things. This section is
important to set the stage for the major third part on the authentic Piety.
Section 2. The false concepts of Piety should be carefully presented. The main point
criticized by each one should come out clearly. The rollista can easily get carried away by
portraying the false concept and not make the point that should be made. The first false idea
should be treated humorously (a better translation that “ironic” in Structure of Ideas, p. 49,
might be “humorous” or “satirical”). The second can have humour, but should be treated
with sympathy. The third should be treated with strength. Hypocrisy involves malice and
should be condemned. Little details that bring to life the picture of what a person would be
like if he/she held these false ideas are very valuable. The participant should be given a
picture, a concrete image of what is being talked about.
Section 3. The personal testimony should be aimed to show how it is possible to live in
grace today. Personal witness is needed to illustrate the features of authentic piety so that
these points live in reality, not just in somebody’s imagination.
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The major portion of the testimony on the rollista’s conversion and his/her ongoing
growth is best given progressively throughout the rollo. It is important to let the listeners
hear that the rollista is an ordinary person, who lives a life like theirs in so many ways. In the
end of the rollo, as the rollista’s personal witness on his/her ongoing life of piety is laid
before them, the participants are wondering where the rollista came from. Then the principal
witness describes the “inner space” of the rollista as well as he/she is able, keeping in mind
that the concept is not to shock, but to show how any person, even the participants
themselves, can turn to God and become “a new person.”
A good personal testimony will probably include three elements: (1) the religious
condition the rollista was in before he/she began to direct his/her whole life to God; (2) how
the change came; i.e., how the rollista came to realise the value and necessity of directing
his/her whole life to God; (3) what a life in unison with God means to the rollista now. Of
these three parts, the third part is the most important. The rollista is trying to convey to the
participants what it means to live totally for God. Their previous condition and the change
should be used to highlight what it means to live for God. Moreover, the rollista does not
necessarily have to talk about a dramatic change, a big conversion. Directing the whole life
to God is usually a process, and even if it involves a dramatic change at one point, there are
usually a number of other points where the rollista made significant improvements.
Section 4 discusses Piety as Life. (1) To know what the life of a Christian should be and
why it should be so. In other words, knowing God and what He teaches us. When our
knowing is centred in God, our knowing is directed towards God. (2) To want is an emotion
that drives us to exercise our action. Authentic Piety moves us to love God with all our heart,
all our soul and all our mind. (3) Finally, authentic Piety drives us to do what God wants – to
live a life of service to God.
Section 5 discusses Piety as the love for the Kingdom of God and service in the Kingdom
of God.
Section 6 on Piety as an ideal should also be a help. The rollista should tell how God
became and continues to become more and more important to them to the point even where
they would give up other things in order to have a closer union with God. The rollista can
make good use of the Ideal rollo, pointing out how orienting their whole life to God does for
them all the things which a good ideal does for a person – gives substance and meaning to
life, gives him/her a purpose, gives him/her enthusiasm for living, gives him/her optimism,
conviction, and self-control. A very important aspect of the testimony should be how good it
is to live the life of grace, and the 9th section of the ideal rollo can give guidelines on how to
bring out the value of a life lived for God.
The rollistas should also probably cover the ideas in the Actual Grace rollo. They should
not give the idea that they have done this by themselves. It is a work of God in them and they
have received God’s help to make it possible.
A testimony should never be a matter of “glittering generalities.” The rollista should not
just say that the life of grace is “wonderful” or “great”. The rollista should be specific,
showing both what it means to live in union with God and what it has done in him/her. They
should not make general statements without giving specific instances that will bring to life
what the general statements mean. Telling an incident or giving a detail is often very
effective.
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The rollista should never give the impression that a life directed wholly to God is a “bed
of roses” or that they have solved all problems. The rollista should also avoid preaching.
They are not telling the participants how to live their lives. The rollistas should just tell them
how the discovery of true Piety has made a difference for the better. The rollista should not
moralise, but should just witness to an ideal.
An important part of the rollo is the invitation by the rollista for the participants to turn to
God. The invitation should come from the rollista’s conviction that they have found the true
ideal, the one that answers life’s most profound questions. It should sound exciting,
fulfilling, and achievable by anyone who is willing to try, just as the rollista, too, reached out,
usually with apprehension and wonderment as to what can happen. The invitation to, in
effect, “come and see” must be from the heart of the rollista.
Section 7 completes the description of what authentic Piety is. This part attempts to
eliminate some false conceptions about religion. Our piety should be visible, but natural
without postures or exaggerations. Our piety should be the proper one of a layperson. We
should not try to live lives of monks or anything like it. Prayer should be part of our daily
life. To live true piety, one must be courageous. The world call courage what in reality is
cowardice. One must demonstrate our Christianity without regarding what others think. The
piety of a Christian must be firm. It is something that can be appreciated and carried out with
conviction. And finally, when one has a relationship with God, one cannot be sad. A true
dedication to God should be very natural involving courage and happiness.
Section 8 lists the acts of Piety.
The last part of the rollo, Section 9, presents the “perfection of our Piety” – the apostolate
– bringing alive this life in others; living Christianity to the full.
Most of the warnings that go with all of the talks of the first day go with this one: (1) the
rollo should be kept simple. The rollista should not introduce complicated theories of what
religion is or introduce issues or refinements. The message is direct and straightforward – the
only response adequate to God’s gift of grace is a complete surrender to him; (2) the rollo
should not say too much or try to treat things that will come up later. It should not try to
explain how to live the Christian life. The more points that are made by the rollista that are
not in the outline, the more the rollo will lose in force.
In the past, the Piety rollo has been viewed as the turning point for the candidates. The
Piety rollo is merely one of the many parts that make up the Cursillo®. If it proves to be a
“turning point,” then it should do so in a purely natural way and not by finding the person
with the most dramatic conversation to present the rollo.
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PIETY
SAMPLE ROLLO
(40 MINUTES)
1. INTRODUCTION
Earlier today we heard that in order to be fully human we must have a worthwhile ideal
and that the highest ideal we can seek is the Christian ideal. In the Layperson in the Church
rollo we heard that we have a mission, a responsibility to bring this ideal to others guided by
the Holy Spirit. The spirit who works through us and other, some of whom we do not even
know as we have experienced in the reading of the Palanca from people in this diocese,
around the country and around the world.
The layperson carries out the mission to which he has been called by his Baptism to a
beat of three-part harmony: Piety, Study and Action.
This program may best be illustrated as a three-legged stool, like the one which supports a
candle. It is called a tripod. Due to its nature, it cannot support itself or the candle if one leg
is weak or totally absent. So it is with our lives as well, we need a balance of piety, study,
and action to support our Christian lives. Through piety we grow towards God, through
study we learn more about God, and how to respond to Him, and through action we give of
ourselves – in love – to others as God gives of Himself to us. This brings us to the subject
matter of this rollo called Piety.
The word Piety can be a disturbing term for many of us because of the erroneous vision
we may have of a “pious” or “holy” person. (A short example of how the rollista envisioned
pious or holy people.)
Example:
In the past, I always pictured a holy person as someone who is always praying, like a
cloistered nun, monk or someone who is separated or out of touch with the real world. I did
not believe that a holy person could be someone who had a normal life – al life with all the
responsibilities of earning a living and raising a family, or the concerns of an older person
with the future, or a young person having a career. I now know that every one of us is
capable of being that “holy man/woman”.
2. FALSE CONCEPT OF PIETY
In order to understand what true piety is, it is necessary to understand what false piety is
and what effect it can have on us and other people as well.
False piety is merely doing Christian acts in order to appear Christian. False piety can
and has driven others from knowing God and from finding the truth. We may classify all the
people with a false concept of piety in three different groups: the sanctimonious, the
practitioners and the Pharisees. These false concepts are just that – they are attitudes which
can be found among many so-called “good Catholics”.
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A. The Sanctimonious
This false attitude is exhibited by people who lack maturity in their relationship with God.
They can be characterised as Holy Joes/Holy Hannahs. Holy Joes/Holy Hannahs give an
impression about God which does not fit with reality. They are out to “save themselves from
something.” Their Piety smells of wax and of the sacristy. They confuse sanctity with life on
one’s knees. Professionals of the Church with a vocation of sacristan. They see the world as
the enemy of the soul, not people redeemed by Christ who has saved them.
They look to their own salvation and turn their backs on the salvation of others. They
believe that they will gain the Kingdom of Heaven solely by keeping the law. They fail to
see that a true relationship with God is more than praying to statues or carrying prayer cards
in their wallets. They fail to see that being a Christian is not a life directed to oneself.
Their Christian actions occur mostly in the Church or church groups. They often fail their
family and jobs. Holy Joes/Holy Hannahs become so wrapped up in the life at Church or in
church groups, doing good things, that they often fail in their other responsibilities that they
have, mainly their families and their jobs. They do not see that their commitments must be
set in the proper priority, allowing sufficient time to do all that they can, but being sure that
they have met their other responsibilities as well. Their view of faith lacks maturity in its
practice.
B. The Practitioners
Another false concept of piety would include those people who may be characterised as
“Mechanical Mikes”/”Routine Ritas”. Less sincere than the Sanctimonious, they practice
external acts of an inner life that they know nothing about and that they have never tried out.
They practice only the external manifestations of religion. They believe in God but their
relationship with Him is not internal.
They go to Church every Sunday because they have always done so, and it is expected of
them.
They do not, for the most part, go to Church out of a desire to grow in their relationship
with God, but out of fear that if they do not do so they will end up as a resident of Hell for all
of eternity. (May provide an example of how we may have been very much like the
Mechanical Mikes/Routine Ritas.) They walk along in fear because they don’t know Love.
Their prayers are nothing but words, and by repeating “Lord, Lord” they believe they will
enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Their prayers are not a method but a fashion. They have an “Our Father” made to their
own measure, and say: “Thy Kingdom come” – except to my boss..., and they continue – “let
it be your Will”, but it must coincide with my will, because if it does not, I will do mine
because I know what’s best for me... they say “give us this day our daily bread”, they say it in
plural, but negotiating with the Lord, insinuating that if in order for my neighbour to have
some I will miss some of mine, then I don’t agree, because I serve you more than them...
“Forgive us our trespasses as we don’t have to forgive those who trespass against us.
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C. The Pharisees
This last of the false concepts of Piety is probably the most destructive of all – they are
the most devious answer shall characterise them as “Pharisaical Phils”/”Pharisaical Phyllis”.
They strip their souls bare of all virtue, wearing a cloak of justice on the outside. Their virtue
does not go from the inside to the outside, nor does the outside ever reach the inside.
Because of their jealousy for the glory of the Lord and at the expense of it, they scale the
summits of human glory, which gives the meaning to their virtue and their zeal.
They are models of perfection in the Church, but unethical in their own business dealings.
And they come in all categories: doctors, lawyers, business people, teachers, factory workers,
professionals, etc. whom have a large and visible crucifix in their office and do what is
contrary to their beliefs. They use their activity in Church as an instrument to start
unfounded and false rumours and gossip in an attempt to ruin the good name and reputation
of others.
Simply stated, they do not practice what they preach – their lives within the Church and
outside of it are contradictions. “Pharisaical Phils”/”Pharisaical Phyllis” are attempting to
serve two masters. As a result of their hypocrisy, they turn others away from the truth. They
profess a belief, a love of God and neighbour, but in reality they do not believe or act
accordingly. Their belief is a belief of convenience. There have always been Pharisaical
Phils/Pharisaical Phyllis’, for as Jesus tells us in the Gospel (St. Mark 7:6-8): The Pharisaical
Phils/Pharisaical Phyllis’ are known to each one of us, we only have to stop and think.
These false attitudes are merely caricatures – distortions – of true piety that can cause
others who are searching for the truth to turn away from God. We either are with Christ or
against Him. Either we are Christians or not, there is not an intermediate posture. We either
live a life of Grace or without it, we can’t have it both ways, with Christ in the morning while
at the Temple and in the afternoon against Christ wherever happens that we may be.
Clarification: It is not about criticising persons, but their false practices of Piety. Some of
these persons practice this because of ignorance of true Piety, but there are others who know
they are in the wrong and continue their practice.
3. GENUINE AND AUTHENTIC PIETY
Rather than turning away from God through false Piety, we are all seeking to be brought
closer to Him.
We can grow closer in our relationship with God through what is called Authentic Piety –
a life which arises out of our personal relationship with God.
True Piety – Being Christian.
The piety I am talking about is true piety. It is the piety of a person who is being Christ-
like. It is the relationship with God in which the person takes on the life of Christ. (See Col.
3:17.)
This relationship has four facets. They are: the life of Grace; conscious; growing; and
shared. Let us look at each facet in greater detail:
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A. Life of Grace.
Grace that is life, the life of Christ in us “...for you can do nothing without me” Jesus told
us this as recorded in the Gospel according to St. John, Chapter 15:5 (quote from Bible). The
key is true, authentic Piety is its all encompassing hold on life. A life in Christ is a life that
reflects the love of God for us. A life in Christ is a life that reflects God’s love in our own
lives as we try to improve our relationships in the ordinary world of work, family, and social
life. Authentic Piety is a life in Christ. We are asked by God to consciously choose a life
that is normal and lived to the fullest.
B. A Life of Grace that is conscious.

Conscious that, by Grace we are sons and daughters of the Father, brothers and sisters of
Christ and living temples of the Holy Spirit. It is an acceptance of Him as my Father, and
Christ as my Saviour, and living in a conscious awareness of this relationship. It means that
everything in my life is part of my life of grace, my family life, my social life, my workday
life as well as my prayer life.
Conscious that because by living in Grace, we are Saints, Saints of today, with our coat
and tie or our factory uniform. Conscious that when I receive the Holy Communion, I
receive Christ, the same Christ that the Pope receives and all the Catholics in the whole world
receive. We become more conscious of God’s love, and of the continued presence of Christ
amongst us in the Eucharist.
Conscious that it has come the hour of asking ourselves this question: Am I a living
member of the Mystical Body of Christ?
C. A Life of Grace that is growing.

Our relationship with God, our life of Grace, must be constantly growing. We grow or
we begin to wither and ultimately die. We must continue to die to self by giving of ourselves
totally in all of our relationships. Our life of Grace is Conscious and Growing for when we
direct our lives to God, we become aware of the fact that each act in our life – whether it is at
home eating at the table with the family or watching TV, at work or our place of business, at
the movies, at the park, no matter how ordinary or seemingly insignificant, if done in Grace,
increases our Grace, the life of God within us – “Everything you do or say, then should be
done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks through him to God the Father” (Col.
3:17).
D. A Life of Grace that is shared.

A Christianity that is authentically known, lived, and spread. Finally, a life in Christ is a
life that is shared. Because we are Church, we allow ourselves to be truly present to others,
to be God’s channel of Grace. Sharing the hope we have with those who are on the verge of
despair, sharing our Grace, being open to people and expressing to them the reason for our
joy and happiness: that God loves us!
Life of perfect Christianity, fullness of Christian life – I will be Christian in all the aspects
of my human living, twenty four hours a day. I will not separate my life into compartments:
Sunday morning one hour is for God and the rest of the week, aside of a few minutes of
prayer a day, the rest is for me...
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Piety is focussing all life by the light of the Gospel – From the time we wake up until the
time we go to bed, including all our acts, from the less insignificant to the most complicated.
Resolving everything at the light of Christ, as He did, in love, humility, with courage, in
Grace and understanding in order that the Gospel becomes the bread of Life within us.
Piety is the direction of one’s whole life to God. The life of authentic Piety is the
direction of one’s whole life to God. It is a life in which our goal is to make living for God
our ideal. Individuals today can and do respond to God’s call. We have been chosen by God
to bring His message to the world. Christ is calling each one of us today!
4. PIETY IS LIFE
We may ask ourselves, “How can I accept the call, the challenge to live a life of authentic
Piety, a life directed to God?”
The “Catechism of the Catholic Church” teach us that we answer God’s call by knowing,
loving, and serving God. So, in order to direct our whole life to God there must be three
elements in each and every one of our acts. These elements are knowing, wanting, and doing.
To know
First, we have to know what is done and the reasons we are doing it. We have to try to
exclude those acts or practices that are routine, automatic, and sometimes irrational. We
must try to see things the way God see them. When our knowledge of the reasons for our
acts centres on God, our knowing is then directed to Him.
To want
The second element in every act is wanting. Wanting is the Capacity to decide, actual
force that stirs one to action. We will understand that we are acting out of our love of God,
and out of our desire to be what He has asked us to be.
To do
Finally, we serve God by doing what God has asked of us. By the use of our will and
knowing the will of God for us we can overcome all obstacles. We can convert our plans into
realities rather than allowing them to remain abstract thoughts.
5. PIETY IS KNOWING THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Piety is the love for the Kingdom of God and service in the Kingdom of God, that which
is translated into the orientation of our whole life towards God. It is knowing who God is,
what he teaches us about what is expected of us, loving God with our entire being, and
carrying out His will completely. Truly being a Christian is certainly not a bed of roses.
Living a life of piety takes a lot of effort. It doesn’t happen overnight. It is a continuous
process of growth.
6. PIETY AS AN IDEAL
In order for us to live a life of authentic Piety we must first see Piety as an ideal. We
heard earlier this morning in the rollo on Ideal that an ideal is the combination of ideas,
hopes, and preferences which attract a person and propel him/her forward to attain the goal.
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Authentic Piety, a life directed to God, is a real ideal because it is the sum total of our whole
life in every respect dedicated to serving God. Living for God becomes the most important
aspect of our lives. Every idea we have, every plan or every goal we set, can be used as a
tool to further our relationship with God, and with others through Him. We continue to see
ourselves more and more as people of God, as “saints” as ___________ told us in the
Layperson in the Church rollo this morning.
A life of piety is not an easy one. My own life of piety has been one of constant growth.
[NOTE: The witness should present the rollista to the candidates as a normal person
trying to live out the ideal of piety. He/She should provide a witness of how their growth in
piety has occurred, including the change in attitude regarding a life of piety – a life directed
to God. A brief background into the rollista’s life may be helpful. Do not dwell on how bad
or irreligious one might have been. A progression from one point to the present is most
important for the candidate to hear, and will help them to identify with the rollista.
Incorporate the ideas in the rollo which have preceded this section to show that an ordinary
person can live a life dedicated to God. A life that is conscious, growing, and shared. A true
life in Grace.]
7. STYLES OF PIETY
A life in Christ becomes a life-style that is forever, not just for a few moments, days, or
months. It is a life-style that is marked by four specific qualities: natural, courageous, strong
and joyful (repeat).
A. Natural
Sincere expression of our inner spiritual life, with simplicity carried to its ultimate
consequences; we want our Christianity founded on our humanity the confidence of a child in
its Father. We speak to God as a son to his father, like a friend to his friend. It is allowing
the ordinary way of life to be raised to the supernatural by the grace of God within us. A
Mechanic about his clients, a Doctor about his patients, and all about our families and our
own particular situations. If we believe that God is our Father and that nothing is impossible
for Him, there is no place to lack confidence. There are so many things that we need to talk
to Him about... “Ask and you shall receive, Knock and it will be opened.”
B. Courageous
We know that the world belongs to God and that God “lends” it to the brave; we don’t
fear men because we fear God. What the “world” calls cowardice is really courage. Being
courageous id not about how strong we are. We are courageous because we have faith in
Him and He never fails. “Christ and I an overwhelming majority!”
(Example witness)
Sadly, nowadays men/women, even those who may call themselves Christians, believe
they are courageous because they can do what they want when they want:
 spouse or child abuse
 drug/alcohol addiction
 taking advantage of the system (job, business, social)
 etc.
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This is not considered Christian courage. The Christian person is brave and courageous
through their relationship with God and others in friendship.
C. Strong
We are willing to acknowledge the faith that we profess, without blushing or caring what
anyone thinks. Therefore, our attitude in prayer and acts of piety must be straightforward and
form. We cannot be called “Sanctimonious” because we aren’t and wouldn’t tolerate it.
Unlike the Sanctimonious we live with the strength of the life of God within us.
D. Joyful
We make the well-known phrase a reality: “A sad saint is a sad sort of a saint”; our joy is
truly authentic, constant and sure because it comes from deep within; we know how to be
both “happy, joyful people and living temples of the Holy Spirit.” The world today seeks joy
and happiness on material things such as money, luxury, fame, sex, entertainment..., where it
is not. Don’t think that I was always like this; before I lived my Cursillo® I too was seeking
my joy and happiness in the wrong places.
[Witness: A short example of how the rollista was attracted to others who were living a
life of piety and what attracted him/her to them. Incorporate the elements of courage, natural,
courageous, strong and joyful in their lives – and how the rollista is now doing the same.]
8. ELEMENTS OF PIETY
The life of piety is the state of being Christian, of having God, in Christ, as an integral
part of every aspect of our lives. Stated otherwise, it is the state of being in relation with God
and consequently acting in a Christian manner.
Just as all life is nourished by some kind of nutrition, and one trains by doing, we practice
our piety by:
A. Offering our Works – Lifting everything we do up to God.
B. Meditation – The truth of Christ realised in our own lives.
C. Mass – Christ’s Sacrifice coming down to us, our sacrifice lifted up to heaven with
that of Christ.
D. Communion – Complete realisation of the “complete majority” of our union with
Christ.
E. Visit – The tabernacle where Christ is, the source of our authentic piety, where we can
talk with Christ.
There are many other forms of piety.
All of these are good, and can be practices alone or in combination. There is no special or
better way to pray or engage in nourishing spiritual acts; it is up to the individual. The way
we nourish our piety may change from time-to-time. Whatever helps us grow in the life of
Christ is what we should do.
9. PERFECTION OF OUT PIETY
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We are active Christians who live our Christianity deeply, by knowing it, understanding
it, and spreading it. Our lips speak from the abundance of our heart. If piety is living a
Christian life, the perfection of our piety will be the Apostolate, bringing alive this life in
others. We are generous and we want the best for other; we are ambitious and we won’t rest
until others know that God loves them, so that Christ may live in them too; and their lives are
directed totally towards God, living a life of Grace in a conscious, growing and shared
manner; living Christianity to the full.
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Chapter 4 – Rollos – Study
STUDY
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STUDY
THEME
Christianity that is living and intimate, must be based on some precisely known truths,
dogmatically valued and sincerely felt. Our progressive integration into the Body of Christ
requires a progression, the simple and sincere usage of our intelligence in order to know and
assimilate the Gift of God and to project this into all things. In spite of this, the point of
Christianity is not to know much, but rather to love much.
The classic Christian “formation” that make one’s Christianity a dictionary of knowledge
that is not rooted in conviction nor begun by a decision, has not understood the reality of
what it is to simply be a Christian.
NOTE
What the Piety rollo has begun in enthusiasm, the Study rollo must channel by evidence,
poking fun at the current prejudices against religion and deposit in the Cursillistas the trace of
a secure Christian testimony but at the same time point out the risks of their faith.
WHAT IS STUDY
Study is necessary for the Christian to explain the reality of humanity and God.
SYNTHESIS OF THE CONTENTS
Study
The application of intelligence in order to learn a science or art, and in our case, in order
to know or discover the Gift of God and its projection in all things.
Is necessary for a Christian

In order that his works are the expression of his convictions and not just a customary
ritual, and in order that his piety may become conscious and strong.
To understand the reality of humanity

This is the sum of our being and is the reason we have those moments of pride,
cowardice, sinfulness, narrow-mindedness, and childishness which hinder our sanctification.
And of God
Who is a personal, living, omnipotent being, who wants the best for us, and has concrete
hopes for each person.
But it is only a Means

For the progressive integration and conformation of man in Christ, it would be a terrible
mistake to turn it into a purpose
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That in turn Requires the Use of Appropriate Means

Such as books, magazines, or communal acts that bring about the discovery of the
possibilities of the normal, living, and triumphant Christianization of our being.
SITUATION
Study is the first rollo of the second day. After this rollo the Rector(a) takes an
opportunity to remind the Cursillistas to visit the Blessed Sacrament.
ATMOSPHERE
Normally the Cursillistas are hoping the rest of the rollos continue with the vibrancy of
the Piety rollo. The serenity of the Study rollo places them in the authentic track of what the
Cursillo® is truly about. In order to capture their interest for what is said during the Cursillo®,
it is best to be general and sincere.
OBJECTIVE
One tries to provide a Christian approach and use of their intelligence that places before
them a realizable perspective of the Christianization of their person and circumstances.
Christianity is able to enter into souls in thousands of ways and if the Piety rollo is able to
enter their heart by way of enthusiasm, then the Study rollo is able to enter by way of
showing what is evident.
It also serves to destroy some prejudices about the truth of Christianity, which at times
can be more than prejudices and possibility honest judgements, which are motivated by the
false incarnation and deformed presentation of this Truth on the part of those who proclaim it
and portray themselves as good Christians.
It is also necessary to remove the obsession for what has come to be called “formation” –
that is, knowledge that illustrates but does not oblige; that can awaken but not illuminate and
that can destroy but not convince, obtaining the opposite results of what is intended; that the
person comes to regard the Lord with conviction and the joy of discovery.
TECHNIQUE
This rollo is not as vibrant, but also not purely cerebral.
STYLE
The rollo is meant to be a key rollo in the process of conversion. Therefore, this rollo
cannot be a dry intellectual presentation on schooling or formal knowledge, but is rather a
call to metanoia, a change in our mentality, a challenge for us to face life boldly and live it to
its ultimate potential for which God created us.
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STUDY
OUTLINE
1. INTRODUCTION
Study is the second leg of the tripod. There is no fully human life without an ideal.
A. A person who desires the authentic ideal with his/her heart, will accept it with his/her
intellect, and move to act upon it with his/her will.
(1) The AUNTHETIC ideal gives purpose and meaning to life, making a person rise
to his/her potential.
B. Christianity fulfils all of the criteria for the authentic ideal, the direction of one’s
whole life to God.
C. All people engage in the process of study, since it is a consequence of our humanity,
our ability to reason and deduce.
(1) Study is more than reading books or going to school. It must be the experience of
life itself, and applied to life.
D. God is part of life. If we claim God as our ideal, then His way, His truth, His life
must be the subject of our study.
2. DEFINITION
A. Study is “putting our minds at the service of the truth” or “applying our minds to learn
the truth.”
B. In essence, it is the process of learning to love and respond to reach our potential as
children of God.
C. Even the illiterate can do so. (Give example – important – because some of the
candidates may have difficulty reading, etc.)
3. THE NECESSITY AND OBLIGATION OF ONGOING STUDY
Christianity is a way of life and not an outfit one wears that is made up of liturgical
practices, prayers, medals, alms, etc. If our religious conviction does not clearly show us
the reasons for experiencing the good as well as the bad; it is on no value. Ongoing study
is not an option, but a necessity and obligation if we are to rise to the challenge of our
potential.
A. The study process is part of the natural order. Every person either advances guided by
ideas or he/she goes along in the tow of circumstances; and in Christianity this is
translated into two ways of life:
One of which deforms it:
 Comfortable attitude – satisfied, passive.
 Religion as a shield – truth preserved and used as a suit of armour.
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One which gives it its true sense:

 Active/revolutionary – restless, dissatisfied, acting and operating ferment.
 Religion as ferment – truth assimilated and made a reality.
B. It is a Christian obligation.
(1) Baptism obliges us to know God.
(2) Truth is never revealed unless we are open to it (Jn. 17:17; Jn. 8:32).
C. It is necessary to know ourselves and to know reality.
D. We have an obligation to society to know the truth.
A childhood level of knowledge is not adequate (1 Cor. 13:11).
4. OBJECTIVES OF OUR STUDY
A. Study is not an end it itself, it gives necessary meaning to our piety and it is a means
to live the Christian life in its fullness. The more we know of God and His heart is the
more meaning our act of piety (depth) will have.
B. To live the Christian Ideal, to direct one’s life to Christ, requires a conversion of mind
and heart to Christ, which we call metanoia, a profound change of mind and heart
(On Evangelisation in the Modern World, No. 10).
C. An ongoing study program ensures that this conversion (metanoia) is progressive.
5. WHERE DO WE DISCERN “TRUTH”? (Sources of Study).
A. Revelation (Heb. 1:1-2). God reveals himself to us through:

(1) Creation (Heb. 11:3; Rom. 1:19-20; Veritas Splendor). Elaborate briefly.
(2) The Scriptures (Heb. 4:12; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). Elaborate briefly.
(3) The teachings of the Church, especially the Council Documents and the Papal
Encyclicals (1 Cor. 4:1). Elaborate briefly.
B. We can also discern God’s will in:
(1) Signs of the times – media, arts, and events of life.
(2) Conventional means of study – books, courses, etc. “Don’t waste time reading
good books, read only the best.”
(3) Acts – Study Groups, get-togethers, etc.
C. The right attitude for seeking the truth:
(1) The goal, to put on the mind of Christ, the mind of the Church.
(2) The means, prayer and study form the basis of our daily metanoia, reaffirming
and deepening the awareness of God in our lives.
6. HANDY EXCUSES NOT TO ENGAGE IN CHRISTIAN STUDY
A. False humility.
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B. Laziness – “I don’t have time”.

C. Self Sufficiency.
D. Indifference.
Examine the motivation element of our Ideal (Apparent Ideal)
7. OBSTACLES TO CHRISTIAN STUDY
A. Materialism – Matthew 6:19-21.

B. Pride – Romans 12:3, 4.
C. Fear of Doubts.
D. Making study an end rather than a means to grow in Christ.
8. REMEDIES FOR THE OBSTACLES
A. Discipline – Formation of good habits.

B. Humility.
C. Courage.
D. Meditation – “Prayer, that does not affect our life, is simply not prayer, no matter how
good it feels” (His Way, Fr. David Knight, St. Anthony’s Messenger Press).
9. CONCLUSION
A. Reiterate – only the best books.

B. Study gives direction and growth to our progressive conversion by helping us to
discern the will of God in our lives and reform our mentality.
C. We are called to this perfection. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells us: “So be
perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Mt. 5:48)
Example: The stone and the sponge:

If we soak a stone and a sponge in water, both will get wet. While the stone will only get
wet on the outside, the sponge gets soaked on the inside as well. The same happens with
our study, it should not only soak us externally but internally as well. Like sponges we
are able to pour out the waters of our Christianity to soak all those surrounding us with
the living water, Jesus Christ.
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STUDY
The opening meditation of the second day is particularly important for the progression of
rollos during this day. It presents the person of Christ, but as a person living here and now.
He is a man who can be imitated, because He is a human being. In this regard, His role as a
leader is drawn out. Christ is a leader of people (as the participant will realise by the end of
the day that he/she too must be a leader of people). He is a leader worthy to follow.
The participant at this point realises that he/she must live in grace, but he/she does not
have a complete understanding of what this means. The question is fundamental: How do
they find the paths to God to reach the God they now desire and some can feel? The Study
rollo is meant to answer the questions that participants have, that he/she has to use his/her
head to learn how to live in grace, and that learning what to do as a Christian is, in fact, a
never-ending task.
The Study rollo is meant to provide these answers. Christianity is not mere external
practices, doing things that people can see us do, but life itself. The Study rollo needs to
show the path not only to be followed now, but the path that must be followed for their entire
life, if they are to answer this call from the Father.
The rollo is meant to be a key rollo in the process of conversion. Therefore, this rollo
cannot be a dry intellectual presentation on schooling or formal knowledge, but is rather a
call to metanoia, a change in our mentality, a challenge for us to face life boldly and live it to
its ultimate potential for which God created us.
The basic purpose of the rollo is to show the path leading to a lifetime of growth and
learning, learning about the essential meaning of life, becoming friends of God daily, and
reaching towards our created potential given us by our Father. Thus the focus of the
presentation is our life and its meaning, reaching a peak in Section 4 on the object of our
study, emphasising upon our life and its meaning and be able to have a better knowledge of
the person of Christ.
The purpose of the rollo is not to show one how to read books. While books and formal
knowledge are important in the study process, it is equally important that the proper attitude
is established on the purpose for Study. Thus, any booklists should be short, including only
vital books, such as the Scriptures, the documents of Vatican II, some encyclicals, including
Pope John Paul II, Christifideles Laici, and a few inspirational books to be used as a focus for
life meditation, such as His Way by David Knight (St. Anthony Messenger Press).
If the rollo is presented properly, the third day rollo on the Study of Environments will be
better understood as a further application of our basic study proposal presented here.
PREPARING THE ROLLO
The opening session (Section 1 – Introduction) picks up the theme from the Ideal rollo
and the Piety rollo that the creation of the human being was the apex of creation with each
person meant to fulfil the promise that they were made in the image and likeness of God.
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Coming back to the basic definition of piety, or directing one’s whole life to God, the three
elements of this life are pointed out to be the practice of Piety, Study, and Action.
Section 2 defines Study as a means to know and understand the Christian Ideal better.
Man is called to live a life of grace, share it with others, and spread it in his environment.
Section 3 continues the arguments that the search for the essentials of life is a never-
ending task, demanded not only by our human action, but by the role God placed upon us to
live the life in grace, or friendship with God. If a person is to act as a Christian, he/she must
know what a Christian should be and how a Christian should act.
Section 4 centres in the world of St. Augustine: “Lord Jesus, let me know myself and
know You.” We need to centre our knowing and our studying in ourselves and in God. By
knowing myself, I can discover the obstacles which prevent me to live the life of Grace; the
call to sanctity. I also need to discover and find the ways to know God and to discern His
will in my life. This section is a call to metanoia to the participants in is a key section of the
rollo.
Section 5 deals with the purpose of our Study as being only a means to give Christians an
authentic apostolic formation.
Section 6 recommends some books and other acts as means for Study and Section 7 refers
to Study as giving meaning to piety.
The Conclusion (Section 8) is a summary of the main theme, challenging the participants
to change, to move forward, and to begin their process of progressive conversion.
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STUDY
SAMPLE ROLLO
(35 Minutes)
1. INTRODUCTION
In yesterday’s Ideal rollo, we were told there is no fully human life without an ideal, and
that a person who desires the authentic ideal with his/her heart will accept it with his/her
intellect and move to act upon it with his/her will. But we may ask ourselves – how do I get
to know God better, to know Christ so that my choices can be made through awareness and
knowledge? One of the ways to do this is through study.
Study is the second leg of the tripod which we heard about in the Piety rollo. Study is
more than seeking knowledge through books or attending school. Study must include the
experience of life itself and be applied to life.
2. DEFINITION
Study is the application of intelligence in order to learn a science or an art.
A. Explanation of the definition:

Study is necessary for anyone, in any field, who wants to master any science or art.
Scholars, artists, professional men of any kind improve their speciality through applying their
intellect.
B. Christianity does not diminish nor annul our human potential. Being Christian does
not make us lesser of a person. In following Jesus, our whole personality and our intelligence
needs to come into play. Piety moves us into Action, but one needs to think and study the
means so our Action can be effective.
The person who is guided by the Christian Ideal will find study is a means to know and
understand the Christian Ideal better. The person is called to live a life of grace, share it with
others, and spread it in their environment. In order to do this well, the person who wants to
live his/her Christianity to the full needs to:
Base his/her actions on a meaningful prayer life of Piety and direct it through study of the
Ideal he/she lives by:
 Heart: Piety
 Mind: Study
 Will: Action
C. Study is what aims our action. This makes us apply our potential in an adequate
manner so we can hit what we are aiming at. Piety moves us to act, yet cannot be done at
random. Therefore, it is essential to study so that our action becomes effective.
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3. NECISSITY OF THE STUDY
E. Study is necessary to all Christians. It is motivated on the basis that Christianity is

life and not an outfit one wears. Christianity is not mere external practices, doing
things that people can see us do. It includes even more than the very important
elements of the liturgy. It is certainly more than wearing a Scapula, medal or an
organisation membership pin. It is even more than giving alms to the needy. It
explains and gives a reason for human living.
Study for purposes of this rollo and as the second leg of the tripod, is that process through
which we come to know God better and to discover what He wants of us. If our religious
conviction does not clearly show us the reasons for experiencing the good as well as the bad;
it is of no value.
In order to be of full value to us it must, by its very nature, include the experience of life
itself and the application of what we learn in life situations.
We accept that God is part of life. Therefore, if we claim God is our ideal, then His way,
His truth, and His life must be the subject of our study.
A. There seems to be two versions of Christianity: one original, authentic and in colour;
and a copy – black and white.
Every either advances guided by ideas or he/she goes along in the tow of circumstances.
In Christianity this is translated into two ways of life:
One of which deforms it:
 Comfortable attitude:
Satisfied – Tell them to go, they go. Tell them to leave, they leave.
Passive – Incapable of moving to do God’s will.
 Religion as a shield: The use religion to protect them from danger, injustice, etc.
One which gives it its true sense:
 Active/revolutionary: Restless – dissatisfied, living and active ferment.
 Religion as ferment: Truth assimilated and made a reality.
B. And these two versions of Christianity exist because there are also two classes of
persons that exist.
(1) Those that are guided by an ideal and know where they are going and they want to go
where they are heading.
(2) Those that are being towed by the circumstances that surround them. They follow the
pace of their environment.
C. We do not work so that Christians will go to mass on Sundays, not say bad words, or
become good people... we work so that all may become modern day saints in their everyday
lives. This concept of Christianity can only be achieved if Christians are moved by ideas,
because if they live in the shadow of circumstances, they will always maintain a comfortable
attitude.
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Our will is much stronger than when our understanding has been enlightened. With more
light, new things are seen and one has the necessary strength to overcome obstacles.
If a Christian is not driven by ideas but is towed along by circumstances then his/her
growth is impeded because there is no worse life than half-truths. The person who studies
can become more and more informed of the influence of Christianity in all of his/her life.
D. The Gospel says that Christ in his hidden life grew in age, wisdom and grace, before
God and before men. We also grow in age and we should grow in grace and wisdom.
Looking back at our understanding of God when we made our First Communion, that concept
we had of Christ perhaps no longer serves us today and it is now necessary to revise it, to
centre it, and revitalise it. Our First Communion clothing does not fit us any more, as we
have grown physically; we need to grown in knowledge and spirituality as well. “When I
was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I become a
man, I put aside childish things.” (1 Cor. 13:11)
E. It is time we realised that we can count on a Christ that is “fully human”, a Christ that
is living, normal and close to us, one who helps us find solutions for today’s problems. The
only way to know Christ more intimately is through our study of who He is.
4. OBJECT OF OUR STUDY
The object of our study is centred, condensed, and synthesised in the words of St.
Augustine: “Lord Jesus, let me know myself and know You.” We need to centre our knowing
and our studying in ourselves and in God. Let us take a look at both in more detail.
A. Ourselves: It is essential to know ourselves. This requires a conversion of mind and

heart. This profound change is called Metanoia.
(1) Obstacles – A person always fails due to five motives: Pride, Cowardice, Sinfulness,
Intolerance and Childishness. We need to determine how much of each of the five motives is
in ourselves in order to bring them back in line. Through studying of ourselves, we will find
out how we really are and how to become the saints that God wants us to be.
a. Pride: I may think that I am more and better than everyone else; that I know
everything there is to know about being a saint and apostle and have no more to learn.
b. Cowardice: A coward is the one who does not face life; the one who before the
problem and even before the Cursillo®, does not want to make a decision.
c. Sinfulness: To confuse happiness which is peace and joy with pleasure which only
makes us unhappy.
d. Intolerance (i.e. Narrow-Mindedness): The one who never gets to comprehend the
truth of Truth and does not allow to be guided to it.
e. Childishness: The one who takes life as a hobby; a person who lacks personality and
lacks maturity. I may simply not recognise that learning how to live as a Christian is a never-
ending task. I may be childish enough to think I learned it all as a child.
(2) Remedies – The obstacles are real, yet so are the remedies to overcome those
obstacles. These remedies will help to ensure our progressive conversion and help us to live
the Christian Ideal.
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a. The first remedy is humility.

Humility allows us to recognise that we are nothing apart from God, but also to recognise
that God made us something by creating us in His likeness and image. Humility is – like St.
Therese said – the truth: the plain truth. The truth of accepting ourselves as we are so that we
can move on towards perfection. The truth to be able to see our possibilities and also our
limitations, recognising that God is all powerful.
b. The second remedy is courage.
We must have the courage to do what is right despite the ways of the world that more and
more contradict the way of God. We must have the courage to break the chains which link us
to sin, to say “NO” to the constant pressure and allure to accept the world’s call to
materialism. We must be courageous in our rejection of our personal failings like pride, fear
of doubts, and misguided goals of study.
c. The third remedy is meditation.
It takes discipline to form a good study habit. To allow ourselves to be confronted with
the Word of God in order to change our lives. By being present to the Father, Son and Holy
Spirit in that quiet time in which we ponder our role in God’s plan for the salvation of the
world. A time set aside to hear and feel God’s presence wherein Jesus’ life becomes our
own.
[Rollista should provide a short example as to how he/she made use of one of the above
remedies to avoid and overcome excuses and obstacles in his/her quest for the truth.]
B. God
Besides knowing ourselves, we also need to centre our knowing and our study of God.
God is currently thought of as being little more than a policeman. Foreign Affairs
minister, but who, nevertheless, is: a personal Being, living, hopeful for you, someone who
wants the best for you; Omnipotent.
There are many ways in which we can know God.

(1) God reveals Himself to us through creation, the Scriptures, teaching of the Church,
and many other means. Let’s look at each one individually:
a. First, through creation – Pope John Paul II, in Veritas Splendor or the “Splendour of
Truth”, writes:
“The splendour of Truth shines forth in all the works of the Creator, and in a special way
in man, created in the image and likeness of God. Truth enlightens man’s intelligence and
shapes his freedom, leading him to know and love the Lord.”
[Rollista should provide a short personal example as to how he/she has experienced God
in His creation (nature, other human beings, etc.]
b. God also reveals Himself through the Scriptures:

Scripture must be a large part of our Christian study, our search and discernment of the
truth. The New Testament, for example, provides us with knowledge of Jesus; how He acted,
what He said. We are able to know Jesus as a person and meet Him face-to-face.
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[Rollista should provide a short personal example as to how he/she has learned more
about God the Father, Jesus Christ, or the Holy Spirit through reading and studying
Scripture. Rollista may also use Old Testament as well.]
c. God also reveals himself to us through the teachings of the Church, especially Papal
Encyclicals and letters, Council Documents, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
These sources of Christian study help us to understand what God asks of us. They provide us
with materials that are the result of the prayer and discernment of Church leaders from the
past to the present.
[Rollista may provide a brief personal example of something learned or better understood
from reading or studying the Teachings of the Church, etc.]
d. God reveals Himself to us through spiritual exercises group reunions (sharing with
others), and daily examination of our conscious.
e. We can also discern God’s will in the signs of the time as reflected in nature, the
media, arts, and the events of everyday life in this world.
(1) Communication Means – newspaper, radio, TV, internet, etc. Many times we can
discover God’s will in what we see, hear, and experience through them.
(2) Art – media, theatre, literature. They not only bring the message of the author, but
also reflect the mentality of our times.
(3) Life’s Events, Nature, etc. – we can learn God’s message through nature and ordinary
events if we only open our hearts and our minds to them.
It is vital that we know and use the tools of study available to us to achieve our goal of an
ongoing change of mind and heart, a progressive conversion – a vital, vibrant, and continuing
metanoia.
[It is important for the rollista to provide a short personal example as to how he/she has
been able to discern God’s will through one of the various methods described above. The
participants need to know that the rollista is living out what he/she is proclaiming.]
5. STUDY AS A MEANS
Purpose of Study:
It is clear that it is necessary to Study, but we should not give it more importance than
what it is. No one should study for the sake of studying. Study is only a means and should
not be made an end. We want to study to resolve all the problems in our lives in the light of
our Christianity.
The purpose of our study is to give Christians and authentic apostolic formation.
Formation:
Formation is to give form. It is more than information. It is the exercise and perfection
of our Christian virtues. Works are what gives form to our lives.
Apostolic:
Projecting into our environment these virtues we have acquired and exercised. The seller
must know something about the product and the buyer. In order for our actions to be
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effective we must know Christ and the people we want to spread His message to. By
knowing more about Christ and our brothers and sisters, we are then better able to serve the
Lord in spreading His message to them.
Once our apostolic action is thought out, we have to launch ourselves without fear,
knowing that the Lord’s promises do not fail and that the Holy Spirit will put words of
efficacy in the mouths of His apostles.
6. MEANS FOR STUDY
We have said that study is a means for our apostolic formation. It is only logical that if
by studying we become better instruments of God, then it is true that the phrase “an hour of
study is an hour of prayer.” But to study we will need certain means. There are several
means that help us know God’ gift and his plan in all things.
A. Books:
Books are the primary source for study. There is a vast amount of printed material on the
market and in the libraries. The biggest task is selecting books that will help my goal of a
Christ-centred mind for a Christ-centred life.
Don’t just read good books, read only the best: Holy Scriptures, the Catechism of the
Catholic Church, II Vatican Council Documents, the lives of the saints, etc.
(Suggest some other books, audio CDs, videos, magazines)
B. Acts:
Study Groups, get-togethers, etc. – whether at home, a coffee shop, a restaurant, etc.
Workshops, and seminars are sources of study.
Sample of a Witness
[The rollista may provide an example of sharing about Christ with others over a cup of
coffee, meal, meeting, etc., can also serve as a means of study.]
7. STUDY, AN AID TO PIETY
Without study people are generally “standard” and their piety may become overly
exaggerated sentimentality or else may become diminished by superficiality. Study gives
necessary meaning to our piety. We need, therefore, to truly study but to always know that it
is not precisely to be a theologian but to be saints. To be saints is precisely the only thing
that can truly interest us because it is the one thing that God is calling us to.
8. CONCLUSION
A. God will be more pleased by piety without study than by study without piety,
however, neither of these is ideal.
B. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells us: “So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father
is perfect.” (Mt. 5:48)
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C. Let’s not waste time reading just good books or listening to good audio CDs or tapes,
etc.; let’s read, listen and use only the best materials available to us. The Christian, through
study, will find the way to put his mind and heart at the service of the Truth. Christ Jesus!
Our Ideal!
Christian study gives direction and growth to our progressive conversion by helping us to
discern the will of God in our lives and by helping us to reform our mentality.
We are called top perfection but we can never reach perfection unless we apply every
aspect of our humanity. We must continue to grow in our relationship with Jesus each and
every day. A life that includes study as an essential element will ensure growth individually
and as a member of the larger community.
Example: The stone and the sponge:

If we soak a stone and a sponge in water, both will get wet. While the stone will only get
wet on the outside, the sponge gets soaked on the inside as well. The same happens with
our study, it should not only soak us externally but internally as well. Like sponges we
are able to pour out the waters of our Christianity to soak all those surrounding us with
the living water, Jesus Christ.
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Chapter 4 – Rollos – Sacraments
SACRAMENTS
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SACRAMENTS
SYNTHESIS
On this second day of the Cursillo®, we recall that the focus of the day is to foster the
encounter with Christ, with the consequent call to conversion. For the candidate the
morning’s meditation, the “Person of Christ” will have led them to a deeper awareness of the
humanity of the Lord. Some may come to understand his humanity for the first time. In the
Piety rollo they have heard how one person, in his or her humanity has responded to God’s
invitation to the friendship of grace, how he or she has lived in “habitual (sanctifying) grace”
and has responded, even if imperfectly to “actual grace.” The sacraments are presented as
special ways through which Jesus’ sacred humanity continues to be operative in this world.
Sacraments are means through which sanctifying (habitual) grace is communicated in order
to empower the person to respond to the actual graces that are proper to one’s state in life.
Because of the content and the extent of the material to be covered (remembering once
again that this is not meant to be an exhaustive treatise on sacraments) it is recommended that
the rollista speak for approximately 45 minutes and then, after a 10 minute break, resume for
another 45 minutes. These two segments present the definition and basics of the sacraments.
As well as covering all of the sacraments except for the Eucharist which will be explained as
the homily of the celebration of the day’s Mass. It is strongly recommended that this
celebration of the Eucharist follow immediately after the presentations on the rest of the
sacraments as the candidates may begin their visits to the Blessed Sacrament. The priest may
share this rollo with a deacon or vowed religious.
The rollista should be very conscious of the day’s schedule! Every element of the
Cursillo® is necessary for the dynamic to function correctly. The allotted time is required for
every rollo, meditation, Decuria (table discussion), personal contact, meals, and free times.
Neither religious profession nor ordination gives us permission not to adhere to the schedule.
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SACRAMENTS
OUTLINE
1. THE MEANING OF “SIGNS”

A. Christ as Sign, as the fundamental Sacrament
B. Church as sacrament of Christ
C. Definition of sacrament
D. Purpose of the sacraments
E. Grace of the sacraments
F. How Sacraments work
2. SACRAMENTS OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION

A. Baptism
B. Confirmation
C. (N.B. The Eucharist will be treated in the homily)
3. SACRAMENTS OF HEALING
A. Reconciliation
B. Anointing of the Sick
4. SACRAMENTS AT THE SERVICE OF COMMUNION

A. Matrimony
B. Holy Orders
(1) Bishop
(2) Deacon
(3) Presbyter (priest)
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Chapter 4 – Rollos – Action
ACTION
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ACTION
THEME
The sole value of apostolic action is that it is a consequence of being Christian. Action
that is not an expression of intimacy does not have the force of efficacy, because it does not
truly take on the unmistakeable mark of a vital commitment; at the most it serves to pacify
those who believe that by having a certain quota of activities they have fulfilled their
obligation.
NOTE
The real definition of Action: Being Christian without action is equal to not being
Christian. An action without being Christian ends up not being an action. In order to have an
apostolate one needs to be an Apostle.
WHAT IS ACTION?
We are referring to apostolic action: which is the exercise of the power of love; and that
through the combination of exercising both supernatural and human powers drives us to
expand the Kingdom of God.
Necessity:
A. Internal and vital for ourselves. There is no Christian life without Christian
action. The Christian doesn’t know rest; he can’s cross his arms and do nothing.
B. External and vital for others. The world needs a living ferment mixed into it,
acting as a leavening agent;
C. Essential for the Church, “Go and preach to all the people.”
Elements:
 Head, Will, Arms, Knees. All the faculties of man at the service of God.
Qualities:
 Rational, resolute enthusiastic, constant, supernatural and apostolic. All actions at
the service of God.
Methods:
A. Make friends, by means of our initiative.
B. Become friends, by making them want our “living together.”
C. Make them friends with Christ, showing them that the maximum proof of our
friendship is making them friends with Christ.
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SITUATION
This is the third rollo of the second day, usually given right after Lunch. Because of the
timing, it may be difficult to catch their attention.
ATMOSPHERE
At this point in time most of them are living in Grace. The Cursillistas have been warmed
up by the Piety rollo, their prejudices against Study have been cleared away and their souls
have been stirred up by the Sacraments rollo, they’re ready to have their horizons widened to
greater things.
OBJECTIVE
The Piety rollo has awakened a restlessness in them to “do something,” and in the Action
rollo they are presented with a specific way to do this; achieving the realisation in them that
Christianity is a great adventure; that all those who truly look, in times of difficulty, will find
the help they need; and all this is based on the commandment of Christ to “Love God above
all things and love your neighbour as yourself.” This is the consequence and application of
the “Layperson in the Church” rollo.
TECHNIQUE
The rollo is an explanation of apostolic action. The theoretical foundations are laid and
then explained and reinforced by using personal example from the Rollista’s own life.
STYLE
It is necessary to expose the theme of this rollo like an adventure that demands a
response. This rollo should be given with clarity of the outline, convincing and cheerful.
This rollo is a necessary consequence of our active Christianity that forms the basis of and
essence of the Cursillo®.
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ACTION
OUTLINE
1. INTRODUCTION
A. The Christian life is expressed in three distinct elements: Piety, Study and Action.
(1) Piety – Empowers us to love and attract others to do likewise. It is the giving
of our whole lives to God.
(2) Study – Helps us to establish a better relationship with God and His Will.
(3) Action – Is the completion or perfection of Piety. It is the consequence of
being a Christian; an expression of our desire to share God’s love.
B. Human maturity is marked by harmony and balance in the psychological,
intellectual, spiritual and social areas of life.
C. Christian maturity is marked by harmony and balance in the three aspects of our
Christian life (Piety, Study and Action).
D. All of us are called to a personal conversion marked by a fundamental change in
the direction of our lives.
E. Christianity is more than,
(1) An individual relationship with God (Piety);
(2) A series of truths to be learned (Study);
(3) A program to better mankind’s place in the world;
(4) A program to “preach” the Gospel.
F. Christianity is the whole of life.
(1) The acceptance of the life and love of God so commits and radically changes a
person that it affects and changes the whole community or communities to
which that person belongs.
(2) All relationships with others are summed up in God’s words to Cain: “Where
is your brother; What have you done to your brother?” (Gen. 4:9)
2. WHAT IS ACTION?
A. When our motivations for action are elevated and empowered by Grace for the
spreading of God’s Kingdom, our acts become apostolic, beyond.
(1) Human actions motivated by friendship, brotherhood, neighbourliness;
(2) “Christian Acts” – doing Christian things.
B. Distinguish between human, Christian, and Apostolic Actions – Apostolic Action
(Action) is both an expression and a consequence of our love for God, a
realisation that we are sent to love our neighbour (Paul VI, On Evangelisation in
the Modern World, No. 41, No. 46).
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C. Our action, by God’s design, is tied into His plan of salvation. Use Moses or
Abraham as an example (Vatican II: Constitution on the Church, No. 33; Decree
on the Apostolate of the Laity, No. 1).
D. Action is an all-encompassing term – Action includes many specific actions we
take to help others (food kitchens, St. Vincent De Paul Society, etc.), it may be
Christian acts (teach C.C.D., lector, Eucharistic Minister, etc.) but the focus of
action in the context of this talk and in the Cursillo® is all of this with the added
thrust of Apostolic Action; those actions we plan and implement as instruments of
the Lord to bring someone or a group of people (Environment) closer to Christ. It
is well beyond human and Christian actions. It is an integral part of the concept of
action and the transformation of all society.
[Rollista should provide short examples of each form of Action – emphasise
Apostolic Action.]
3. FALSE CONCEPTS OF ACTION
A. Church or civil organisations (“My” organisation).

B. Normal, civilised good behaviour.
C. Only at times when one “feels” like it or when it allows the doer to be in the
spotlight.
D. An option, rather than an essential of Christian life.
E. Many may believe that Action, and especially Apostolic Action within Action, is
something that we engage in solely within our Church or civic organisations.
Others see Action as being solely normal, civilised good behaviour.
[Rollista may provide examples of each form of Action – emphasise Apostolic
Action.]
4. AUTHENTIC ACTION
A. Mature Christians are persons empowered by God’s love; their action always
springs from love of God and love of neighbour.
(1) What is Love? – St. Paul describes Christian love when he writes to the
Corinthians (Read 1 Cor . 13).
(2) We are being called to a personal conversion marked by a fundamental change
in the direction of our lives in all of our relationships.
(3) Love is more than showing affection, or simply an emotional expression or
giving of gifts. It is more than the manipulation of others, even under the
guise of helping them.
(4) Love is having the attitude of Christ towards another person.
a. He treats me as a unique individual.
b. He gives Himself to me, as I know myself to be.
(Do not Elaborate)
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c. He gives Himself faithfully, passionately, constantly, and completely.

(5) The total giving of oneself to another for the love of God is the measure of a
person’s human and spiritual development.
(6) True love fulfils the Call of the Cross. (Matt. 16: 24-25).
B. Bringing God’s love to the world. Our task is to discover God’s will for us so that
all we do at all times will make God’s love real to our world (Vatican II, Pastoral
Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, No. 43).
(1) Every act flows from two conditions:
a. My encounter with Christ – it is self-giving, not self-centred (Vatican II,
Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, No. 4);
b. My encounter with my brothers and sisters:
[1] Who are uniquely different;
[2] Who are called to develop their own potentials, and,
[3] To live their own life styles.
(2) Authentic action is a consequence of being Christian.
a. United to Christ by grace;
b. Normal, in accord with our talents and life styles;
c. Motivated by love of God and of others.
(3) The doer is Good News to self and to others.
a. The proclamation of the Christian message transforms people, who in turn
bring about change in structures (Paul VI, on Evangelisation in the
Modern World, No. 18, No. 19).
b. The sign of true action is revealed by the response of those around me (Mt.
7:16).
c. The will of God, our place of action, our place in His plan, is defined by
our personal way of life.
5. QUALITIES OF ACTION
A. Reasonable, rational and balanced – using one’s head.

 Head: intelligence, reflection
B. Resolute, bold and sure – love is an act of the will and is not dependent on one’s
emotions.
 Will: decision, constant
C. Enthusiastic – the joy of the Lord lifts our hearts (Phil. 4:4-5).
 Arms: action, diligence
D. Supernatural, trusting in God – Speak to God of man before speaking to man
about God.
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 Knees: prayer and sacrifice

E. All informed by the heart (love).
6. APOSTOLIC METHODS
A. Make friends:
(1) Look for them; don’t expect them to look for you. Look for those who can be
better (open to change).
(2) Find them; don’t wait for them to find you.
(3) Get close to them; don’t wait for them to get close to you.
B. Become friends:
(1) Live the Truth
(2) Be interested in them
(3) Be cheerful and optimistic
(4) Be understanding
(5) Support them
(6) Love them supernaturally, speak to them about Christ
C. Make them Friends with Christ:
For Christ: Not how we do it, or how much we do it, but who we do it for. We
are not looking for each other, only Him; we do not try to prevail; only that He
prevails. We do not want them to love us, but that they love Him. “He must
increase, while I must decrease” (Jn. 3:30).
With Christ: Living in Grace, praying. Trusting in Him. “The fact is that whether
you eat or drink, whatever you do, you should do all for the glory of God” (1 Cor.
10:31).
In Christ: Living out our Baptism, we nurture the seed planted in their souls; we
have to wake up and make their seed or faith sprout.
Like Christ: Samaritan, Zaccheus, Dismas (Good Thief). “Do you really believe
what you are proclaiming? Do you live what you believe? Do you really preach
what you live? The witness of life becomes more than ever an essential condition
for real effectiveness in preaching” (Paul VI, On Evangelisation in the Modern
World, No. 76. Also read Rom. 10:13-15).
“As the Father has sent me, so I send you” (Jn. 20:21).
[Rollista should provide a personal witness, as to how he/she has used the three
steps outlined above in his/her Apostolic Action]
If we live this way we will be able to give a positive, affirming answer to God’s
question, “What have you done to your brother?” (Gen. 4:9).
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ACTION
The rollo Action should have the tone of embarking upon an adventure; it is an
explanation of Apostolic Action. Apostles are trying to do an extra-ordinary thing – to bring
the world to Christ. The rollo should be exciting, because as the rollista unfolds the ideas and
the method, he/she is also telling stories of how God works and how the world is to be
brought to Christ. For many, if not most of the participants, this will be a new dimension of
Christianity.
The rollo should have examples/witness of apostolic action to clarify the points. The
examples do not have to be inspirational the way the examples in Leaders and Christian
Community will be. The examples/witness are instructional and clarifying, showing that the
ideas are a reality. The remainder of the rollos present through their witness the reality of the
concepts presented.
The rollo must not be dull, or most participants will literally fall asleep! It is important
that the ideas be put across with excitement but, likewise, clarity is of utmost importance to
set the stage for the following talks.
The Action rollo does not just talk of doing good deeds. To be a good parent, employee,
employer, etc., is not action. Non-Christians do the same thing. Rather, the Action rollo is
based on the commandment of Christ to “Love God above all things and love your neighbour
as yourself.” Being a good neighbour, for instance, is an important step in the role of action.
A person could not love or give of themselves (be as Christ) to their neighbour without in fact
being a good neighbour. But being a good neighbour is not automatically action. Apostolic
Action must contain a conscientious effort to build the Kingdom of God. It must strive to
renew the world in Christ and to create an atmosphere wherein people can grow in God’s
sight.
The “Action” rollo, then, centres on Christian love – the giving of self to another with the
express purpose of helping the other to grow towards God. The rollo describes the need to
befriend those people God has placed in our everyday lives. The accent is on friendship and
caring for others. The “action” rollo has set the stage for the rest of the talks. Each
succeeding rollo shows how the concepts presented in “Action” are applied in the world. The
“action” rollo presents the key to true Christian efforts – the redemptive love of the Christian
for each person in his/her life.
PREPARING THE ROLLO
The Introduction (Section 1) sums up “Piety” and “Study” and once again places the call
for personal conversion before the participants. This section is summed up by presenting
God’s word to Cain to the participants: “Where is your brother?” The remainder of the rollo
discusses what the Christian’s attitude toward others should be.
Section 2 defines the general term action. It has to make it clear that the action we are
talking about is the “Apostolic Action”: Exercising the power of Love; love of God and love
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of neighbour for God. We are not referring on just doing good deeds, doing Christian things,
belonging to a parish group or civil organisation, etc.
Section 2 then describes authentic action by separating good human efforts from Christian
efforts. The prominence of Christ in the life of the Christian underlies and provides the
motivational force for his/her acts of service and love.
Section 3 forms the heart of the rollo by discussing our Apostolic Action not only as a
consequence but as a necessity of serving God becoming the “Good News” ourselves; a
Christian love. It sums up all of the previous talks on the Christian’s approach to life and
points out that self-giving is a measure of a person’s human and spiritual development. In
this way it is a logical extension of the “Ideal” rollo, and a consequence and application of the
rollo “Layperson in the Church”.
Section 4 deals with the elements we need to employ so our Apostolic Action be
efficacious. All our human faculties put at the service of God.
Section 5 defines the qualities of action. All our potential at the service of God. In order
for apostolic action to be effective, it needs to include certain qualities. It is necessary to
employ a great effort for God’s things. Just as we do it for other things of less importance,
then we should not limit what we do for God. It is necessary to place all our human efforts to
the service of God.
Section 6 introduces the Cursillo’s method of action through personal contact by

describing how to, “Make a friend, and bring your friend to Christ.” It re-assures that this
final step is accomplished only when done for Christ, with Christ, in Christ, and like Christ.
To make friends is achieved in many different ways. In our case, since it is about
Christianity, it consists of an exemplary life. The example attracts and the witness draws.
But an exemplary life is not sufficient to obtain the third step of the action method (to bring
them to Christ). A true apostolate searches to find opportunities to announce Christ; it is here
where we fail. Daily, we are presented with opportunities to announce Christ, His love, His
gospel, through normal conversation with our friend, co-worker, neighbour, children, spouse,
and other members of the family. Christ takes advantage of every occasion to attract persons
to Him: with the fisherman, with the Samaritan Woman, with Mary Magdalene, Zaccheus,
etc.
The rollo then ends with the words of Jesus, sending His Apostles (Jn 20:21).
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ACTION
SAMPLE ROLLO
(35 MINUTES)
1. INTRODUCTION
In the Piety rollo, we learned that the Christian life is expressed in three distinct elements,
they are: piety, study, and action. Action is the third leg of the tripod.
(1) Piety is directing our whole life to God. This intimate relationship with God
empowers us to love and attract others to do likewise. Piety is the base from which Action is
launched, the foundation from which the shot is fired.
(2) Study is engaging in an ongoing process that helps us to establish a better relationship
with God and to come to know His will for us. Study is the aim of action as sighting the rifle
is the aim of a well directed shot.
(3) Action then, is the consequence of being Christian; The Lord asked Cain, “Where is
your brother Abel?” Action is then an expression of our desire to share God’s love. At the
end of the Piety rollo it was said that Action is the completion or perfection of Piety.
2. DEFINITION
Action in general:
Action is exercising a power; exercising our human powers (head, will, and senses) which
allow us to reach our ideals.
 To walk, to move a chair from where it stands we exercise our physical power.
 To study for an exam, we exercise our intellectual power.
Apostolic Action:
 Exercising the power of Love; love of God and love of neighbour for God; that, based
on exercising of those supernatural and human powers impel us to spread the
Kingdom of God.
The sole value of apostolic action is that it is a consequence of being Christian:
 Being Christian without action is equal to not being Christian. An action without
being Christian ends up not being an action. In order to have an apostolate one needs
to be an apostle.
The term “Action” in this rollo refers to “Apostolic Action”.
A. If our next door neighbour needs a ride to the grocery store, to the pharmacy, or needs
to borrow a lawn mower; we help them. These are human actions.
When our motivation for action are elevated and empowered by grace for the spreading of
God’s kingdom, our evangelistic efforts become apostolic, beyond everyday human actions
which are motivated by friendship, brotherhood, and neighbourliness.
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B. Apostolic action also goes beyond “Christian” actions; which is doing Christian
things. For instance, visiting the sick or delivering meals to the elderly out of a sense of what
God calls us to do and because we feel compassion for others and want to help them. This is
Christian action.
C. Apostolic action is both an expression and a consequence of our love for God. What
the Cursillo® Movement means by Apostolic action is taking our Christian actions a step
further. The example of visiting the sick or delivering food to others, giving a ride to
somebody to the pharmacy becomes apostolic when we become instruments of the Lord
bringing the Good News as well, so those who receive the meals or the favour become aware
of Christ in their life.
Jesus did many miracles, He cured the sick, the blind, He raised the dead, etc., but beyond
that, Jesus was more concerned with the spiritual life of the people; He was always preaching
to the people and to His disciples. The Gospel narrates all His works. The Gospel of St.
Mark tells us a story of a paralysed man that was brought to Jesus so He can cure him.
“Because of the crowd, however, they could not get the man to Him. So they made a hole in
the roof right above the place where Jesus was. When they had made an opening, they let the
man down, lying on his mat. Seeing how much faith they had, Jesus said to the paralysed
man, ‘My son, your sins are forgiven.’” (Mark 2:4-5) All the effort was so Jesus will cure the
man; instead, Jesus forgave his sins... We know that the narration continues and Jesus also
cured the man.
Jesus wants the same from us, that we also be more interested on helping in their spiritual
life, so they can be close to Him. We need to do good and then take our actions a step
further.
To feed the hungry is good, to clothe the naked is good, but if we forget to introduce them
to Christ, we forget the punch line; we have only half the Gospel; we miss the part most vital
to our mission from Christ, the part most vital to the life of the person I am befriending.
We cannot consider our actions to be apostolic if all we do is to be kind and considerate

towards our neighbours. A non-Christian and non-believer can perform good deeds, and act
in a civil manner.
3. NECESSITY FOR ACTION
Apostolic Action is necessary as an incitement, resonance and an expression of our life in

Grace and our action is necessary to communicate Christ, our apostolate: the perfection of
our Piety – to communicate the Grace in us to others.
Our Apostolic Action is necessary through three points of view:

(1) Internal and vital for us – what it means for us (in order to live the Christian Ideal).
(2) External and vital for others – what it means for others (in order to bring them to
Christ).
(3) Essential in the Church – what it means for us as Church (for us to become the “Good
News”).
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A. Internal and vital for us.

We are the power of Christianity, and all power demands action as a vital necessity, since
the characteristic of one’s life is reinforced, developed, strengthened, and are perfected by
means of action. Where there is no action, there is no life. If the heart is not pumping, there
is no life. If the lungs are not working, soon there is no life. If the muscles are not used, soon
they wither.
Being Christian is to live the life of Grace 24 hours a day.
Our apostolic work is not limited only to those times when we feel like it or when the
particular apostolic action allows us to be in the spotlight. Action is not a hobby. It is part of
our vocation as lay people.
All vital power condemned to inaction becomes sterile, atrophies, and dies.
We are the vanguard of Christianity and as vanguards we cannot know rest.
“Always maintain a spirit of conquest” (Pius XII).
There is not Christian life without apostolic action. We are the Church we are the
branches; Christ is the Vine. Christ willed for the branches to bear fruit, to be alive to
produce. “In this is my Father glorified that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my
disciples.” (John 15:8)
Piety is life and this life needs action.
B. Secondly, my Apostolic Action is External and vital for others.

The world suffers from corruption. Life cannot spring from corruption, but from a living
ferment that, when put into dough, acts as a leavening agent. We need to be, “a Christian
example and guide for a world that is extremely ill” (Pius XII).
We need to be apostles of today, living in Grace hand in hand with our brothers and
sisters to conquer everyone for Christ. God works through persons to bring others to Him.
Christians, exercising apostolic action, are God’s people. His apostles for the
Christianisation of the world. “You did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you,
that you should go and bear much fruit.” (John 14:16) This is God’s will.
And, He has put many people in our path:
 Our spouse... parents
 Our friends, neighbours, family
 Our co-workers, employees, supervisors...
 Persons in your environments
Saint Paul told the first Christians “the hour to awake is now”; Pope John Paul II told us
“We are in need of a new Evangelisation.” One must go out and awaken so many that have
never heard the message of Christ.
The moment has arrived to come out of our homes, to come out of our routine in our job
and in our daily living, to seek others, with a spirit of conquest. You are in a Cursillo® in
Christianity, and have heard the voice of our Lord Jesus, “Let no one remain asleep.”
Spontaneous generation would be a miracle and God does not reward our laziness. We
must seek out people where they are, so that nobody can complain not to have known the
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happiness of the life in Grace. If we do not win them over, they will overtake us. “The time
for action IS NOW.” (Pius XII)
C. My Apostolic Action is essential in the Church.

Without our action, without the action of each baptised the Church would not be able to
carry out the mission which was entrusted to it by Christ.
It is not a matter of “doing Christian things”, it is not a brotherhood for religious parades
during Holy Week. “Go and preach to all people” says the Lord. The Church is “go and
preach” not “stay and comment”. The essential of Christianity is to live and to participate in
such a way that the Gospel makes new the Good News, living our Christianity each moment
with vigour and joy.
Our life in Grace needs to be apostolic; the Church to be Church needs our witness, the
world needs our action.
Only when our life of Grace has apostolic projection, and our professional and social
Christian life becomes a witness of Church can we attain what is pretended: to save souls and
transform the world.
We must be active participants in the apostolic hierarchy.
4. ELEMENTS
Our apostolic action can be efficacious if we apply certain elements: head, will, arms,
knees. All informed by the heart (love).
A. Head: My action will be performed making use of my intelligence; planning, knowing

what I am doing; after giving it due consideration and reflection. As laypersons, each one of
us has a mission to personify Christ in all the circumstances of our lives – at work, sports,
social events and in our families. We need to take advantage of the moment’s grace, but the
Christian must learn to be sensitive to the moments when they arise (for often they are
subtle), and the Christian must learn to make the moments happen, by what they say, act, and
do.
What we propose is more than saving souls, what we propose is to “vertebrae
Christianity” which is the only way of saving our world. The building of love (through
friendship) is not accidental, but is the result of time and effort to know and understand other
people.
B. Will: My action will be performed in line with a well formed judgement. It is simply
the decision of doing what I proposed on doing.
C. Arms: The arms are simply the human part of our action. It is the actual “doing” of
what was proposed. My action will be performed with diligence. If I just think, plan and
make the decision to do an action and then for any given reason, I don’t execute it, I have just
wasted some very precious time and missed an opportunity to build the Kingdom.
D. Knees: Prayer and sacrifice. My action will be performed with perfect reliance on the
power of God, realising that God can accomplish miracles through me which I, in my
weakness cannot even attempt. I will pray and ask Jesus to work with me; I need to get
Christ involved in all my situations. It is Christ who brings success: “Without me, you can do
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nothing.” (John 15:5) I need to get others to do Palanca for my intentions and situations as I
would do for them as well. Our knees are the great “Palancas” of the Apostle.
All informed by the heart (love).
5. QUALITIES OF ACTION
There are six qualities that are included in every act of action. They are: Rational,
Resolute, Enthusiastic, Constant, Supernatural and Apostolic.
A. Rational – We need to empower our intelligence; think and plan our action.
B. Resolute, bold, and sure – Our action must be decisive. The action we don’t do
ourselves, nobody will do it either.
C. Enthusiastic – If we lack enthusiasm for what we say we believe, and for what we say
fulfils all our expectations, how can anyone else be attracted to what we believe? Others will
not be attracted to us, and ultimately to Jesus, if we are insincere, depressed, or always
negative. God fills our hearts with joy! We cannot hide it. We must let people see this joy
and enthusiasm for His work.
D. Constant – It is an ongoing desire, not a one-time hit or miss approach. Apostolic
action is not necessarily easy, for it requires self-sacrifice and effort. Imagine what would
have happen if the person responsible for you to be here had given up an hour before you
agreed to attend to the Cursillo®. Christians must never become discouraged, for they should
know that God rewards their efforts a hundredfold.
E. Supernatural – Always trusting in God – this is the quality which enables everything
else to happen. We must always remember to “speak to God about our friend before
speaking to our friend about God.”
F. Apostolic – Everything we do we do it for the Lord; not for our own “glory”, but the
Glory of our Lord. An expression and a consequence of our love for God and neighbour.
6. APOSTOLIC METHOD
So that our apostolic action has efficacy we need to apply the best method that we may
know. This method consists of three steps: To make a friend, to be a friend, and bring your
friend to Christ.
A. Make a friend – This is probably the easiest step. We can’t expect them to look for
you; we need to look for them. All it takes is the will to take the first step; to make the first
introduction to this person with whom you desire to be your friend. A simple hello may start
the entire process; maybe a common interest, like children, school activities, or work
interests. All we need is the desire to become friendly with another person. Look for those
who can be better (open to change).
B. Become friends – The next step is to really become a friend. This step takes time. In
order to become a true friend, we must have a genuine interest in the other person. We must
take the time to get to know him/her, their likes and dislikes, hobbies, etc. Be interested in
them and think of them and their needs before your own. Love them spiritually as God loves
us. Always live for the truth. It is important that we be authentic, honest and sincere when
we share our lives with them. There is no gain in pretence. It can only shatter the
relationship when the truth becomes known.
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C. Make them Friends with Christ – The final step is to bring your friend to Christ. Lest
we believe that we are doing this, alone, it is important for all of us to remember that this
final step is accomplished only when done for Christ, with Christ, in Christ and like Christ.
(1) For Christ: Not how we do it, or how much we do it, but who we do it for. We are
not looking for each other, only Him; we do not try to prevail; only that He prevails. We do
not want them to love us, but that they love Him.
(2) With Christ: Living in Grace, praying. Trusting in Him. Jesus is beside us, and
sometimes carrying us, every step of the way.
(3) In Christ: Living out our Baptism, we nurture the seed planted in their souls; we have
to wake up and make their seed or faith sprout.
(4) Like Christ: I must act with the qualities of Jesus. I must give witness to my life in
Christ. I must show that I am trying to live the life that I am talking about. Jesus was a
witness to His preaching (Zaccheus, Dismas (Good Thief), Samaritan Woman, etc.). Am I?
We need to actualise the saying: “Love one another”, even those whom we consider our
enemies. Like Jesus said in Mt. 5:44.
[Rollista should witness to how he/she has used this method set forth above in his/her
action efforts. It is important that the witness be related to efforts of apostolic action, not
Christian action alone or simple good human action.]
“Go throughout the whole world and preach the Gospel to all people” (Mk 16:15). “As
the Father has sent me, so I send you” (John 20:21). Jesus sent His Apostles, now he sends
you to love and serve your neighbour through Apostolic Action.
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Chapter 4 – Rollos – Obstacles to a life of Grace
OBSTACLES TO A LIFE OF GRACE
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SYNTHESIS
Much of the candidates resistance to receive the message of Cursillo® will have been
overcome by the time this 4th rollo of the second day (emphasising the encounter with Christ
and the call to conversion) of the Cursillo® is presented. Many of the candidates are
beginning to look beyond the Cursillo® weekend: “How can I continue what I have lived
here?” “What difficulties am I going to face when I return home, to my job etc.?” This rollo
serves as a preparation for the “Leaders” rollo which is to follow. “Obstacles” prepares the
way for “Leaders” so that the candidate will be “fully competent and equipped for every good
work” (2 Tim. 3:17).
In “Obstacles to a life of Grace,” the candidates are challenged to face the stark, painful
reality of sin – not in a pessimistic, defeatist manner but through the victorious overcoming,
in Christ, of their complicity in the sin of the world. They are called to face the truth of their
sin in order to encounter in Christ the “truth that will set you free.” This is not the time to
expound on particular sins, nor is it a denunciation of a particular sin which draws out the
rollista’s ire.
Emphasis is placed on the fundamental truth of the Gospel, by which we understand sin
as constituting a barrier to living the life of grace which makes us “fully human, fully alive”.
This rollo is not meant to be a complete course in Christian asceticism. Rather, the
candidates are presented with the grandeur of grace which triumphs over the tremendous
vacuum left by sin in the human heart – “Where sin abounds, grace all the more abounds.”
“Obstacles” should not emphasise the individualistic experience of sin (and grace) at the
expense of our solidarity in sin as well as in grace.
Sufficient time is to be given to the exposition of some of the principle remedies for sin,
concretely demonstrating that sin should not “have the last word.” If possible, especially
subsequent to this rollo, the Sacrament of Reconciliation should be made available to the
candidates during free time or when the Rector(a) indicates that it is available (during the
Rosary, etc., but not during rollos or meditations; always, of course, respecting their
freedom).
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OUTLINE
1. INTRODUCTION – SUMMARY OF PRIOR SPIRITUAL ROLLOS
2. GOD’S PLAN – LOVE REACHES OUT TO THE BELOVED
3. HOW DO WE KNOW GOD’S PLAN?

A. Conscious
B. Scripture
C. Magisterium of the Church
4. SIN – THE MISUSE OF HUMAN LIBERTY THROUGH THE REJECTION OF

GOD’S LOVING PLAN AND OFFER OF FRIENDSHIP
5. CATALYSTS THAT FOSTER SIN

A. World – what is outside the person that is conducive to sin; “Structures of sin”
B. Flesh – what is within the person that tends to rebel against God’s plan
C. Devil – how he frequently manipulates (subtly) the “world” and the “flesh”
6. REMEDIES FOR SIN

A. Sacraments of Reconciliation
B. Mortification – “putting to death” what is not of God
C. Prayer
D. Spiritual Direction
E. Contact with other Christians )the value of friendship in living the life of grace)
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Chapter 4 – Rollos – Leaders
LEADERS
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LEADERS
THEME
Lay leaders are those who have heard the call of the Lord, launching themselves into an
apostolic action that is the expression of a convinced and dynamic disposition so that they
reflect Christ in all they say and do.
Leaders are a truly diverse group. They are not asked to abdicate their freedom or
personality as children of God, but to project them to the infinite. Leaders also possess a
spontaneous combination of human and supernatural qualities that they work to progressively
strengthen.
NOTE
The rollista must be spontaneously lively, normal and realistic in their description of these
qualities.
LEADERS CONSCIOUS OF THEIR MISSION
The baptised, incorporating a Christian axis within their personality, see clearly the
requirements of their baptism and are actively trying to accomplish it by pushing themselves
to the limits of their possibilities.
They must be:
Laypersons, saints, apostles, men of their times, in line with the Magisterium of the
Church.
Natural Qualities:
They have a truly human personality, centred on a Christian axis.
Supernatural Qualities:
Developing the inexhaustible potential of their baptism.
SITUATION
The last rollo of the second day. By this time most of the Cursillistas are now living in
Grace.
ATMOSPHERE
At this point in time the atmosphere is becoming decidedly channelled in such a way that
it weighs heavily on those who are unwilling or undecided, causing them to have an intense
internal feeling of discontent if they are not yet fully participating in the Cursillo®.
Generally, though, this time is characterised by a growing interest on the part of all the
candidates.
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OBHECTIVE
We must try to win over their hearts and minds. Try and ensure that everyone who
wishes to has an opportunity to speak to a priest. By this time almost everyone should have
had an encounter with Christ and they are starting to discern what Christ is calling them to do
for Him. To give depth and permanency to their joy.
TECHNIQUE
Use personal testimony to illustrate what is being explained. The rollo should be given in
a controlled manner that shows the certainty and conviction of the person giving it.
STYLE
The exposition needs to be natural, sincere, convincing and convinced.
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LEADERS
OUTLINE
1. INTRODUCTION
A. We are not being asked to undertake any special task, carry all others’ burdens or
leave your world to join Cursillo®.
B. Tomorrow we will return to our places in the world, places God wants to be saved:
(1) With a new awareness of our link to His plan of salvation.
(2) With the desire to contribute all our talents; with the desire to insert into the world
the light and power of the Gospel.
C. When on that day, we, as a nucleus of people empowered by the love of Christ:
(1) Commit ourselves entirely to the service of others, and
(2) Centre our lives and our actions in Christ, through Christ and with Christ.
Our part in the mission of the Church, the Christian transformation of society, will have
begun. On that day we will be true Christian Leaders.
2. DEFINITION
A. We are not speaking of those who are “highly placed”, who have great wealth or who
are prominent in the world or even those who have a talent for organising others.
B. Definition: Leaders are those who, with their person and conduct, influence the
thoughts and actions of others. They orient, guide and direct.
(1) They make decisions without waiting for them to be made by others. Their
decisions influence the decisions of others.
(2) Their opinions are listened to. Their opinions will engender opinions among
others.
(3) They attract people, people follow where they lead. Their attitudes stir up similar
attitudes among other people.
(4) The leader knows what he/she wants, why he/she wants it, what he/she wants it
for, and how he/she wants to achieve it.
3. NATURAL QUALITIES OF A LEADER
Each of us is unique and we must remain so, but all leaders share certain natural qualities
which make them effective. They must know:
A. The ideal: what is proposed; where it leads; what it wants to achieve.
B. The reality: the environment in which one moves; the problems of the men who
surround one; dealing with each one according to his character and temperament;
adjusting; adapting.
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They must have:

A. Discipline: accepting God’s Will in all His manifestations.
B. Warmth: mutual understanding, joy, the Grace of God which is the source of
authentic joy.
Their qualities are:
(1) The spirit of initiative.
(2) The ability to risk.
(3) A sense of responsibility.
(4) Personal authenticity.
(5) Generosity.
A. The Spirit of Initiative.
(1) The ability to reach our own decisions.
(2) The courage to act upon our decisions. (On Evangelisation in the Modern World,
No. 74, pp. 49-50).
(3) Cooperation with others.
B. Ability to Risk.
(1) We must not fail to act just because it is possible we may be wrong – fear allows
much evil to be thrust upon others.
(2) We must be willing to observe, judge what seems right and then act. (Eph. 6: 18-
20) (Phil. 4:13).
(3) We must be willing to stand alone.
(4) We must be willing to risk ourselves where justice is required.
(5) We must be willing to stand aside and wait and pray before acting if we believe
that is what the Holy Spirit would have us do (Isaiah 30:15).
C. Sense of Responsibility.
The leader is one who feels responsible for a mission.
D. Authenticity.
(1) Be truthful with ourselves.
(2) Be what we are suited to be.
(3) Be what we say we are.
E. Generosity.
Give:
 What we have;
 What we are;
 What we can become,
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Give of ourselves totally.

F. These natural qualities must be continually developed and perfected, but they can
only be put into the service of the Lord to the degree that they are formed around a
Christian axis through the development of the supernatural qualities.
4. SUPERNATURAL QUALITIES
A. Living Faith:
(1) To give credence to the vision of a living, personal God who wants my salvation.
(2) Liberates because it implies a conversion that is always in progress (The
Fundamental Ideas of the Cursillo Movement, No. 29, p. 24).
(3) A continuous encounter with God in Christ.
(4) The universal “Yes” to God, personal, mature and dynamic.
(5) Reflected in the witness of our normal daily life (Mt. 17:20).
B. Hope: To believe in the impossible and live as if it were a reality: by our hope we
make it a possibility (1 Cor. 1:18).
(1) Hope conquerors discouragement: Victory will come to the person who, having
trusted in God, commits himself/herself to freeing others to live in Christ (Rom.
12:12).
(2) To hope is not to dream, but forms the basis upon which dreams become reality
(Heb. 11:1).
(3) Hope stems from our knowledge that the Lord is with us.
(4) Hope is not just based upon the promise of eternal life to come but upon
knowledge that eternity begins with our actions here and now to build the
Kingdom of God, to free others from their slavery, whether self-imposed or
imposed on them by others.
“I am with you always, even to the end of the world” (Mt. 28:20).
C. Love: The giving of self to others in service.
Love – It is not just another virtue; it is the virtue which gives feeling, vigour and
effectiveness to all other virtues.
(1) Love – is to reach in and touch the hearts of others as Christ would (Rom. 12:10).
(2) Our judgement by God will be based solely upon our service to others (Mt. 25:34-
40; Rom. 13:8b).
(3) All else we do has no value, unless it is done in the spirit of service to others.
(4) We must imitate Christ as when He
(5) Love – starts fresh each day, putting the pain of yesterday behind (Vatican II,
Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, No. 8).
(6) Love – acts to bring to a world based upon injustice and oppression (Decree on
the Apostolate of the Laity, No. 29).
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D. Humility.
(1) ▪ Is not thinking less of ourselves than others;

▪ is not having a low opinion of our own gifts;
▪ it is the freedom not to think about ourselves at all.
(2) Humility stems from our awareness of our abilities next to the greatness, the
majesty, the generosity of God (Eph. 2:8-10).
(3) Humility also stems from our awareness that every other person, no matter what
he/she may appear to be, has a special gift or talent, a touch that is theirs alone.
(4) Humility allows us to recognise each of our talents and their worth, allowing us to
put them to proper use for God.
Humility nourishes all the other virtues and facilitates grace (James 4:6). The proud
person sees himself as the source of his talents, therefore with the right to use them as
he sees fit. The humble person recognises God as the source and accepts the
responsibility to use God’s gifts well.
5. CHRISTIAN LEADERS
Are those who combine natural leadership with Christian virtue.

A. Knowing how to live their response to God’s call, which is to accept and respond to
their vocations in life.
B. Conscious of the need to use their talents in the world for the service of the Kingdom
and salvation in Jesus Christ (Paul VI, On Evangelisation in the Modern World, No.
70, pp. 46-47).
C. Christian Leaders are those who,
(1) Use all of their God-given human resources as if everything de[pended on them
while they,
(2) Pray, as if everything depended on the Lord (2 Cor. 4:7).
D. They are saturated with the Gospel, accepting responsibilities for their world and
committed to improving their world.
E. Christian leaders are involved in the world.
(1) Christians must accept the responsibility to bring Christ’s love and compassion
and wisdom to bear on the affairs of the world: we know God’s response, let it be
ours (John 3: 16-17).
(2) Another person’s pain is ours, especially man’s cruelty to man. We must be as
Christ to ease the burden. What is our response? (Gal. 6:2).
(3) Rather than running from sin and the world, we respond by the example of our
lives to bring all environments of the world towards Christ (Vatican II,
Constitution on the Church, No. 36).
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(4) It is not necessary to be a censor or a preacher. Our counter-testimony to the ways

of injustice, immorality, and lack of love and concern in the world must be
attractive to others by its truth, as evidenced in our own self-giving.
(5) Christian leaders cannot hide from the world; they enter the world and embrace it
by calling it to evangelical freedom (Paul VI, On evangelisation in the Modern
World, No. 29, pp 17-18, No. 38, pp 21-22).
F. True Christian Communities are needed in the world today.
The Christian leader calls the community:
(1) By prayerfully reading the signs of the times each day.
(2) By calling the community to prayerfully read these signs of the times and form a
communal sense of them among God’s people. (Read Chapter 6 of His Way by
Fr. David Knight, available from St. Anthony Messenger Press, 1615 Republic
St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45210.)
G. Summary.
(1) Make use of our talents.
(2) Live out our responsibilities.
(3) Engage in service to others.
In other words, live out our Baptism. Even when we lack talent, the Lord makes up
for our deficiencies, if we live in grace and give ourselves totally to Him. Christ and
I are an overwhelming majority!
6. ME, A LEADER?
A. Not everyone is good for everything but everyone is good for something. In the world
of people, each one, however insignificant they may seem has somebody who
depends on him/her, somebody to love and somebody who loves him/her. The
Christian has an advantage: we believe and therefore we experience by living that
God loves us. You are here because you are a leader in family, work and other
environments.
(1) You have been given your place in the world to influence (Rom. 10: 14-15; 2 Cor.
3:3).
(2) Often we are leaders without realising it (Eph. 5:8).
B. Continue to be a leader, but add Christ.
(1) Be Christian where we are. You are asked to bloom where you are planted.
(2) Be penetrated and saturated by Christ to penetrate and saturate all of our
environments with Christ.
(3) No one can do everything, but each one of us can do something (refer to
Mt.25:14-20 or Lk. 19:12-28; 1 Cor. 9:24).
(4) “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good people do nothing”.
Edmund Burke.
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7. CONCLUSION
A. The world will receive the Good News,

(1) Not enough evangelisers who are sad, discouraged, impatient, angry or anxious,
(2) But through those who lives radiate the joy and peace of love of Christ; those
whose lives are dedicated and consecrated to Him (2 Cor.2:14-17).
B. The day when Christ can count on a group, a nucleus of Christians who put into
action their love of God and their talents,
 offering not only what they have, but all that they have;
 guided by the Holy Spirit;
 bearing witness to the Word;
 moved by Christian love to serve the truth.
That day the prophecy will be fulfilled: “Even greater things you will see” (Jn. 1:50).
8. THE PRISON STORY can be told here as an example of a leader. (See Appendix 2.)
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LEADERS
METHOF OF PREPARING THE ROLLO
While Leaders is the most exciting and stimulating rollo of the second day and contains
much witnessing, it also contains a message that must be clearly transmitted to the
participants. It must be emphasised that each person’s ability to be a leader must be
cultivated and strengthened.
PREPARING THE ROLLO
Section 1 – The Introduction reinforces what was said in the Action rollo, that Apostolic
Action is both an expression and a consequence of our love for God. It also explains what
the leader is not.
At the same time, there are many who will still be struggling with their relationship with
God. The Introduction of the rollo and Section 2 speaks to them also, by reassuring then that
the Christian is a real person in every sense, struggling and growing to be human and holy, a
mixture of faith and doubt. These people will see through the presentation of the qualities of
a Christian leader that it is a very desirable thing to be, exemplifying the finest qualities of
humanity, fully human and fully alive.
These two sections, especially Section 2-C, clarify that all, each at their own capacity, is a
leader. The only thing that is needed, is to totally surrender to Christ.
Section 3 deals with what a Leader should be, centring in on the “Firm Proposal” by Pope
Pius X; what Baptism calls for.
Section 4 deals with the will of a Leader to be formed. Being an apostle involves hard
work and self-formation.
Section 5 is the most important part of the rollo, and the bulk of the time should be spent
there. It should inspire the leader with the idea of what might be obtained by a group of men
and women who put all their natural and supernatural abilities in the service of the noble idea
of the Christian. Examples and witness should illustrate each quality. The witness should be
set to clarify the point. The purpose of the witness or example is to show how important the
quality is in the Leader, not how great the rollista is.
A second purpose of the rollo is to show how Piety, Study, and Action are all a daily part
of the Leader’s life. This point is not made directly, but is scattered throughout the qualities,
and should be a general part of the examples and/or witnessing. The leader’s reliance on God
must be clear, but also how the leader spent a considerable human effort of their own should
be interwoven throughout. To illustrate either too much dependence on God (while
neglecting the personal effort and planning that should be involved in all Christian action of
any duration) or too much dependence on self (while neglecting God’s role in action) are
both wrong. The rollo should present a picture of a leader as one who “prays as though
everything depends on God (which it does) and acts as though everything depends on them
(which it does).”
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The Leaders rollo presents a picture to the participants of who and what a leader is. The
participants should be able to see through the description and examples of the rollista who
and what a leader is, and how to become one; especially how they can become one.
Therefore, the examples should not all be of a grand and glorious nature, but should be of a
simple enough nature that most can relate to and see a pathway to grow in. This rollo is part
of the last phase of the Cursillo®, and continues to outline to the participants the way the
Christian should approach the world as a whole. Leaders’ is the natural bridge between the
tripod of Piety, Study, and Action and the remainder of the rollos, and illustrates the life of
the effective Christian in the world. The remainder of the rollos deal specifically with how it
can be done; but Leaders should point out that it can be done.
The rollista should be one that exemplifies Christian Leadership. He/She should be the
one who has developed his/her natural and supernatural qualities to the point that he/she is a
leader in his/her environments. Examples of others help, but the most effective presentation
includes witness of the rollista’s own life. This is not an opportunity, no matter how
tempting, to present a personal witness of our conversion to a Christian way of life. The
witness begins subsequent to that point and to where the rollista is now. At the same time,
the humanness of the rollista should be made evident; all examples and/or witness should not
be instant successes, but how even through failure a person can continue to grow.
The rollo should be simple in style, forthright, and strong. The participants should be
able to visualise themselves as leaders, and be able to set a goal within themselves to
transform their lives to be even more effective. To have a rollista who dazzles all with their
abilities and stories could prevent the simple message from being transmitted – that
leadership is a capability that all people possess. Thus the witness must fit the level of the
participants in the Cursillo® so that each can see his/her place in the plan of God.
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LEADERS
SAMPLE ROLLO
(35 MINUTES)
1. INTRODUCTION
It is possible that some of you, by hearing this title may think this is not for you. As we
have just heard in the rollo Action, Apostolic Action is both an expression and a consequence
of our love for God. We are not being asked to undertake any special task, carry another’s
burden, or leave your day to day things to do something special.
In the physical world, in the constellations, the planets revolve around the stars by virtue
of the fact that the stars have more weight. The same is true in the world of people, they too
revolve around those who have more weight, more influence.
We are not talking about those who are in high places, such as presidents of corporations,
or those who have a talent for organisation such as a President of the Parent-Teachers
Associations, supervisors in an office, or the neighbourhood social event person. We are not
talking about those who have great wealth or who are prominent in the world.
We are talking about those who have more weight, more influence. Every one of us here
has the potential to become this type of leader by using our God-given talents to orient, guide,
and direct those around us to help bring about the Christian transformation of society.
2. DEFINITION
The leaders are those who lead and rule; one who influences others. Those with more
personality (the quality of being a person), formed by: More and better values (criterion);
more determination; more perseverance; and therefore, more humanity.
A. Lay Leaders are those who, having heard the call of the Lord, throw themselves
decisively into Apostolic Action, with open and balanced spirit and supernatural criterion of
efficacy.
They are the ones who personify Christ in the world in a clear, live, convincing and
truthful manner. The ones who open the path towards God.
B. Leaders are those who with their person and conduct influence the thoughts and
actions of others in their environment. They guide, orient and direct. (repeat) Their decisions
influence the decisions of others. Their opinions help form the opinions of others and their
attitudes stir up similar attitudes among other people. People who influence what happens in
a group or situation are its leaders.
A leader is one who influences those around him/her; a child, spouse, co-worker, friend,
family member, or business associate. This is a well accepted definition in society.
Those who study organisational structures and dynamics label such a leader as an “agent
of change”; one who, “regardless of status, rank or position, recognises the need for change
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and by his/her words and actions, influences the attitudes and opinions of others around
him/her to achieve the desired change.” Every environment has these “agents of change”;
they lead by what they are.
The leader knows what he wants, why he wants it, what he wants it for, and how he wants
to achieve it.
C. Not everyone is good for everything but everyone is good for something.
Yes, this applies to each one of us. We all have capabilities and possibilities within our
reach; therefore, we are good for something. When we talk about leaders, we are actually
referring to those who live in Grace and use their capabilities and possibilities to influence
others in whatever circumstances they find themselves.
In the world of people, each one, however insignificant they may seem has somebody
who depends on him/her, somebody to love and somebody who loves him/her. The Christian
has an advantage: we believe and therefore we experience by living that God loves us.
3. WHAT THE LEADER SHOULD BE LIKE
“They must be mature Catholics, convinced of their faith, solidly versed in the ways of
religion, sincerely devoted to the Church, and in particular to this Supreme Apostolic See and
Vicar of Christ on earth, persons of genuine piety, of manly virtues, of clean habits, of a life
so blameless that the qualities they may serve as an effective example to us all.” (Pius X, The
Firm Proposal).
In synthesis, the Pope does not ask of the Leader more than what Baptism demands. And
the Baptism demands everything from everyone.
The leader is one who is aware of his/her uniqueness.
The one who has control over his/her whole life, his/her interior life (attitude) and
consequently his/her actions.
He/She will live in Grace and share his/her life in Christ with others.
He/She will influence those around him/her, leading them to the life of Grace.
4. THE DETERMINING FACTOR IN FORMATION IS THE WILL TO BE

FORMED
To accomplish something, one must have a determination. To have the will to be like
Christ and lead others to Christ.
Not to be formed is to be deformed – a leader needs to take responsibility of forming

themselves and others. They need to grow in piety, study and action to become better
Christians.
5. THE SPECIFIC QUALITIES OF THE LEADER
Each of us is unique and we must remain so, but all leaders share certain natural and
supernatural qualities which make them effective.
Natural qualities:
They must know:
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A. The ideal; an ideal that makes them truly a person. What is proposed; where it leads;
what it wants to achieve and the best way of achieving it.
The ideal we want and believe is synthesised in the word “pilgrimage”. To be on a
Pilgrimage is to journey through Christ to the Father under the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
with the help of Mary and all of the saints as you bring your brothers and sisters along with
you.
B. The reality: the environments in which one moves; the problems of the persons who
surround us; dealing with each one according to his/her character and temperament. These
are the people he/she needs to know, to make friends with, become friend of, adjusting
himself/herself and adapting himself/herself, giving himself/herself for their sake. Tomorrow
we will be talking in more detail about the reality surrounding us.
They must have:
A. Discipline: accepting God’s Will in all His manifestations. A leader joyfully accepts
the discipline of his/her unique vocation as a Christian.
B. Warmth: Mutual understanding, joy. The Grace of God which is the source of
authentic joy. A Christian is always joyful. As we heard in the Piety rollo, living in graces
produces a joy that conquers all.
C. Initiative: A Christian doesn’t just wait for orders to exercise his Christianity, they
take the initiative; act decisively in a firm and constant manner. The leader is the first to
recognise the need for change and to take the steps necessary for the change to become a
reality.
D. Generosity: God wills it; giving oneself freely and enthusiastically for Christ, not
measuring the effort, always more and better. Generosity requires that we give of ourselves
totally. A leader will always give of his/her time energy and treasure, if necessary.
E. Summary: All of these natural qualities must be directed towards the achievement of a
profound human personality, centred about a Christian “axis”.
Supernatural qualities:
A. A living faith: Living faith does not simply mean belief or accepting Christian
doctrine. It is to be conscious that with Christ we are an overwhelming majority. A bold
faith, trusting in the Grace of God; knowing that we are instruments of God and expecting
everything from Him when we have given our own utmost effort. The leader with faith says:
“God can do anything and it’s exciting for me to be His instrument to get it done.”
Living faith is that which is reflected in the totality of normal daily life. It introduces the
all-powerfulness of God in any situation of life, realising that He is by one’s side, as someone
inseparable.
Jesus tells us in Matt. 17:20, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to
the mountain, move from here to there and it will move. Nothing is impossible for you.” It is
living faith such as this that we must have in our everyday lives, not to move mountains but
to lead and influence the persons we encounter to bring them closer to Christ.
B. Humility: Humility nourishes all the other virtues and facilitates grace. Let us not
confuse humility with timidity when the real cause is the lack of holy audacity. It is true
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awareness and a sense of our condition as the Lord’s instruments and of the talents that He
has granted us so that we may put them to use for Him.
The humble person recognises God as the source and accepts the responsibility to use
God’s gifts well (properly or judiciously). Humility does not consist of self-humiliation, in
other words, to put yourself down in public. We sometimes tend to believe that we are less
than the other person and therefore have a low opinion of our abilities. Humility is also
recognising that each person, regardless of what they may appear to be, has a special talent
that is exclusively theirs.
C. Hope: virtue that increases when all human hope ends. Hope is to believe in the
impossible and live as if it were a reality. By having hope, we make things possible and
overcome discouragement. It is to pray even more from the silence of the desperation.
To have hope is not about waiting for a miracle to happen, but to prepare the path, to do
everything in our power for a miracle to occur.
God is concerned with people, not with “works”. Our hope is secure in the knowledge of
Christ’s promise, Jesus himself tells us, “I will be with you always, even to the end of time.”
(Mt. 28:20)
D. Love: for a Christian, this life is nothing more than a series of opportunities to win
sanctity, and love is a definite subject on which we will be judged. Love seeks out the details
and looks out for the good of others. Love is the only true dimension of that which is
apostolic; the best and greatest demonstration of love helping others live the life of Grace.
Love is the manifestation which determines all the other virtues. It is not just another
virtue, but the one which gives feeling, vigour and effectiveness to all the other virtues. It is
interesting to see that the last and definite exam the Lord made to Peter is to ask him three
times: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” (Jn. 21:15-17), and after succeeding on the
answer is when the Lord granted the authority of the papacy He has promised him...; “Take
care of my sheep” said Jesus to him. It is also the same Christ who describes the final
judgement as an exam of love. He will not ask us: have you gone to church? Have you
frequented the Sacraments?... the question Christ is going to ask us is: Have you loved?
Love does not consist just in giving, but on giving oneself. Giving it is just a way, a
practice of love; but it is not the perfect love. One can give without loving, but one cannot
love without giving.
E. Summary:
All these qualities must be played together like the keys of a piano to produce a
symphony of life. Christian leaders are those who combine their natural and supernatural
qualities with Christian virtue by knowing how to live their response to God’s call by
accepting and responding to their vocations in life. They all sum up to a constant aspiration
to holiness.
[Rollista should provide appropriate witness/example as to how he/she combined their
natural and supernatural qualities as a leader, and used them to bring Christ into their area
of the world. A personal conversion witness is not appropriate in this rollo.]
Not everyone can do everything, but each one of us can do something. The alternative to
our doing something is best expressed by these few but profound words of the English
Statesman Edmund Burke, and I quote, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that
good people do nothing.” (repeat)
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6. CONCLUSION
A. The world will receive the Good News of Christ, not through Christians who are sad,
discouraged, impatient, angry or anxious, but through those whose lives radiate the joy, peace
and love of Christ; those whose lives are dedicated and consecrated to Him.
We are called to make use of our talents, live out our responsibilities, and engage in
service to others. In other words, we are called to develop totally the potential of baptism.
Even where we lack talent, the Lord, if we live in grace and give ourselves totally to Him,
make up for our limitations – For Christ and I are an overwhelming majority! With Him we
can accomplish anything.”
B. The day when Christ can count on a group, a nucleus of Christians who put into
action their love of God and their talents, offering not only what they have, but all that they
have, guided by the Holy Spirit, bearing witness to the Word and moved by Christian love to
serve the truth, on that day the prophecy will be fulfilled: “Even greater things you will see.”
(Jn. 1:50)
7. THE PRISON STORY can be told here as an example of a leader. (See Appendix 2.)
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Chapter 4 – Rollos – Study of the Environment
STUDY OF THE ENVIRONMENT
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THEME
The actions of a Christian are always carried out within the circumstances, the time, and
the place that the person already occupies, and the Christianisation of their environment is the
consequence of the Father’s dream.
It is necessary to identify the areas in which the task of Christianisation is to take place:
ourselves, our companions (those that accompany us) and the environment. In each area it is
necessary to know the actual circumstances, in order to find the most effective means to
Christianise them. In this way, one will have an accurate view of the possibilities, and the
most effective way to make it a reality, together with our brothers and sisters. This is the
most practical, attainable and Christian way of giving backbone to Christianity.
NOTE
The rollo, while focussing on what is obvious, should show clearly the existence of the
three fronts, the importance of applying the appropriate tactics to each area, and of not
confusing tactics with the need to be in personal contact with the reality. The rollo needs to
be developed with clarity so that the candidates will understand its purpose. The
effectiveness of the response of the candidates depends on this.
THE ENVIRONMENT
The environment is the melding of ideas; people, and circumstances that come together in
a certain time and place, it is the purpose of the plans the Father has for you.
Should be known accurately.

Observing that it is made up of three fronts:
 Ourselves
 Our companions – family-work-hobbies
 The others (environment)
In order to use effective means.
Through the use of diverse, evangelical and well-considered tactics, planned for each of
the fronts.
To become an effective Christian.
SITUATION
It is the first rollo of the third day. After this rollo, the Rector(a) suggests again that they
should continue to visit the Blessed Sacrament and he/she says that, starting from now, the
Cursillo® leaders will begin signing the Pilgrim’s Guides. This gives a further opportunity
for the leaders to get to know those they haven’t had a chance to speak with.
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ATMOSPHERE
The Cursillo®, at this time, is usually infused with a climate of overflowing Grace and an
admiration for each other that will keep on growing until the Closing. The Cursillista is
already concerned with how to communicate to the others in their environment that they have
discovered, assimilated and lived, and it is possible that some individuals may have some
prejudices. However, they are open to listen and also to accept all that they are told.
OBJECTIVE
After the morning meditation, the message of Christ to the candidate, a restlessness to do
something is awakened in the candidate. With their heads full of ideas and their hearts filled
with eagerness, they feel the call to respond to Christ and to reach out in their surroundings.
But questions and fears arise; how does one go about doing this, we all know of the
indifference and materialism of people in the world.
This rollo wants to invite and encourage all in the transformation of their environments,
stressing that we are not to detest and flee from the world, but are called to bring a Christian
influence to that world.
Each has to see that one cannot take on the whole world by oneself, but by applying one’s
mind and intelligence and studying one’s “field of operations,” search out what makes up
their environments, and introduce Christ there. This is done in a natural way, by being one’s
normal self.
We are to begin with “ourselves” (the convinced will convince others) then reach out to
the “others”, and thereby influence the environments.
In looking for the place that the Father is asking each to work in, it will be found that it is
most likely the very same environments that the person was living in when they came to the
Cursillo®.
TECHNIQUE
It should be very clear in the development of the outline by constant use of irony which
will reveal the absurdity of disingenuous (insincere) attitudes. This is the same method that is
used in the Piety rollo to point out what false Piety is. It must reveal a sureness of judgement
that can only be born out of the personal experience of the truths they have encountered.
STYLE
The rollo should breathe joy and certainty of the triumphant victory of Christ in the
environment in order to usher in the triumphant climate that permeates the third day of the
Cursillo®.
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STUDT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
OUTLINE
1. INTRODUCTION
First: The purpose of this Cursillo® weekend is not to just “make good people” but to
nurture and forge leaders who show the way and by the Grace of God will go back into
the world and make a difference.
Second: To do this, one needs a clear knowledge of the ideal and enthusiasm for it. Each
needs an in-depth understanding of the reality of the world.
A. These three days of personal thought, enlightened by the grace of God, have enabled
us to understand the need of our full and progressive conversion. Each life must
undergo a continuous and progressive deepening of criteria and attitudes, as a human
being and as a Christian.
B. But the change cannot be limited:
 to ourselves alone;
 for ourselves alone;
 within ourselves alone.
(1) The life of our entire society must undergo such a conversion.
(2) The radical and only solution for the problems of the world lies in Jesus Christ.
C. The laity’s mission is to transform all of society in Jesus Christ (Vatican II, Decree on
the Apostolate of the Laity, No. 7).
D. The Cursillo® Movement provides a strategy and a method to achieve this goal. Talks
of this day will outline that strategy and method.
2. CHRISTIANITY
A. Christianity is community (Paul VI, On Evangelisation in the Modern World, No. 13,
p. 8; Vatican II, Constitution on the Church, No. 9).
B. The light, salt and leaven must work within the human environment of the world (On
Evangelisation in the Modern World, No. 4, pp.3-4).
C. Christianity is not a fortress to preserve the “good” from contact with the “bad” (On
Evangelisation in the Modern World, No. 57, p.35).
3. ENVIRONMENT
A. Basis of Strategy – people live life as integral parts of groupings of people.

B. In each of these groupings,
(1) Certain things happen.
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a. Certain ideas and attitudes are accepted.

b. Certain types of behaviour are encouraged.
c. Certain personalities predominate.
(2) Group ideal is a combination of individual ideals affected by circumstances within
the group and the society around it.
(3) A certain spirit is generated within a group.
(4) Environment - the sum of ideas, persons and circumstances, which exist and come
together in a certain time and place, when people get together. It is the spirit
generated by the atmosphere of the situation and the people in it.
C. The environment has a vital impact on the individual.
(1) People tend to conform to the spirit being generated within the environment.
(2) Individuals with ideals and drive structure change and influence the environment.
(3) We must influence our environments more than they influence us.
4. STUDYING THE ENVIRONMENT
How can we transform our environments for the better?

A. Study the environment to determine a strategy to transform it.
(1) Determine the nature and influence of its spirit.
(2) Consider the effect of the more encompassing environments (such as business,
education, government, entertainment).
(3) Appraise the degree of influence the environment has on us (Rom. 12:21).
(4) Weigh carefully all factors (Rom. 12:2).
B. Study the spirit being generated.
(1) What is the ideal within the environment? What is the motivating force within it?
What is the combination of objectives that gives the environment a reason to
exist?
(2) How do these affect relationship? (Give examples.)
C. Study the individuals with regard t their roles within the environment.
(1) In each environment a few exert more influence than the rest. To find them we
must study personalities. (Caution: rollista should not talk in a derogatory way
about “followers” and “the impulsive” but should merely describe them.)
a. The Followers – satisfied to imitate others’ actions, they lack strong
convictions.
b. The Impulsive – fluctuate according to the rhythm of their emotions; their
conviction is not constant.
c. The Leaders – use their abilities to achieve what they believe is worthwhile.
They lead the way, are agents of change (2 Tim. 2:2).
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(2) Their ideal.

a. How far are the ideals of each from the Christian ideal?
b. How can they be brought from where they are to where we believe God wants
them to be?
D. Study the circumstances.
(1) What factors influence the spirit predominant in the environment and how? (Paul
VI, On Evangelisation in the Modern World, No. 40, p. 23; No. 63, pp. 41-42).
(2) Our pluralistic society requires a special attention because of the great variety in
thoughts and standards and acceptable behaviour within it (On Evangelisation in
the Modern World, No. 50, pp. 29-30).
5. THE CHRISTIAN TRANSFORMATION OF ENVIRONMENTS (ACTION)
What is missing in most environments is loving relationships. Only self giving produces
loving relationships. What is the best formula to create self-giving.
 In ourselves?
 In our friends?
 In others (the environment)?
(1) The First Front (Ourselves)
A. Will: First we must turn our will up to the highest setting. This is what is needed.
If we do not have determination and make up our minds to do it, nothing will
happen. We must be apostles, not just do apostolic things, we must be Christians,
not just do Christian things.
B. Prayer: Prayer is the “password” of the apostle. All successful apostolic
undertakings have at their core, prayer. Our strength and conviction will come
from this. Without Grace, our efforts will go nowhere. Without Christ in our
lives, how could we possibly think about introducing Him to others? We must go
into our surroundings with Him, hand in hand.
C. Mind: It is necessary that we use our God given minds and apply our intelligence
fully, just as we do in our jobs or businesses (“be as meek as a lamb and clever as
a fox,” just think how resourceful we can be when we really want something,) but,
it is done in collaboration with Christ and He makes up for our limitations.
D. Heart: We are called to be all things to people in order to gain them for Christ; but
people will quickly see the inauthentic, the insincere. Show charity, gentleness
and respect when dealing with people. Often, the best Saints come from the
“roughest of diamonds”, the marginalised, those now distant from God.
Marvellous things can happen when we go with God and don’t worry about
whether or not we have a parachute on.
(2) The Second Front (The Others)
An Overview:
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Let’s examine the “others” by taking reconnaissance flight over what is out there and
see if we can recognise some of the various types of people and the various groups
they fit into. We might even recognise ourselves in these different classifications for
the environments can be a mirror, reflecting back to us what we are or what we were,
or are becoming. This overview can sometimes be a little rough.
We will find some Saints out there and from there we will see a descending scale of
less and less holiness, to those totally separated from God, and even atheists.
A. First Group: Believe in God, they love God, they want to “do good”.
 Authentic: They think and act as Catholics, they practice their faith 24 hours
per day, they are apostles and it shows in how they live their lives, they are
longed for on our Weekends, they are the Leaders that were talked about in the
Leaders rollo last night.
 Quiet ones: They think as Christians but they love their easy chairs. They
admire those with faith but they are prone to just thinking about it.
 Lovers of Practices: Hover around the Church, altar kissers, “experts”,
sanctimonious, lack a balanced approach, attached to strange forms.
 Honest: They are normally honest about their faith except when they are not.
They have good will but are lax in discipline, they are less than they could be.
Common Denominator: They try to be Catholics always.
B. Second Group: Believe in God, they love God, they want to “feel good”.
 Need to be nudged: Limited self motivation, need to be nudged by someone to
wake them up, be it a family member, friend, priest, teacher, boss, but they
soon go back to sleep.
 Spouse/Associate: The sweetheart of, the husband of, puts the “pressure” on.
 When it thunders: Some disaster, the noise wakes them up.
 Impossible situations: Nowhere else to turn, desperate.
 For own convenience: Self serving, when it suits them.
 Through irony: They sympathise with Catholic criterion, say one thing, but do
something else.
 Through vanity: Go to masses in fancy Churches, go to be seen, socially
beneficial.
 In theory: They are Catholic if they can be and if they can’t they are not and
are sorry for it.
 Medals and symbols: They have only the “trade mark”, if they lose their
medal, they feel nervous, unsafe.
 By association: Friends of the priest, pay their dues so they can take part in the
processions.
Common Denominator: They try, at times, to be Catholic.
C. Third Group: Believe in God but nothing more.
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 Stiff necked: The snobs, try to please those that rank above and ignore those
below.
 A thick skin: They miss Mass and don’t even notice it.
 A dirty mouth: They gossip and tell crude jokes.
 Wear dark glasses: They don’t see reality; they think they know it all.
Common Denominator: They are Catholics at random.
D. Fourth Group: Do not believe because they do not know God.
They are far away from God. They do not want to know because they never heard
of God as He really is. No one ever introduced God to them in a proper way.
 The indifferent: Uninterested ones; they made their first communion but
nothing since.
 The misguided: Their lives are not orderly, but sinful.
 The egocentric: Make their own religion through ignorance, comfort,
convenience, lax conscience.
 Semi-atheist: Say they believe in God but not in the priests or the Church.
Common Denominator: Do not believe in God because of ignorance of Him.
E. Fifth Group: Do not believe in God because He does not exist.
 Practising atheists: They say there is no God and are often deeply convinced
of this.
 Intellectual atheists: Use their intelligence to kill the idea of God in the mind
of the believers.
Common Denominator: There is no God.
How to approach the “others”:
In the first front, we approach “ourselves” first through our will, then prayer, mind
and lastly, the heart. In the second front, in approaching the “others”, we basically
use the reverse sequence, first the heart, then the mind, will, and then lastly,
introducing them to prayer.
A. Heart: If we do not reach and influence the heart first, not much will happen. For
the relationship to be authentic, it must be based on true charity and
understanding.
B. Mind: From the heart, go to the mind. This is not as difficult as it first seems
because we, as Christians, we all have the seed of Grace that was planted in us at
our Baptisms.
C. Will: We must bring our companions along with us.
D. Prayer: Grace from the Father will lead them to prayer.
(3) The Third Front (The Environment)
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A. The conscious and progressive conversion of our lives is the effective factor in the
environment (Lk. 14:34).
B. Pay attention to how individuals are when they are together.
C. Change the “influential individuals (leaders) in the environment.”
D. Work in the manner of light, salt and leaven (1 Cor. 5:7-8).
a. Joy and happiness are the flavour of Christian life (1 Jn. 1:1-4; Jn. 15:11).
b. We need the Spirit of Truth to shed the light of the Gospel on all activity (Jn.
14:26).
c. Call each to his potential, raising the tone of the environment like leaven.
d. Join with others who have the same ideals so that a concentrated effort is made
by a group to evangelise the environment.
E. Respect persons, ideas, rights.
Don’t give orders or directions, but show the way.
Proclaim the Gospel by work and by word(Vatican II, Decree on the Apostolate of
the Laity, No. 6).
F. Change the tone and direction of the environment so people lead each other to
Christ.
G. Daily prayer and Palanca are our first priority.
6. CONCLUSION
In order for us to communicate in a new way with those in our surroundings, we will have
to seek and find the way to help those who have wandered away from God. Helping
others to find their way back to the Father is what Cursillo® is all about. It is not to make
it easier for us. It is to make it easier for the others. Cursillo® is about making it easier
for those who have wandered away to come back to the Father.
A. Environments are not changed suddenly or by magic.

(1) Those who accept the Gospel do not always find their way without obstacles.
(2) Life’s pitfalls often impede the Christian spirit and direction.
B. Tomorrow we will find the world as we left it on Thursday.
(1) The Gospel is meant for the whole world.
(2) The Lord has chosen to place me in the environments that surround me so that I
may work for their Christian transformation, linked to other Christians in groups,
utilising my Piety, Study, and Action (Apostolic Action) to achieve that
transformation in Christ.
(3) My change can be the leaven the changes the rest.
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Study of the Environment in relation with the “third” and “fourth” day.
The third day of the Cursillo® is meant to complete the picture by showing the Cursillistas
how they can act in the world to make Christianity penetrate and transform each part of the
world.
Study of the environment is the rollo which presents the action “aim” of the Cursillo®. It
explains how what has been presented in the Cursillo® so far can penetrate the world through
the action of the Cursillista. It is this rollo which explains to the Cursillistas how they can
direct themselves so that the life of grace, a life based upon a union with Christ, can
transform each situation in the world.
Study of the environment begins by explaining to the Cursillistas what they must do
apostolically. The rest of the third day explains how it is possible to accomplish what has
been explained in Study of the Environment. In life in Grace the Cursillistas learn about a
way of maintaining his/her strength for the apostolate through contact with Christ. In
Christianity in Action they learn about the necessity of being part of an apostolic community
for teamwork in the apostolate. In the rollo “Cursillista Beyond the Cursillo®”, they learn
about the dangers that might be faced when the candidates go back to their environments, but
then giving them the very sure hope that we, as Cursillistas have found a method, a way of
successful perseverance. In Total Security, they learn about the method witnessed in the rollo
Cursillista Beyond the Cursillo®, as a way of keeping contact with his fellow apostles to
maintain their strength and increase their effectiveness.
The rollo should come across with one clear message which each Cursillista should
consider each environment that he/she is in, the people in it and the overall tone of it, and
work to centre it on Christ. In looking for the place that the Father is asking each to work in,
it will be found that it is most likely the very same environments that the person was living in
when they came to the Cursillo®.
The rollo should give the Cursillistas an approach to handling whatever situation they are
in. At the end of the rollo, the Cursillistas should feel the need for help. They should
understand more clearly what they are up against, and this should have a calming effect, but it
should also make them understand better that they need help. They should, in other words,
be ready for an explanation of practical means for maintain contact with Christ (Life in Grace
rollo – “Service Sheet”) and for maintaining a contact with their brothers and sisters (Total
Security) of the kind that will help them achieve the transformation of the environments that
they are working towards.
PREPARING THE ROLLO
Study of the Environment is the most tightly structured of all the Cursillo® rollos. It is
organised around the idea of the battle plan. Apostolic action is compared to a battle. In each
situation, war is going on between the forces of Christ and the forces opposed to Christ. The
Cursillista is fighting this battle on the side of Christ. And he/she has to consider three fronts
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in the battle. In other words in the effort to bring the world to live the life of Christ, there are
three things to focus on. First, “ourselves” (to strengthen and convince ourselves that Christ
is the answer); second, the area of the “others” (the process of getting to know them, so that
they are being drawn individually to Christ); and third, the environment as a whole (that the
overall climate or tone become more favourable to Christianity). The rollo considers these
three things in order, tying them together by the idea of the battle plan.
Section 1 – The introduction, clarifies the term “De Colores” comparing it as a joyful
stage of being in Grace. More importantly, it emphasises on two points made on the Leaders
rollo: one being that, as leaders who live in Grace, we must make a difference in the world
(our environments); and the second being the need for us to understand the reality of those
environments in order to be effective.
Section 2 defines and explains what is meant by “environment”. There is an emphasis in

this rollo on study. The rollo is a study of the environment, a study of what to do in the
environments each person is in. They should think through how to approach the various
situations they are in.
On occasions, this rollo has been confused and centred on specific statistical aspects
confronting our society like abortion, drugs or alcohol addiction, political problems or
juvenile delinquency, etc. It should not refer about the atmospheric environment that affects
our planet either. None of that. The rollo must centre on what is common to each Cursillista,
what is common for every Christian in all situations of life. It centres on the relationship of
those situations to Christ and the life He offers humanity. It centres on what is fundamental
for being Christian. It centres on what all Cursillistas can and should do, the central problem
– centring their environment on Christ.
Section 3 goes into a more in-depth understanding of the environment. A person’s

environment is his/her family situations, his/her work situation, his/her social situation, etc.
In other words, we are referring to people when they get together and form a situation of a
certain type. It is the overall tone, the climate of the different situations a person finds
himself/herself in.
It also talks about its essential impact on people within it and the importance of
influencing it before it influences us. The Cursillistas has found the solution in the Cursillo®
– Christ is the solution; the life of Grace needs to overflow in the environments. To win
them, it is necessary that the solution be properly applied.
Section 4-A presents the idea of a “battle plan” – an approach to winning over the
environment. The “battle” referred to is not a battle against people. The idea is not to
conquer “others”, the non-Christians or the non-Catholics or the non-Cursillistas. The battle
goes on in the others and in ourselves; it is the battle between Christ and Satan, between good
and evil. It is the fight that St. Paul was talking about when he said: “For we are not fighting
against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the
rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age. So put on God’s armour now! Then
when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy’s attacks...” (Eph. 6:12-13). In
other words, the fight that is talked about is not a fight against other human beings, but for
them; it is against sin, evil, and all the things that militate against people living a life with
Christ.
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“Plan” means that the approach should be thought out. The Cursillistas are not just being
motivated and then turned loose. As it was said in the Action rollo, our apostolic action must
be well thought out, well planned.
Section 4-B present s the three battle fronts: (1) Ourselves; (2) Others; (3) the
Environment.
All three fronts must be handled at the same time, because they each depend on the
others. The people are formed by the environment, and the environment is formed by the
people – us included. These are not three different battles, but three different fronts on the
same battle.
Section 4(1) presents the first front – ourselves. The Cursillistas must realise that if
he/she is to become a successful apostle, they have to be courageous, authentic, truthful,
living a conscious and growing Grace in such a way that it extends outward to the people
around us. We must make use of four elements. They are: (1) Our Wills; (2) Our Knees); (3)
Our intellect; and (4) Our Hearts.
Section 4(2) presents the second front – others. The reconnaissance is an overview made
to see how the terrain of the “others” is; those with whom the Cursillistas lives his/her life in
the various situations he/she is in. Although this is the largest part of this rollo, the rollista
should not get hung-up on the reconnaissance flight. The rollo considers the types of people
each Cursillista will come across, before actually considering what to do for them. “On the
reconnaissance flight, we give them the impression that we know what things are like in their
‘own back yard’” (Structure of Ideas, p. 52)
The reconnaissance flight asks how each person in the environment is related to the ideal
as set forth in the Piety rollo (the ideal of directing the whole of life to God).
Each environment has its own set of characteristic reactions to Christ and the Church.
For example, a town in rural Jamaica is a different situation from a heavily Catholic, old
Trinidad borough. A predominantly Catholic area will find the outline more applicable than
a place in which Catholics are the minority. Therefore, this is a section [Section 4(2)] which
can be adapted to the local situation, but without distorting the approach and message of the
Cursillo®.
For your convenience, we have included another approach found in Structure of Ideas,
pgs. 135-137. (See also pgs. 138-141). This adaptation may only be done in conjunction
with the local Secretariat and the School of Leaders, leaving a very small margin for the team
members and the rollista. They can contribute suggestions on the types that exist in their
environment and can gauge the effects of the treatment given in the rollo.
To know
Three forms of life that explain the why of whatever is.
Each individual can reach in his life a determined depth according to the level at which he
enters: deference, impulse, and drive.
Some are satisfied with superficial action because the conviction they have does not
surmount the difficulties that are met; these are placed at the level of:
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 Deference (adherence through respect or acquiescence) before what is proposed to

them.
Others do not reach a sustained interest either because their conviction is intermittent,
or because their will is; these waver according to the rhythm of the difficulties along
the way, and are moved by.
 Impulse (the road traversed between rests and hard shoves ahead) which arouses in
them the very circumstances that they are living.
Others, finally, use their abilities to the utmost in order to achieve what they believe is
worthwhile; these continually increase the tension that holds them in.
 Drive (continued and renewed determination)
“He came to save what had perished.”
OBJECTIVE
It is necessary to save what is perishing.
Clearly, those who travel a road diametrically opposed to Truth and at more than a
hundred miles per hour are the ones who claim the first fruits of our effort.
On the other hand, the whole setup of “good” things is built only with the thought of the
greatest comfort of the “good” in mind.
All authentic efficacy requires not only that each one occupy the place that belongs to
him/her according to his/her way of life, but that these ways of life be hierarchically devised
according to one’s ability.
All activity in the field of efficacy advances through the breach opened up by those with
impetus, since those with impulse close, if they do not obstruct automatically with another
contrary impulse, whatever breach others might have opened up; and those of deference have
never been capable of opening any breach at all.
STATE OF THE THREE FORMS OF ACTUAL CHRISTIANITY
Those of deference:
Since they have never been concerned about good, they cannot conceive that deep down;
it is the only root of all reasonable restlessness.
For them:
Those of deference are companions with whom they can order about.
Those of impulse are individuals who may sometimes be of use to them.
Those of drive are the ones that it is best to keep at a distance, for the integrity of their
person seems to them to disintegrate the comfort of their position in good. One must not take
things too seriously.
Those of impulse:
Some who at the hour of truth are not capable of upholding their ideas, and others whose
ideas are not capable of supporting them.
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They assume more authority before those of deference because they feel bolder.
They shield themselves in face of the attitude of those of impulse because they suppose it
normal and common to all, thereby making their own position secure. They sincerely admire
those of drive, and when they are not sincere they conceal it.
Those of drive:
Since the Truth is sought, is found, is lived and shared with the whole soul, those of drive
for the best are needed to embody it in the world in a clear, living, convincing and truthful
manner.
They, through being the light of the Lord through Grace, see the rest: souls; or rather
talents for Truth and Good.
Indeed, one cannot open up the way if one does not have it, and those of drive are placed
at the head of the array.
They will not seek, like those of deference, the greatest comfort of the good, but the
strategic use of all and of everything so that with each one in his/her place and each striking
his/her exact note, we may succeed in putting all the resources of life, with all their possible
currents, in the service of the Gospel.
Section 4(2)A-F lists the five groups. So that you won’t lose time fishing without
catching, look for the most effective criterion. Of the five groups, the best fishing is in the
first and the fourth (Structure of Ideas, p. 59).
The tactics on how to approach “others” are the same as those applied when winning
“oneself” over; however, don’t confuse the tactics; winning oneself over is not the same as
trying to win others over (Structure of Ideas, p. 59); therefore, we must reverse the sequence
of our tactic. We must put into practice what was shared with us about the “method of
Apostolic Action” on the “Action” rollo. We must first win their hearts with authentic true
love and friendship, then, we need to increase that friendship in order to win their mind; what
is believed, what is known, their thoughts, we need to speak to them about Christ and what
the Christian life is. He/She has to see Christianity as something attractive and compelling.
An apostle “magnetises” their companions; we must appeal to their will and invite them to
follow Christ indirectly. We need to bring that friend to Christ and with the Grace from the
Father they will fall on their knees.
Section 4(3) concludes the rollo by saying that winning the environment – making it more
Christian like, is a consequence of the process of the first two battle fronts. The rollista
should bring across the reality of the obstacles (the mountains) that would be found on our
path. Those who accept the Gospel don’t always find their way without stumbling over
obstacles. With perseverance and the Grace of the Lord we can make a change in our
environments helping those who have wandered away from God find their way back to the
Father.
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SAMPLE ROLLO
(35 MINUTES)
1. INTRODUCTION
We have come, with the grace of God, to this third day of Cursillo® and everything seems
“De Colores”. De Colores is the joyful expression of the Cursillista who lives in Grace. We
call it “De Colores”, because just as when the light crosses a prism (Crystal) the seven
colours of the rainbow are formed, thus the same way, when the light of the Grace of God
crosses the prism of our soul, flooding it of supernatural light, our soul is adorned with the
seven virtues and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Therefore: to all, “De Colores”.
I’m sure that many of you, by the happiness you are experiencing, will have thought what
a beautiful world this would be if all humanity lived De Colores; in Grace. Furthermore, I
am sure you have thought about your relatives, friends, co-workers with whom you want to
share this marvellous experience that you have discovered in the Cursillo®. You have also
thought about the obstacles that you may encounter while attempting to convince them.
Precisely, because they are immersed in some environments where by ignorance, by
indifference or by lack of human respect, God is not at the centre of their lives. Therefore, in
this rollo, called “Study of the Environment”, I would like to give you a plan to follow upon
returning to your environments.
In the Leaders rollo that we heard yesterday afternoon, _________________ spoke of two
truths.
First: The purpose of this Cursillo® weekend is not to just “make good people” but to
nurture and forge leaders who show the way and by the Grace of God will go back into the
world and make a difference.
Second: To do this, one needs a clear knowledge of the ideal and enthusiasm for it. One
needs an in-depth understanding of the reality of the world.
Towards this end, this rollo is in two parts, the first is to explain the definition of
environment and increase our understanding of its influence in one’s life, and secondly, how
to influence the different environments and make a difference
2. DEFINITION – STUDY OF THE ENVIRONMENT
We heard in the rollo of “Study”, that study is the application of the understanding for the
acquisition of a specific knowledge (to understand a science, art or position). Now we can
add that by “environment” we understand the sum of ideas, persons, and circumstances that
occur in a specific time and place when people get together. Study of the Environment will
then be the application of the understanding to know the sum of ideas and circumstances that
concur in a specific time and place.
The environment is like the air: It surrounds us and encircles us. We cannot live without
it.
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3. IMPORTANCE OF WINNING THE ENVIRONMENT
To win the environment is fundamental.
(1) All of us live most of our lives as an integral part of various groupings of people. Let
us think for a moment about our environments: our job, our family life, our diversions, our
daily living; we are involved and surrounded by some specific environments which influence
so powerfully in our way of being. In the formation and development of our personality.
(2) Within each of these groupings there are certain attitudes and ideas that are acceptable
to the group, certain types of behaviour are encouraged, and certain types of personalities will
be predominant. Within these groupings, the group’s ideal is a combination of individual
ideals affected by circumstances within the group and the society around it. And within each
of these groupings, because of each person’s presence to the other, a certain spirit is
generated.
Each environment has a vital impact in the people within it. It is so vital that people tend
to conform to the spirit being generated there.
[Example] In our environment we share about our jobs, business, sport, soap operas, the
movies, etc. What is lacking or what is missing is the Grace of God, the Gospel, the Way, the
Truth and the Life. What is needed are brave leaders that can flood the environments with
Grace.
When a local national or international event occurs: “9-11” for example, the war in Iraq,
the catastrophic Tsunami in Asia, etc..., these events become the primary focus in all the
environments. When the event occurs, the normality of the environment is altered.
Is there anything greater in life than living in Grace? Why hasn’t the ideal of living in
Grace not overflowed into the environments? Because the majority of Christians, even those
who think of themselves to be good, do not know or do not live as children of God, brothers
and sisters of Christ, and living temples of the Holy Spirit.
This Cursillo® gives us ”the solution”, and this is the life of Grace and its consequences.
(3) But in addition, it is necessary that the solution be properly applied. Even if we have
the proper solution, if it is not carried out it will fail. If we don’t take the medicine the doctor
prescribes and in the dosage he recommends, how can we get better. The truth by halves
satisfies no one and leads nowhere.
[The rollista should provide a brief testimony (or an example) of how his/her
environment(s) has influenced them and how he/she has influenced the environment.]
4. BATTLE PLAN
In the Action rollo, _________________ told us that the apostolic action has to be well
thought out and planned.
So how do we win environments, bring others to Christ? To win the environment for
Christ; to infect it of Grace, we need to put the ideas learned, lived and shared here in such a
way that they can be reached by the others. We need to make a “battle plan”. Unlike in a
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war”, our battle is not against people; it is a battle between Christ – through us – against the
forces of evil. As Christians, we are called to rebuild the world around us – the number of
situations we find ourselves in or environments, such as family, work, social life, etc. We
need to rebuild them on the foundation of a life with Christ.
Cursillo® proposes a practical method that works: There are three “battlefronts” in the
process that we have to concentrate on:
 First: “ourselves” – Strengthen and convince ourselves that Christ is the answer.
 Second: the area of the “others” (acquaintances, associates, casual friends) and
the process of getting to know them, treating them with dignity, respect and as
persons. We will then further discuss the “environment”, its makeup and how
best to approach the “others” in it with the good news.
 Third: the environment.
(1) The First Front – Ourselves:

When I say, “Ourselves”, I mean to include all of us here and all those who think as we
do. Your sponsors and others who have lived a Cursillo®, for instance. With these people
we’re going to feel one in the same spirit, and hold the same criterion; that is Jesus Christ.
This will demand a lot of courage and a lot of effort in our own progressive conversion.
We need to make us of four elements: You probably remember _____________ talking
about them briefly in the Action rollo yesterday. They are: (1) Our Wills; (2) Our Knees, (3)
Our Intellect, and (4) Our Hearts.
A. Will: First we must turn our will up to the highest setting. This is what is needed. If
we do not have determination and make up our minds to do it, nothing will happen. We must
be apostles, not just do apostolic things, we must be Christians, not just do Christian things.
B. Prayer: Our Knees – Prayer is the “password” of the apostle. They have been called
the “levers of the Apostles.” We use our knees in prayer. This helps us put our actions in the
right order; first we talk to God about our friends then we talk to our friends about God. All
successful apostolic undertakings have at their core, prayer. Our strength and conviction will
come from this. Without Grace, our efforts will go nowhere. Without Christ in our lives,
how could we possibly think about introducing Him to others? We must go into our
surroundings with Him, hand in hand.
C. Mind: It is necessary that we use our God given minds and apply our intelligence
fully, just as we do in our jobs or businesses (“be as meek as a lamb and clever as a fox,” just
think how resourceful we can be when we really want something) but, it is done in
collaboration with Christ and He makes up for our limitations.
D. Heart: We are called to be all things to people in order to gain them for Christ; but
people will quickly see the inauthentic, the insincere. Show charity, gentleness and respect
when dealing with people. Often, the best Saints come from the “roughest of diamonds,” the
marginalised, those now distant from God. Marvellous things can happen when we go with
God and don’t worry about whether or not we have a parachute on
NOTE: The purpose of the reconnaissance flight is to give the Cursillistas some view of
the kinds of people they will encounter in the situations they are in. It is a study of
individuals, that is, types of people, not of trends or institutions. It only treats people from
the religious point of view. Therefore, this is a section on which the most local adaptation
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can be done without distorting the approach and message of the Cursillo®. This adaptation
may only be done in conjunction with the local Secretariat and the School of Leaders, leaving
a very small margin for the team members and the rollista. They can contribute suggestions
on the types that exist in their environment and can gauge the effect of the treatment given in
the rollo. Please see more about this on the notes about “Method of Preparing the Rollo”.
An overview:
Let’s examine the “others” by taking reconnaissance flight over what is out there and see
if we can recognise some of the various types of people and the various groups they might fit
into. We might even recognise ourselves in these different classifications for the
environments can be a mirror, reflecting back to us what we are, or what we were, or are
becoming.
Here we should do the same thing a “Coach” of a team does in a “tournament” of any
sport. In a “tournament” there are various teams with varieties of players with different
talents and personalities. Each team in the “tournament” has its own characteristics, and one
must know them all. The team and its players not only should practice to be physically and
tactically prepared (our will, our knees, our mind and our heart) for the “tournament” or a
specific “game” (as we saw in the first front), but should also study their opponent (forces of
evil and all the things that militate against men living a life with Christ). First, they identify
which are the strengths of the different teams, its “star” players, their moves, etc.; they try to
anticipate the different tactics (plays) which may be executed by their opponent, etc.... After
they have studied all that, they would form a plan to counter attack.
Regardless of the means employed, the persons will seem all equal at first, but once
studied and known, we find that they are different inside; as the keys of a piano, on the
surface they all seem equal, but each one has a distinct note. We will find some Saints out
there, and from there we will see a descending scale of less and less holiness, to those totally
separated from God, and even atheists.
A. First Group: Believe in God, they love God, they want to “do good”.
 Authentic: They think and act as Catholics, they practice their faith 24 hours a day,
they are apostles and it shows in how they live their lives, they are longed for on our
Weekends, they are the Leaders that were talked about in the Leaders rollo last night.
 Quiet ones: They think as Christians but they love their easy chairs, they admire those
with faith but they are prone to just thinking about it.
 Lovers of Practices: Hover around the Church, altar kissers, “experts”, sanctimonious,
lack a balanced approach, attached to strange forms.
 Honest: “respectful Catholics”, that is what they call themselves, and they are
normally honest about their faith except when they stop being so. They have good will but
are lax in discipline, they are less than they could be.
Common Denominator: They try to be Catholics always.
B. Second Group: Believe in God, they love God, they want to “feel good”.
 Need to be nudged: Limited self motivation, need to be nudged by someone to wake
them up, be it a family member, friend, priest, teacher, boss, but they soon go back to sleep.
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 Spouse/Associate: Do religious practices only by interest; the sweetheart of, the

husband of; once they conquer what they proposed, they go on with their old “good” life.
 When it thunders: Some disaster, the noise wakes them up.
 Impossible situations: Nowhere else to turn, desperate, needs to be pulled out of a
situation.
 For own convenience: Self serving, when it suits them: “if you do this for me, I’ll do
this for you. Remember God, this week I put some extra money on the collection!”
 Through irony: They sympathise with Catholic criterion, say one thing, but do
something else.
 Through vanity: Mass is a social event, what’s more important for them is the way the
“temple” is decorated; they attend to be seen, socially beneficial.
 In theory: They are Catholic if they can be and if they can’t they are not and are sorry
for it.
 With medals and symbols: They have only the “trade mark”, if they lose their medal,
they feel nervous, unsafe.
 By association: Friends of the priest, pay their dues so they can take part in the
processions.
Common Denominator: They try, at times, to be Catholic.
C. Third Group: Believe in God but nothing more.

 Stiff necked: The snobs, try to please those that rank above and ignore those below.
 A thick skin: They miss Mass and don’t even notice it.
 A dirty mouth: They gossip and tell crude jokes.
 Wear dark glasses: They don’t see reality; they think they know it all.
Common Denominator: They are Catholics at random.
D. Fourth Group: Do not believe because they do not know God.

We must pay special attention to this group during our apostolic action, as some of the
best leaders have come from them. Most of the people in this group are not Christians,
because no one has communicated to them what Christianity is. But when confronted with
the realities and possible dimensions of the Gospel, they totally surrender to it.
They are far away from God. They do not want to know because they never heard of God
as He really is. No one ever introduced God to them in a proper way.
 The indifferent: The uninterested ones; they made their first communion, and
considering themselves “preachers of the law”, have not come back since.
 The misguided: Slaves of the secular world (materialism, pleasure, drugs, alcohol,
etc.) their lives are not orderly, but sinful.
 The egocentric: Make their own religion through ignorance, comfort, convenience,
lax conscious. They do not know what God wants.
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 The semi-atheist: Say they believe in God but not in the priests or the Church.
Common Denominator: Do not believe in God because of ignorance of Him.
E. Fifth Group: Do not believe in God because He does not exist.
 Practising atheists: They say there is no God and are often deeply convinced of this
(mistakenly, we think). Religion is the last of their priorities.
 Intellectual atheists: They are the most dangerous ones, because they make use of
their intelligence to kill the idea of God in the minds of the believers.
Common Denominator: There is no God.
How to approach the “others”:
We have just finished surveying the types of people of our second battlefront: the
“others”. We now have a better idea of the terrain concerning the general environment. You
might even have identified some people (family, neighbours, co-workers, etc.) from your
daily situation whom you want to draw to Christ. Let us now take a close look at the
approach we should take.
In the first front, we approach “ourselves” first through our will, then prayer, mind and
lastly, heart. In the second front, in approaching the “others” we basically use the reverse
sequence, first the heart, then the mind, will, and then lastly, introducing them to prayer.
A. Heart: If we do not reach and influence the heart first, not much will happen. We
must approach them like Christ did... (Wedding in Cana, Jn. 2:1-11). The result of this
charitable act was that disciples came to believe in Him. A genuine act of charity drew men
to Christ. Our relationship ought to be authentic; it must be based on true charity and
understanding.
B. Mind: From the heart, go to the mind. This is not as difficult as it first seems, because
we are dealing with Christians who have the seeds of Grace that was planted in us at our
Baptism. Men and women are waiting to hear about Christ, baptised and non-baptised.
C. Will: We must “magnetise”, bring our companions along with us, and then invite
them to follow Christ. Our friends must make their own conscious decision to follow Christ.
No matter who they may be, we cannot, and should not force or attempt to manipulate this
decision. All we can do is invite them to follow Christ, and the life He offers. Christ did it
that way, “Whoever wants to follow me...”
D. Prayer: Once we have conquered their Heart, Mind and Will, with the Grace from the
Father, they will fall on their knees.
(2) The Second Front – The Others:
The third “front” is the consequence of beginning the process with “ourselves” first and
the “others” second. If the environment is the sum of ideas, persons, and circumstances that
occur in a specific time and place when people get together; the only thing missing then is
Christ. If environment then is the result of people working together, playing together, getting
together with family, neighbours, friends, etc., not only do we have to work with the
individual person, but also work the situation as a whole. We need to penetrate the situation
as a whole and change its tone and direction so that when these people are together, they will
be leading one another to Christ.
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Everyone who takes the Gospel seriously and are authentic about it will face the problem
of having to overcome the obstacles, the prejudices, and the preconceived ideas, that hinder
spiritual growth and the Christian vision.
Even when we are surrounded by seemingly impossible situations and there seems to be
no way out, we need to reflect and work out a plan. When the engineers are building a
railroad track, for example, and they find mountains covering their path, they make a tunnel.
They draw a plan on how to make the tunnel and problem solved. If we do something similar
when we are confronted with those mountains on our way, if we persevere in following the
right path; we will find the solution to overcome the difficulties. This is how Grace works in
our lives.
5. CONCLUSION
Before coming to the Cursillo®, each of our lives was made up of one or more groups of
people who coexisted together and held similar ideas, likes and dislikes, and experienced a
common restlessness. When we return to our environments, nothing will have changed. In
order for us to communicate in a new way with those in our surroundings, we will have to
seek and find the way to help those who have wandered away from God: Helping others to
find their way back to the Father is what Cursillo® is about. It is not to make it easier for us.
It is to make it easier for the others. Cursillo® is about making it easier for those who have
wandered away to come back to the Father.
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Chapter 4 – Rollos – Life in Grace
LIFE IN GRACE
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LIFE IN GRACE
SYNTHESIS
In conjunction with the morning meditation, “Christ’s Message to the Cursillista,” this
rollo, returned to its original order between “Study of the Environment” and “Christian
Community in Action,” urges the candidates to grow in friendship with those with whom
they have lived this Cursillo® and with those in their environment in which they will be
reinserted in living the “Fourth Day” (life after the Cursillo® weekend).
Any material, not adequately covered in the previous spiritual rollos, can be briefly
inserted here. If possible this rollo should be prepared during this Cursillo®, addressing
(discreetly) any concerns which have arisen, or the particular spirit of this Cursillo®. A tone
of enthusiasm should already be present. The candidates should have a joyful expectancy in
returning to their environments, confident that with the “tools” of Christian life and
friendship which they have acquired in this Cursillo®, they will have the essentials of what
they need in order to “produce much fruit”.
“Life in Grace” is not theoretical, but practical. The Pilgrim’s Guide can be
recommended as an instrument of ongoing spiritual growth, rather than just a souvenir of the
Cursillo®. During (or before) this rollo, the Service Sheet can be used as a point of reference
for some of the aids for living the life in grace. The candidates should be reminded that these
commitments are not “binding under pain of sin”; flexibility is needed in order to adjust to
changing life circumstances. In making this tentative commitment, they should be urged to
refrain from spiritual “competition” or “one-upmanship”.
The rollista should demonstrate that these “practices of piety” constitute an integral part
of Christian life (which at certain points in the history of the Cursillo® movement was the title
of this rollo) if they are not to be seen as “performance Christianity” or routine observances
which were correctly denounced in the piety rollo.
It should be noted that Cursillo®, in respecting the freedom of the person, does not
promote any particular school of spirituality, nor does it encourage nor discourage any style
of praying as long as it is approved by the Church. The rollista (priest, deacon, or religious)
can briefly refer to his or her own practices of piety, but only to illustrate how they are
integral components of their Christian lives.
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LIFE IN GRACE
OUTLINE
1. INTRODUCTION
The practices of the life of grace are to give light and life to the whole of one’s life.
2. OF WHAT DOES THIS LIFE CONSIST?

Theological virtues as the seedbed of the practices of piety.
A. Life of faith
B. Life of hope
C. Life of charity (love of God and neighbour)
Together these virtues deepen our capacity for friendship with God and others.
3. MEANS TO STRENGTHEN THE LIFE IN GRACE

(Reference can be made to the Service Sheet.)
A. Prayer
(1) Vocal prayer
(2) Meditation
(3) “lection divina”
(4) Other forms (charismatic, contemplative, etc.)
B. Liturgy
(1) Mass and Communion
(2) Liturgy of the Hours
C. Rosary (or other Marian devotions, e.g. litanies)
D. Visit to the Blessed Sacrament
E. Examination of Conscience
F. Spiritual Direction (what it is and is not)
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Chapter 4 – Rollos – Christian Community in Action
CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY IN ACTION
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THEME
In perennial dissatisfaction and continuous progression, is the fruit of some Christians

devoted to the Lord by their own free will, who through their living together, admiring and
understanding each other, create a climate in ordinary life, a conscious and growing
realisation where the promises of the Lord become reality, in which one feels the
involvement of the Omnipotence of God in even the smallest circumstance; in which the
tightly coordinated effort of all is its guarantee of efficacy; where the perennial vitality of the
whole Church always resonates; and in the one who, leaning totally on the wonder of their
Baptism, lives with integrity and with a perennial freshness the infinite range of possibilities
that the New Commandment offers.
The Life of the rollista, the fruit of “Christianity in Action”, like an instrument of the
Father’s hope, is a living testimony of a layperson, that shows by itself that it is possible
today, to live as a Christian, amazingly unrestrainedly in its effectiveness, truly victorious,
bringing salvation, able to convert and to renovate the face of the earth.
NOTE
To those who have written and/or studied the rollo entitled “Christian Community”, this
rollo on Christianity in Action is a radical departure from what you are used to hearing on a
Cursillo® weekend. The thrust of this rollo is on how to actively live your Christian faith
with the help of a small group of friends who are striving towards the same goal. You are
laying the groundwork here for the final rollo of Total Security by evoking a hunger in the
candidates to want what we have to offer. The challenge here is to forget what you have
heard in the past and look at this with fresh eyes. The effort will be worth it!
CHRISTIANITY
That is the result of the existence of some Christians entirely given to Christ, united by a
friendship that is filled with admiration, and who work together in a highly apostolic climate.
That acts with effectiveness.

It unites holiness with reality and looks for the biggest yield of people in its activities.
To bring people to Christ.

By the living and imperative witness of the life of the rollista.
Renewing the face of the earth progressively.

That’s why it portrays a joyful concept of Christianity that is true and authentic, and that
achieves, on behalf of the Lord, “even greater things than these.”
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SITUATION
It is the third rollo of the third day and the length of it can be varied according to the
personality of the rollista. After the rollo the Rector(a) should remind the Cursillistas to fill
out their Service Sheets and have the Team members sign the Cursillistas’ Pilgrim’s Guide.
ATMOSPHERE
In the Cursillistas there is a climate of general euphoria, fruit of personal and common
experiences, of overflowing Grace and they realise through the explanation of the Service
Sheets, that there is a way to make every hope of holiness both possible and perennial when
defining the real position that corresponds to each one. However, the heaviness of the hour
should be overcome by the rollista who must also take care to put to rest any possible fear of
facing up to the practical, apostolic achievements outlined in the “Study of the Environment”
that usually appears in the Cursillo®.
OBJECTIVE
Above all is sought to show in this rollo the incarnation of the theory of the environment,
so that it will not just be a detached abstract truth of one’s life. In this rollo the Cursillista
enters into, and becomes familiar with, the world of Christian truths and realities joyfully
lived. This rollo should also serve to dispel the fear that some may still have about becoming
apostolic in their actions. The message portrayed in this rollo is very clear that, in order to be
effective in our efforts to spread the message of the Gospel to the world, we need the support
provided by continuing contact with like-minded individuals in “friendship groups”. This
presentation should form a firm foundation for the message to come later on in the final rollo
of Total Security where the Group Reunion and Ultreya are finally presented in their entirety
to the candidates.
TECHNIQUE
This rollo is essentially a personal witness. The rollo is a testimony but all the points in
the outline need to be covered. The life of the Cursillista that is translated into the rollo is the
irrefutable proof of the constant mystery of the grace of God and the living reality of
“Christianity in Action”. Since this is a witnessing rollo, it is logical that it is also moving.
This testimony should also take care of destroying the last prejudices against life after the
Cursillo®.
STYLE
The style of the rollo is lively and penetrating. It must seem natural and an authentic part
of the rollista’s lifestyle. The strength of a “Christianity in Action” can very well be
measured by the quantity of the individuals that it has and maintains, who are able to live
what this rollo accurately supposes. They are individuals in whom the desire for the best is
combined with the naturalness of the authentic and who are successful in living the ongoing
miracle.
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OUTLINE
1. INTRODUCTION
We have already looked at the theory of the winning over the environment, but the
Cursillistas haven’t yet seen it in practice; that it is the way to achieve personal conversion
and win our environments and is to be integrated into “Christianity in Action”. We will see
what this is, how it works and what it achieves.
2. DEFINITION
“Christianity in Action is a group of Grace filled Christians who journey together in a

climate that makes it possible for each one to live and spread the Gospel in the world.”
3. EXPLANATION OF THE DEFINITION
A. Small Groups of Christians

(1) That know each other
(2) That live together
(3) That admire each other
(4) That are friends
B. In Grace
(1) Through personal effort
(2) Caring for each other
(3) A gift from the Lord
C. That journey together
(1) To sustain each other
(2) To encourage each other
(3) To be more effective
(4) To be faithful to the Lord’s command
D. In a climate that makes possible
(1) The action of the Gospel
a. Differences disappear
b. Miracles happen
c. Each one lives in perennial joy
d. Everything speaks of the Father
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(2) For one to live and spread the Gospel

a. It is a witness that attracts
b. It gives strength for the task
c. It removes the fear of ridicule
d. It hinders the pride of success
e. It is the source of Palanca
4. HOW IT PROCEEDS
A. Each one doing what they should be doing

B. Each one in their place (environment, bloom where you’re planted)
C. In friendship groups
D. In union with all
(1) Only for the purpose of having people coming to the understanding that God loves
them
(2) Trusting everything to prayer
(3) Putting “everything” at stake
5. WHAT IT ACHIEVES
“Even greater things than these;” (John 1:50)

A. The conversion of people
B. Environments are Christianised
C. The world is improved
D. The Church is enlarged
E. The Dioceses are fortified
F. It pleases the Lord
6. CONCLUSION
Because it is truthful.
Because we are living it: We have a joyful understanding of Christianity.
A. People will be happy
B. The world will be Christian
C. Christ’s Redemption will be wholly effectiveness
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Translators Notes:
One of the keys to understanding the message of this rollo is understanding the intended
meaning of the title. In Spanish it is called “Cristianidad en Accion” which literally
translated, becomes “Christendom in Action.” The word Christendom is not commonly used
in English and the traditional meaning of Christendom only offers us a glimpse of the
intended meaning. In order to gain a clearer understanding of the original intent, various
sources were consulted.
Two statements that add clarity to this translation are:

1. When the persons who have understood the Cursillo® and the value of friendship have
actualised the three encounters that have been initiated (The encounter with oneself,
the encounter with Christ and the encounter with the others) and understood how they
are related to each other in order to share and coordinate their Christian life, they have
generated a new environment that is “Christendom”.
(Ramón Armengol Rodo, II Conversaciones de Cala Figuera)
2. Christendom in action is the work of Christians, carrying to all environments the
message of Christ, not only with words but with the testimony of our lives. (Nils
Avila, Cursillista from Costa Rica)
This rollo has been replaced in the Cursillo® literature by one called, Christian
Community or Christian Community in Action. Although some of the outline from the
Christianity in Action rollo has been incorporated, the rollo commonly called Christian
Community has very little in common with the original and focuses on the aspect of
community. For the Mallorcans, community means something very intimate, as in a family
or in a group reunion. They don’t understand “groups of Christians” as a community because
there is often little but superficial contact between the members. Renaming the rollo has
taken the focus far from its original intent. A talk was given at the II Conversations that
addressed this very topic and we might do well to study it. It is obviously something that
concerns the Mallorcans as they selected it as a topic for the Conversations.
PREPARING THE ROLLO
As is evident, no Cursillo® rollo can be “standardised” and it is renewed every time when
adapted to the personality of the rollista, to the circumstances of his life, and to the mentality
and the problems of those listening, without changing its essence. The “Christianity in
Action” rollo has this characteristic a hundredfold, because it is, at the heart of it, the
testimony of the life of a determined type of Christianity, that will always be a distinct and
joyful life lived as a Christian.
Section 1, the Introduction explains how this rollo is the complement, the incarnation of
the theory of the “Study of the Environment” rollo, so that it will not just be a detached
abstract truth of one’s life.
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Section 3 is the heart of the rollo. This section centres on the definition (Section 2) of
what is meant with a “Christianity in Action”; the living of the life in Grace of a group of
Christians who journey together in a climate that makes possible for one (and for others) to
live and spread the Gospel. The only witness pertinent to this rollo is the life of the rollista
that is translated into the rollo, and especially into this section; it is the irrefutable proof of the
constant mystery of the Grace of God and the living reality of “Christianity in Action.” A
person narrating his/her life of how he/she in infecting his/her environment journeying
together with a group of friends and planning their lives and their apostolic actions.
The message portrayed in this rollo is very clear that, in order to be effective in our efforts
to spread the message of the Gospel to the world, we need the support provided by continuing
contact with like-minded individuals in “friendship groups.”
Section 4 explains how Christianity in Action evolves. It evolves by the living testimony
of each one of us. Not by assuming new responsibilities, but by fulfilling our mission as
layperson in the world; our small world – our environments. It also acts through “Friendship
Groups” and “Ultreyas”.
Section 5 talks about the end results of a Christianity in Action. We will achieve the
same things that He did and even greater things if we are faithful to His Word and to His
Life.
This presentation should form a firm foundation for the message to come later on in the
final rollo of Total Security where the Group Reunion and Ultreya are finally presented in
their entirety to the candidates.
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CHRISTIANITY IN ACTION
SAMPLE ROLLO
(45 MINUTES)
1. INTRODUCTION
In this Cursillo®, we have been presented with three profound and special calls:
 To be a person (Man/Woman) – this was the call made in the Ideal rollo.
 To be a Christian – this was the call made in the Habitual Grace rollo.
 To be Church – this was the call made in the Layperson in the Church rollo.
In the rollos that followed, it was indicated what was needed for us to give a free, good
and decisive response to these three calls.
In the Study of the Environment rollo we have seen, in theory, what we must do to
conquer our environments. In it we recall that our environments are divided into three fronts,
and there are distinct tactics to follow in each front.
That rollo was somewhat like the theoretical explanation of how to drive a car, but in
order to become a driver, one still needs to get behind the wheel in order to be able to pass
the road test. If we only hear the theory of how to conquer our environments, it is most likely
that when we leave the Cursillo® and get behind the wheel of our “apostolic car”, we may go
off the road the first time we attempt to evangelise.
So that this doesn’t happen to us, we have this rollo that will give practical examples of
how those who have gone before us have won their environments for Christ. This rollo tries
to explain how to be Christians in act and in deed; to simply “walk the rollo”. The main
theme of the rollo is how to be a Christian influence in one’s environments – that is, how to
be a real Christian in the real world.
In practice what is necessary for one to win environments is to become a part of

“Christianity in Action.” We will see what this living and active Christianity is and what it is
comprised of. After that we’ll also see how it works and what it achieves.
2. DEFINITION
Christianity in Action is a group of Grace filled Christians who live together in a climate
that makes it possible for each one to live and spread the Gospel in the world.
3. EXPLANATION OF THE DEFINITION
In order to understand this better, let’s look at it line by line.

A. A Small Group of Christians
We have said above all that “Christianity in Action” is a group of Christians. This can
mean many things but, when you take a number of individuals who become friends that
journey with each other, who come to know each other intimately, and humbly admire each
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other, then you have a group. If any of these things are missing, you don’t have a living
group, just a collection of people.
(1) Know each other
We say that the members of a “Christianity in Action” know each other. You have
already witnessed what has happened here in the Cursillo®. We came here as strangers to
each other and little by little we have come to know each other. Where there is a Christian
climate such as this, people do get to know each other. This will also happen to you when
you leave the Cursillo®, as it has already happened to all of us who have gone before you.
One usually comes away from the Cursillo® knowing a more diverse group of people, but
all centred on the same Christ. It’s wonderful that in the Cursillo® we are able to break down
the barriers of class and race and get to know each other as fellow pilgrims on the journey
back to the Father. Because it is logical that as soon as we get to know each other, then
between the Cursillistas, as between all authentic Christians, there is a sincerity that naturally
occurs and is the fruit of a conviction that everyone appears how they are, without wanting to
seem “holier than thou.”
You then, should not fear returning to your environments, or of approaching the
Cursillistas there because they will be extremely glad to know you, and you, surely will also
be glad to know more and more persons that share the same ideals and difficulties as you.
(2) Journeying together
In addition to knowing each other, we say that they must be integrated into a “Christianity
in Action,” that is “journeying together.” Journeying together is the act of living in the
company of each other on our pilgrimage to the Father “one for all and all for one.”
It is really amazing to see, that when Christ penetrates an environment, a brotherhood is
born, such as we are living here in the Cursillo®, and we discover that we all have so much in
common. This is because we are sharing in all things – playing together and praying
together.
This effect can be seen when a group of Christians comes together, for example, while
praying for this Cursillo® or for someone’s apostolic plan.
When two Spanish aviators were together in United States taking a jet fighter course, they
had the occasion of beginning the first American Cursillo® in Texas. Was it just by accident
they were in America? No, the Lord sent them. In Mallorca there was a group of Cursillistas
that met early one morning, before going to work, in order to pray the Rosary together for
that Cursillo® and then they would go to Mass together. After Mass and Communion, they
would go together to a cafe for breakfast, telling the last few funny stories and sharing the last
few problems. This journeying together was also fun.
So this is how living Christianity is: journeying together with others, through the good
times and the bad times.
(3) Admire each other
These Christians that know each other and live with each other, we also say they admire
each other. This may sound a bit silly, but it is actually a natural consequence of the close
relations involved. You will find similar types of admiration in the secular world, such as can
be seen in a well-trained sports team. The key here is that the admiration develops naturally
and is not forced.
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It is only natural that when one encounters the living Christ, one can gracefully overcome
the thousands of obstacles of each day. There is born in us a sense of wonder that gives us
the courage to be a saint and the humility to not consider ourselves heroes, but only working
to make the world a better place.
As you know, since Christ died, the natural state of man is to be holy, although
unfortunately in our world, what is natural is not what happens in reality. Thus, with this way
of looking at things, it is no wonder that a bank manager, who was a Cursillista, and, as if it
were the most natural thing in the world, was saying that the person most admired by the
people in the bank was one of the errand boys, who was also a Cursillista and a truly
courageous worker for the Lord.
When someone has no admiration for anyone else that is truly holy, we know that his/her
soul has a damaged piece inside. For this reason, we say that the admiration of the saints is
the living and visible reflection of the Communion of Saints.
It is truly amazing to see in Christianity in Action how people are so different from each
other. Some are quieter, others are more enthusiastic, some are funny and others are clumsy,
but all of them admire the saintliness in each other. Perhaps the clumsy saint is also funny
but is just not given to cracking jokes.
(4) Are friends
We have also said that those who become part of a living Christianity are friends. This
makes sense because where there are two or more persons, who know each other, live with
each other and admire each other; it can be said that they are friends. It is only logical that
those who are friends with Christ would be friends with each other. Finding a true friend is
something that would fill anyone’s heart, because a friend is someone you can dare to think
out loud with. It is that way with us who are strong and mature. With a true friend sorrow
can be lessened and joy multiplied.
Because of this we can joyfully realise that in Christianity we don’t just have a friend,
there is a lot more to it, because above and beyond the friendship we have with each other,
we have a common friendship with the Lord in the Tabernacle, which is the strength and
source of our friendship, even with someone who may have wronged us before coming to
know Christ.
This friendship we are speaking of is so essential that we will cover it in greater detail in
the last rollo of today – the most important rollo of the whole Cursillo®.
B. In Grace
We said in the definition that Christianity in Action was a small group of Christians living
in Grace. Throughout the Cursillo® there has been much talk about the life in Grace, but
since this is the heart of our Christian being, we can’t speak of it enough.
When one really gets into the Cursillo®, he will find people that really do live in Grace 24
hours a day. We’re not talking about living in Grace in the Cursillo® only, but in the
circumstances of everyday life, in the workplace, at play, family, etc. This is something that
drives the truth home.
When one meets with a group of people, proud to be living in Grace and being Sons of
God, that’s when Christianity stops seeming to be a religion of old fashion and appears as it
really is; an adventure that requires lots of boldness.
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These small groups of Grace-filled Christians are able to stand firm because they know
the value of the three means of maintaining it: personal effort, help from their brothers/sisters
and the gift of God.
(1) Personal effort
We have said then, that in order to live in Grace after the Cursillo® one needs to exercise
some personal effort. For whoever believes that they can be a Christian without effort, we
would tell him that living as a Christian is not a spectator sport: but that we are responsible to
work hard joyfully and to bring joy to the world around us and joy to God by our actions.
The devil mounts his campaign and we need to be constantly on guard against attacks
from him. Sometimes being a Christian brings us sorrow and other times it brings us joy.
Sometimes it will cost us “blood, sweat, and tears” to not lose the Grace; but it cost Christ
more to win it for us.
If we stumble sometimes and lose the Grace we don’t become like fallen heroes, we pick
ourselves up and go once again to the feet of the priest. Finally, in being a saint, it’s not that
we never fall, but that we know that we must always get up again.
(2) Rely on the care of our brothers/sisters
We have also said that in order to remain in Grace; we rely on the care of our
brothers/sisters. Everyone that has lived among Cursillistas knows very well that this is a
magnificent truth. By seeing how others cope with things, it helps us to cope as well, but it’s
also true that many times they are the ones that gain strength from us as well.
How many times a chat with a brother/sister, in the hard times, has made us come away
with a renewed spirit. How many times, perhaps also when some Cursillista has had the
misfortune to stumble and fall, his brothers/sisters have known how to remind him/her of the
vision and life inside and outside of the Cursillo®, so that he/she can recover the Grace
immediately by making a sincere confession.
When there are many hands and only one dream, there is no doubt that the dream will be
achieved.
If we don’t count on our brothers/sisters, we will have great difficulty living in Grace
much of the time, and without living in Grace all the things a Christianity in Action is capable
of doing would simply disappear. According to the words of Pius XI, “to heal a profoundly
sick world” like ours.
(3) A gift from the Lord
Also we have said that if we remain in Grace it is above all and overall a gift from the
Lord, that He wants to lavish on us. Not only that, but also our effort and the care we receive
from our brothers/sisters are already gifts from God.
Sometimes He intervenes in a special way, without middlemen. This can be seen in the
case of a Cursillista who, when he/she was at the point of falling from Grace, heard by
chance the sound of a radio that just happened to be playing “De Colores”. Not surprisingly
it reminded him of the many hours lived with joy and intimacy of Grace.
The Lord gives Himself to us every day in Communion and also in a thousand other ways
that we perhaps don’t take time to discover because we don’t open our ears to listen to God’s
voice.
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C. Who journey together

We have seen that Christianity in Action is a small group of Christians in Grace that
journey together. Right now we will look at what it means to journey together. It is to walk
through life with joined souls, bringing luck to all, forming a cluster.
Journeying together means sharing in common the restlessness, the hopes, the joys, and
the sorrows of each on. Sharing our life with our brothers/sisters. We must form groups,
sharing so much to maintain them, encouraging in order to be efficacious, in order to be
faithful to the Lord’s mandate.
(1) To remain firm
Journeying together is the prime method we use to remain firm in our beliefs. It is very
dangerous to try and go it alone and still remain in Grace. It goes against the “rules of the
road” of God’s Kingdom. If we insist on going this way, we will soon become discouraged.
On the other hand, if we trust in our brothers/sisters, we will receive all the help necessary
and we will also have occasion to help them on their journey as well.
It’s like the Cursillista that, on leaving the Cursillo®, encountered some difficulties that
required the help of another Cursillista in order to find a solution. They called each other
every day before going to work. Perhaps the only words spoken were “De Colores” as usual.
Later, at midday, the other one would make a call. The lastly, just before bed, a phone call
would be made the other way. So then, between the two, armed with nothing more than a
telephone and a lot of faith, together they were able to navigate their way around the snares
and pitfalls. Thus journeying together enabled them to remain in Grace, however, not only
them, but also any Cursillista who carries on into the breach.
(2) Getting better
However, just remaining in Grace is not enough. It’s been said that, “Not going forward
is the same as taking two steps backwards.” The highways of Grace, like many other places,
are “No Parking” zones. One needs to keep accelerating, getting better. It is because of this
that journeying together with our brothers/sisters is so helpful, as we help and encourage each
other on our pilgrimage. It’s wonderful to see how a Christian goes from feeling very restless
to having more hunger for God, more hope for truth and goodness.
How many times during an apostolic meeting with another brother/sister have we come
away with a renewed eagerness to be holy, more determined and more discerning?
How many times also have we spoken of this contact with a brother/sister, this journeying
together that we speak of, because we needed his/her help in prayer, direction, or control?
How many “buts” have disappeared and how many virtues have been polished by this
journeying together Christian with Christian. Many times it’s simply a funny story to cheer
us up and make us better. Only God knows why.
(3) More efficacious
However, it would be very selfish if we were journeying with the others only in order to
improve and encourage ourselves. We also do this because it makes us more efficacious in
our apostolic activities.
It has often been said that one person alone can be a hero or a fool, two can be two heroes
or two fools, but when there are more than two, there is always a real commotion.
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If we want to act in the name of the Lord it is necessary to form a group, together with
our brothers/sisters. Everyone knows what happens with the “away” fans of a soccer team.
When there is only one, he will be quiet, but when a bunch of them get together, they’re very
noisy.
It only makes sense that acting as a group is more effective, because whatever one doesn’t
think of, another one will, and also between them they will always find the right way for
others to come to know God.
(4) Remaining true to the Lord
Journeying together provides Christians a means of remaining true to the Lord’s
commands, which the Gospel has stated very clearly, and Jesus wants us to have the same
support his disciples did when he sent them out two by two; even though they would have
covered twice as much territory if they had gone solo. Very simply, journeying together with
others is also part of Christian living.
Jesus promised us that whenever two or three of us gather in His name, He is there with
us. He never tired of reminding us to love one another and to be united with each other.
During the days of the Acts of the Apostles, people marvelled at how the early Christians
were of one heart and soul, and how they would go every day to the Temple in Jerusalem.
If as Christians we were to increase our faithfulness to Christ’s will, sharing our lives,
journeying together, forming an authentic “Christianity in Action,” there is no doubt that the
promises of the Lord would come to fruition and our efficacy would be overpowering, as
what happened with the Apostles at Pentecost.
D. That journey in a climate that makes possible:
(1) To live the Gospel
Looking at the definition given earlier, step by step we see that these small groups of
Christians, who journey together, create a climate that makes it possible to live the Gospel
and spread it to the world.
Truly, where there is a “Christianity in Action” it make the Gospel alive right here in the
21st Century.
It is very evident here in the Cursillo®, when you come in contact with the other
Cursillistas. The Gospel message is truly lived, without bragging, but also without
concessions. Without pride, but also without fear in the light. And what we are experiencing
here in the Cursillo® is living proof of the effectiveness of Christianity in Action:
a. Differences between persons disappear.
All the differences disappear between persons from different social classes, races,
colours, nationalities, etc. We all become friends of each other. In a living Christianity
things like this happen and all rancour and hatred disappear entirely in order to pave the way
for a more united brotherhood.
b. Miracles will happen. These are realities lived every day.
When the Gospel is lived authentically in the 21st Century, miracles will happen, but
perhaps go unrecognised, as some people are afraid of God intervening in their lives. There
are some who believe that God made the world, but then He hung it in the sky and went to
sleep. At the opposite end of the spectrum are those who say that God intervenes in each step
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of their lives, and even our lack of faith is no obstacle for God to work wonders and authentic
miracles in our lives.
This is how it is with God; our selfishness in asking or receiving is not an obstacle to
God’s Work.
Also, what greater miracle can there be than when someone who is far away from God is
born into authentic Christian living because of the Cursillo®. Just as we have read about in
the Gospel, so too we have seen the “lame walk”, the “dumb speak”, and the “blind see” as
the result of their experiences on the Cursillo® weekend. Those who were “lame” and
limping along came away stepping lightly along the paths of the Lord; those who were
“dumb” and were afraid to speak about their faith have become outspoken apostles with a
firm and clear testimony; and those who were “blind” who no matter how hard they tried,
couldn’t see the good that Christ has done, but now their eyes have been opened and they can
see His goodness everywhere; and finally there are the “walking dead” who are now restored
to a life in Grace. We see so many miracles like these, that they almost seem commonplace.
c. A state of perennial joy
Also, when the Gospel message is lived today by a Christianity in Action, it’s only
natural that all those involved live in a state of perennial joy. Profound joy is a “family trait”
of Christians; it is the natural state of those in whom the Holy Spirit resides.
There are times, though, when joy astonishes and amazes one; for example, being joyful
despite one’s sorrows; being joyful in everyday life, in the family, at work and at play. This
is not a joy that one can buy, but comes from a peaceful heart and a soul that is restless to
share that joy with others.
d. Everything speaks of our Father
Finally, when Christianity in Action lives the Gospel message, everything speaks of our
Father in Heaven who has given us all things. It so happened one time that two Cursillistas
met during a visit to the Blessed Sacrament. On leaving, they explained that one of them had
gone there because his 13-year-old daughter had just died the other one because a son had
just been born to him. Both of these things had brought these men to the foot of the
Tabernacle. Both death and birth call us to speak to our Father who loves us and knows
what is best for us.
There is a book called “The Prayer of All Things” in which it is said that, for the one who
lives in Christ all things move him to pray, to bring him to a dialogue with the Father. One
sees God in things and things in God.
(2) That spreads the Gospel
Finally, the definition says that living in the climate of Christianity in Action makes it
possible for the Gospel to be spread throughout the world. Not only living the Gospel, but
also spreading it. Each time one more person comes to know Christ, there exists a true
Christianity in Action.
a. Testimony that attracts
This happens because of the fact that living out the Gospel message is itself a testimony
that attracts others.
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What ends up happening is that individuals notice the climate of joy and sincerity that
exists between Cursillistas and causes them to ask what has caused this joy they share with
each other.
It can also happen, though, that someone who encounters this living Truth has enough bad
habits that he doesn’t think he can embrace this truth.
b. But it is not enough for us to hope that they will come to us and ask how they can be
like us, Christ asks us to go to them, where they are, and then our living in a Christianity in
Action will give us strength for the task
Seeing how others have dared to go on ahead and have been instruments of the Lord’s
success is very encouraging. Seeing how others have given witness by their labour, even
though at first glance it may seem as if they are failing, helps to stave off the wariness of the
other labourers in the field.
And in the moment in which the wariness comes, also comes a hand from a friend,
encouragement from a brother/sister, and advice from a Spiritual Advisor. This way, with
vigour always renewed, new forces are always available to work for the extension of Christ’s
Kingdom although there may be lack of understanding on the part of the ones that are called
“good” and displeasure on the part of the ones that are believed “bad”.
Becoming part of a Christianity in Action takes away our fear of being ridiculed, like
those sport fans who were silent on their own, but noisy as a crowd. Like they say, there’s
safety in numbers.
We know that though there will be some who do not understand us, and some who would
laugh if we were to lose our resolve, there will also be a brother/sister who will be there to
remind us that what we have done is not foolish in the eyes of the Lord, for he/she sees it
with eyes of Grace.
We must walk away from our fear lest it get in the way of our apostolic action; fear is not
justified if we are part of a living Christianity in Action that is composed of such wonderful
brothers/sisters.
It is logical that to work with souls causes us a certain respect and fear. What is not
logical is that this respect paralyses us and this fear frightens us, but what it does oblige us to
do is to sharpen our aim and pray a lot more.
c. Guards us from pride
Journeying together with others in Christianity in Action causes our actions to be more
effective because it guards us from pride in the success the Lord wished to accomplish
through us. To see that our work is not only ours but it is because the whole group supports
the work by their prayer and action. But we must also remember that success always belongs
to the Lord and that we are just his instruments.
d. Source of Palanca
Finally, when Christianity is truly lived and the message of the Gospel is spread, it is
because the “Christianity in Action” is the source of palanca, always living and always
renewing.
How many times has a Cursillista been in a situation requiring much prayer, and with one
phone call has been able to immediately have someone pray for the situation at hand.
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It is only logical that apostolic plans supported by prayer will come to fruition. This is
what happens every time there is a Cursillo®. All the successes of the Cursillo®, all those
who come to discover and get to know Christ, are the result of all the prayers and sacrifices
of many Cursillistas.
So in a nutshell, this is Christianity in Action: A small group of Christians living in Grace
and journeying together in a jubilant and triumphant climate that makes it possible to live the
wonder of the Gospel message in the 21st Century, and that is the cause of this Gospel to be
spread further each and every day.
We have seen what Christianity in Action is, now we will see how to make it happen.
4. HOW IT PROCEEDS
A. Each one doing what they should be doing

Christianity when it is in action and is living is comparable to the way an aircraft carrier
works.
In order to get to an aircraft carrier, we need to use a speedboat. Once we get there, we
see landing strips, reconnaissance planes, fighter jets, bombers, fuel tanks, basketball courts,
theatres, etc. Everything on the ship is under the command of the control tower.
A Christianity in Action is similar. It is a unit consisting of different parts.
The planes are the laypersons, who have enough of a runway to take off for their own
missions. Some are engaged in reconnaissance flights, others love the thrill of open combat,
and still others like to fly acrobatics in order to get people to look upwards.
There is also the repair shop of the confessional, where the priests who are mechanics that
specialise in souls, are there to perform preventative maintenance.
There is also the control tower. The Hierarchy, the Pope and his Bishops, that guides
both the ship and us.
At the heart of Christianity is the Tabernacle, a fantastic fuel tank, from which each of us
receives the Communion, the bread of life that fills the tanks of our soul full of Christ.
This is how Christianity happens when it is living and active. Let’s take a closer look at
how this Christianity happens.
B. Each one in their place
The Lord doesn’t want us to be all the same, because He made each one of us unique.
We want each one to carry on being who they are, where they are; but now as a Christian.
We don’t want Christians without personality, or who are gutless or bland. Each one must be
in their own place, to bloom where
We don’t want priests to act like laypersons or laypersons to act like priests. We want
each one to remain in his place in order that all of them together put all their means at the
service of the Gospel. We want each one to use his gifts and talents with enthusiasm.
The Cursillistas become more of a person. The woman Cursillista carries on being very
womanly; the male very manly; the priest more of a priest; the layperson more of a layperson.
And all of them do this for the same reason: because they long to be saints. To be the saint
that God has already thought that they could be.
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C. Acting through friendship groups

Besides each one working in their place, the members of a living Christianity in Action
form friendship groups. Each one with those who can help them becomes better, both
humanly and supernaturally. Journeying together and planning their lives and their apostolic
actions. This is somewhat fantastic and decisive, without doubt the best find of the Cursillo®;
this is what is called Group Reunion, which we’ve already mentioned before and will not be
talked about here in great detail.
D. In union with all - Ultreyas
Besides each one working in their place and being a part of friendship group it is also
very important that these things are done in union with all. These friendship groups are not
closed nor do they become little Churches.
It is by means of this contact that the Cursillistas form such a close bond with each other,
like the early Christians as they met each afternoon in the Temple in Jerusalem.
This contact that puts us in touch with the problems of many and with the solutions of the
Church is what we call Ultreya, which we will also talk about in more detail later on. And
because each one is working in his/her place and is part of a friendship group, and every
group is held in the living bosom of the giver of life, then there is no possible obstacle and the
Lord goes about each day, as we read in the Acts of the Apostles, “Increasing the number of
the chosen ones.”
5. WHAT IT ACHIEVES
We have seen what Christianity in Action is and how it works; now we’ll see what it
achieves.
The Gospel, which is Christ’s Word that cannot lie, says to us “You will do the same
things as I and even greater things.” It seems that with the amount of miracles that Christ did,
His record would be unparalleled in efficacy. But He is the same Christ who put His record
at our disposal.
We will achieve the same things that He did and even greater things if we are faithful to
His Word and to His Life. For those who live in Christianity in Action the words of the Lord
give extraordinary evidence. They achieve authentic and impressive goals.
A. In the first place souls are converted. It would be impressive to hear the testimony of
the immense number of souls that have been converted as a result of the Cursillo®.
B. Environments also become Christianised, from the workplaces, to family
environments, to circles of friends, etc. Wherever there is Christianity in Action, it will work
to Christianise all environments.
C. And the world is also improved, to the extent that more people will live in Grace. Of
these large present crises, it has been said and with reason, that they are crises of the saints.
When holiness increases in the world it will produce a joyful and triumphant “link in the
chain” joining all things in Christ.
D. And the Church is enlarged also when Christianity steps strong and marches in time.
The restlessness rises from the laypersons right on up to the Pope. The truth keeps coming
from the Pope down to the laypersons. And thus the Church goes with its bow directed
towards God who takes joy in it perennial youthfulness.
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E. The Dioceses are fortified – He will be a Bishop who will say to us that the
Christianities in Action that have enlightened the work of the Cursillos are a blessing for the
whole Church. Because in the end what we are interested in is building up the Church.
F. It pleases the Lord – But what is most important is that the fundamental achievement
of Christianity in Action is that it pleases the Lord, seeing that souls who are thirsty for Grace
are being filled, and who smiles every morning when all over the world people offer their
works to Him without bargaining or falsehoods.
And the Lord is pleased to see that there are more and more people who gather in His
name to share in the plan of Salvation. When Heaven contemplates a collective and jubilant
devotion, what comes to pass is reminiscent of Duyos’ poem: “Until the angels clap from the
theatre boxes of Heaven.”
6. CONCLUSION
And this is not just optimism without foundation; but deep conviction.
We have a triumphant conception of Christianity, not for a whim but as a theological
certainty, because it is the only truth and because our experiences confirm it for us every day.
We do not hesitate to hope that one day the victory will be ours because it will belong to
Christ. A dim and distant ending does not shape us, but rather by our joyful efforts we try to
accelerate to the maximum the fullness of the triumph of Christ. We know that people call
upon God, no matter how much they try and conceal it.
We know that if we do not falter, God will keep his promises; and because of this, people
will be full of joy. We also know that the world will become Christian, not by name or
baptism, but in devotion and holiness. And we also know that the Blood of Christ, poured
out in history from Calvary to each Mass, will be fully effective, bathing everything in serene
enthusiasm for the things of God.
It is Christ who is the guarantor of the company and He cannot fail.
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Chapter 4 – Rollos – The Cursillista beyond the Cursillo®
THE CURSILLISTA BEYOND THE CURSILLO®
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THEME
It is to give the Cursillista a synthesised vision of their mission and the possibility of
carrying it out, pointing out to them the dangers that they will encounter and the ways to
avoid them.
We tell them what the Cursillista is to be, what they have and what they know. We finish
pointing out to them the way to Christianise and to bring life to all the environments that they
are already a part of; and in which, from now on, they will begin to detect their apostolic
mission with the purpose of being able to bring about, together with the other Cursillistas, life
as a perennial Cursillo®.
NOTE
Try to maintain the rhythm which was given impetus by the previous rollo, opening the
Cursillista up to future possibilities, while maintaining an expectation of finding concrete
ways of carrying them out.
THE CURSILLISTAS MADE AWARE OF THEIR MISSION
Cursillistas, who are aware of their mission, have the mission to encourage the
candidates, to convince others that they too can discover that God loves them in Christ and
that it is their mission to convince others and fill them with enthusiasm.
They will:
participate in Christ’s work using the ways of Christ.
They have:
a clear concept of the Ideal and a clear concept of the reality.
They know:
that no one can do everything but all can do something to be Christian, to go on being
Christian is not to lose something but to increase one’s own life.
To be able to Christianise the environments:
To understand that together with the other Cursillistas, life can be a perennial Cursillo®.
SITUATION
The second to the last rollo of the Cursillo®, which is going to end soon. And everyone is
feeling that they would like to prolong this moment, to stay in the Cursillo®.
ATMOSPHERE
Most of the Cursillistas, at the moment this rollo is given, are already anxious to go back
to the outside world, they are impatient and anxious to do something for Christ, and of
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passing on the message that they have received, to those who are part of their own
environments, (family, profession, friends, etc....) It is like a drive that they feel inside
themselves, and often there is an unrestrained urgency to begin as soon as possible.
OBJECTIVE
It is not presented in such a way that the means of perseverance is explained, but only to
spark the interest of the Cursillistas to discover a concrete and effective way to do all they
wish to do. That will be explained in the following rollo as the appropriate take off point that
will allow them to journey together, in perfect harmony, even though there will always be
room for improvement, to find the way of the greatest effectiveness, for the re-
Christianisation of all the environments.
TECHNIQUE
Keep in mind that at the time that this rollo is given, the Cursillo® is at a point of
transition between the previous rollo, which was almost exclusively about life, and the one to
follow. The last rollo of the Cursillo® is the keystone of the weekend for in is all their
restlessness is crystallised in simple principles and in summing up; it should be short, incisive
and convincing.
STYLE
It must be vibrant, with the whole weight of conviction that has already contributed to the
joyful climate that is evident, and at a time that each one already feels the Grace that they
have discovered, rediscovered or increased.
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OUTLINE
1. INTRODUCTION
Because you have given your idealism, your self-surrender, and your spirit of charity, the
Grace of God has been poured out on you and you feel alive, convinced and enthusiastic.
2. MISSION
A. To infect (transmit, pass on), to convince and to enthuse.

Not to rest until everybody knows that God loves Him/Her
B. Possibility
The Lord has called us so that we participate with Him by working for the salvation of
others.
The world gets lost because there are few Christians who live and act as Christians.
3. TWO DANGERS
A. To believe we are something.

 Only by living aware of our helplessness, will we allow Christ to act through us.
B. To believe we are nothing.
 We can’t do anything.
 But with Christ we can do all things.
 We will be overcome by discouragement if we are proud.
NOTE: Good place to witness.
4. SOLUTION
A. Contact with Christ

 “Without Me you can do nothing.”
B. Contact with our brothers and sisters.
 By our vocation as people in the world, we can be sanctified by journeying
together.
 Contact with our brothers and sisters is insured through the Group Reunion.
5. WHAT THE CURSILLISTA IS
 Participant in the mission of Christ.
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 Continuing Christ’s Work using the same procedure He used.

 Our lives should be a living witness of the Gospel, in such a way that through them,
Christ is manifested to all those around us as a living part of our everyday life.
6. WHAT THE CURSILLISTA HAS
A. A clear concept of the Ideal.

 A clear idea of what he/she intends to do.
 To maintain an attitude of firm resolution without any confusion.
B. A clear concept of the reality.
 When we realise that reality is wanted by God, the Christian is moved to form it
according to Christ.
7. WHAT THE CURSILLISTA SHOULD KNOW
 That no one can do everything, but all can do something.

 Many times their work will need correcting.
8. CHRISTIANISATION, PENETRATION, “INFECTION” OF THE ENVIRON-

MENT BY THE CURSILLISTA
 To put heart and soul into the environment.
9. VITAL FUNCTION IS TO CHRISTIANISE
In our Piety and study we:

 inhale the things of God (as in the action of the heart, contracting and expanding).
In our Apostolic action we:
 exhale God’s ways.
10. OUR LIFE – A PERENNIAL CURSILLO®
By fermenting their environments, they will give life to all and everything.
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Explanation for reintroducing this rollo on the Cursillo® weekend.
In many places this rollo has been dropped from the weekend schedule and if it is given,
it is not given in the sequence that was originally intended.
Eduardo Bonnín has expressed his concern that he cannot understand why it was dropped,
for in his opinion, it is vital to the understanding of the Total Security Rollo which follows it.
It contains many of the points that are sometimes given in what is now known as the 4th Day
or Witness rollo at the Closing.
Although the Cursillo® has evolved in some ways since its beginning, there has always
been a specific goal for each day and each of the rollos is presented at a specific point in the
unfolding of the weekend so that the goal for each day can be reached.
To present a rollo out of sequence means that a piece of the overall picture is missing. It
is like giving a person a box containing a jigsaw puzzle but with no picture on the outside of
the box.
They have all the pieces except they don’t know how they fit together. This rollo gives
the candidate a picture of the whole so that the pieces can then be fitted together.
This is the purpose of the rollo and why it is important that it be given on the weekend
and in the proper sequence.
 It sums up and synthesises all that they have heard
 It helps the candidates to concretise the message of the Cursillo® within themselves
 It bridges the gap between the personal aspect of the Cursillo®
 The encounter with self and with Christ
 To the social aspect, the encounter with others, of
 Group Reunion and Ultreya
 It then points the way ahead, towards the 4th Day
In many places the 4th Day is not healthy; many are not grouping or attending Ultreya.
The question often asked is: How can we get people to commit to the 4th Day?
Did we ever present it to the candidates in a convincing manner? On the Cursillo®
weekend, did they hear that we have a solution to the problems and dangers that they might
face in the world?
Are we convinced that we have found a solution?
Did they understand that the solution is:
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 Contact with Christ.

 Contact with their brothers and sisters.
The method is alluded to but not explained. They hear the term “Ultreya” and “Group
Reunion” and it makes them curious.
The candidates need to hear at the end of the three days:

 What they will be.
 What they will have.
 What they should know.
They need to hear it summed up in simple terms.

They need to hear from the rollista that he/she is convinced that what they have
experienced and what they are feeling is real and that it can be lived.
That they can respond to what they have heard:

To live as Christ in the world is not to lose anything, but to increase the value of one’s
own life.
The Cursillista evangelises his/her environment by:

 Encouraging others and infusing life.
 Their actions are supported by their piety and guided through the method of Cursillo®.
 Life can be a perennial Cursillo®.
PREPARING THE ROLLO
This particular rollo is primarily a witness rollo. It sums up the whole of the weekend to
that particular point in time, coming as it does between the Christianity in Action rollo and
Total Security. Its purpose is to centre in the Candidate all that they have heard to that point,
to help them to concretise the message within themselves.
At this point in the weekend the candidates are not only tired, they are in transition,
perhaps reluctant to leave and yet eager to get going with all their apostolic plans. This rollo
cautions them a little, while encouraging them by the conviction and witness of the rollista.
Section 1 is a lead-in to what follows. It lets them know that because they contributed the
simple things asked of them, God has showered them with His Grace.
Section 2 reminds them that they did not come to Cursillo® just for themselves, that they
have changed, but their environments are the same as they were when they left. They have
the mission to lead them to Christ; to bring others to Christ.
Section 3 speaks about the response to the mission. Eduardo prefers the word possibility
vs. Responsibility. Responsibility means the obligation to answer for something, and,
possibility is the aptitude or faculty to do something or not do it. Nobody likes to feel
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obligated to do anything. It is easier to get a response when people are told that they have
possibilities. When people are asked to take on responsibilities they usually think twice
before committing themselves.
Cursillo® has awakened in us a lot of possibilities and we have the mission of sharing
them with others, it is God who wants it this way. We respond before God and before the
Church the “Mystical Body”. The world gets lost, because there are few Christians who live
and act as Christians.
Section 4 points out two possible dangers that the candidates may face when they return
to their environments. The first is a lack of humility, believing “that we are important and
indispensible” because we just attended a Cursillo®, and the second, a lack of confidence,
believing that we cannot do anything to cure those ills. Nothing good can be done without
Christ and with Christ all things are possible; “Christ and I an overwhelming majority”.
If the study of the Environment rollo has been well presented, the Cursillistas will be
much better prepared for what he/she has to face.
Section 5 gives them the very hope that we, as Cursillistas have found a method to help
them to continue what they have experienced in the Cursillo®, and to not only maintain it but
to have it grow. It bridges the gap between the personal experience of encountering self and
Christ and the social aspect of Cursillo®, the encounter with others, which is the Group
Reunion and Ultreya.
This is a good section for the rollista to give testimony about his/her contact with Christ
through the sacraments, highlighting also on the service sheet. This section stresses the group
reunion and the Ultreya as means of keeping contact with our brothers/sisters in Christ. We
need the support of others who want the same thing we want and are working for it. We are
much stronger as a team than we are trying to survive by ourselves. The rollista needs to
witness as to what the group reunion and Ultreya means for them. This section should
encourage the Cursillistas to value the group reunion and the Ultreya.
Section 6 sketches the kind of person the Cursillista should be: an active apostle, someone
who works in a dedicated way for Christ. The Cursillistas should be a witness of Christ, a
continuer of His work; someone who brings Christ to their environments of family, work,
sport, social, etc. If the Cursillista does not understand what he should be, the Cursillo® has
been a failure.
Section 7 contains a few final admonitions to help the Cursillistas avoid making some of
the “classic” mistakes. One of the most common problems is caused by the tendency to think
that everyone should do the same thing. Where a group of Christians takes the things of God
seriously, some help in some ways and others in a different way, according to their situations
and potential, but they all have one purpose, the building up of the Body of Christ.
The Cursillista should not leave the Cursillo® expecting that everyone will understand
them. They will find people who are prejudiced against the Cursillistas, and even some who
might have the sad mission of making the figure of Christ unfriendly.
The Cursillista must aspire to live in divine Grace in their normal life. There is a
tendency for people who have just found Christ to think that living as a Christian is
incompatible with normal life. They will tend to feel that they must give up all their old
friends, their pastimes, their entertainments, their social life, etc. Sometimes changes need to
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be made. Occasionally a person has to give up his old friends, and perhaps some other
things. The difference the Cursillo® makes should not be that they be out of touch with
reality. What should distinguish them is their love of Christ, the joy and optimism that comes
from knowing Him. This is where they are being called to live their life in divine Grace.
The last three sections recap about carrying out their mission. The Cursillista should be
like leaven in dough. We’ve got to see to it that in each environment there is an effective
person which gives life to the environment. They should bring the ideas found in the
Cursillo® into society. They must do it by sharing their Piety, Study and Action, increasing
their life in Grace and their awareness of it through Group Reunion and Ultreya; this is,
making of our life a perennial Cursillo®.
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SAMPLE ROLLO
(25 MINUTES)
1. INTRODUCTION
The first day you were asked to contribute three things: your idealism, your self-
surrender, and your spirit of charity. And because you knew how to give them generously
during the course of the Cursillo®, God has showered on you the Grace that others, who
without knowing you, has gained for you by their prayer, their sacrifice, their effort, and their
palanca.
At this moment, you are alive, convinced and joyful. It is plain to see from your faces
that something has happened here and not just for her, but rather it can remain with you
always if you follow the ideas that you have been given and especially, if you follow those
that will be given in the last Rollo that you will soon hear.
The first day you may have been bored or bothered. The change since then has been
radical; the grey climate has vanished. Now everything is De Colores; for you have
contributed: your idealism, your self-surrender, and your spirit of charity, and you are now
alive, convinced and full of joy.
But it doesn’t end this way.
2. MISSION
A. You have a clear, pressing mission to complete: to encourage, to convince and to

enthuse others.
Your environments are the same as they were when you left: cold, indifferent, maybe
hostile. You have responded to Christ’s call during these three days, must now take to all
those who are on their way to Christ, to all those who still don’t know Him and also those
who: although they believe they know Him, do not know Him well.
Your head has been filled with ideas and your heart with fire; a fire that you must spread
to all your brothers and sisters, until everybody knows the truth that God loves them.
You have discovered Grace. You are friends of God. You have Christ’s victorious
concept, of the Church and of our mission as Christians. You must not rest until everyone
feels what you feel; all those that you know and, all those that life puts in your path and
whom you can touch with your optimism.
But all missions imply that there be a response so that it can be carried out.
B. The possibility
Response means that we have accepted an obligation of responding to something. The
Lord has called you to the Cursillo® to undertake a mission: that of saving your brothers and
sisters. You have become friends of Christ in order to make more friends for him. The world
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is not lost because there are many who don’t believe, but because there are few Christians
who live and act their Christianity.
One who is simply baptised is one who has been commended to Christ by other men.
Imagine what one can become if he/she believes that Christ has called him/her, if he/she
believes that Grace has been given to him/her and with it, the mission of sharing that
knowledge with others, of caring for the souls of our brothers and sisters, because God wants
it this way. We respond before God and before the Church. We cannot rest until they feel
and are as alive as we are. The Pope reminds us with the words of the “Mystical Body” when
saying: “it is a tremendous mystery that will never be meditated upon enough. The salvation
of many depends on the action of a few.”
3. TWO DANGERS
As we act to face our need to respond to this truth, we will find ourselves in a position
where we have to face two dangers:
 To believe we are something and
 To believe we are nothing.
A. To believe we are something:
It can very well be that to have attended a Cursillo® and to feel the mission regarding
others deeply, we end up thinking that we are good for something. For something important
or indispensable and this though makes us forget that we are only instruments, useless (frail)
tools in the hands of God. The more and better we live our uselessness (frailty), the more we
will live in Christ’s Grace, and the more freely we will allow our actions to be inclined
towards the Lord.
Let us keep in mind that all instruments, if they are to serve, must be entirely with a
disposition of service to the master.
Imagine what could have happened if the chisel that Michelangelo used, since we can be
assured he would have preferred some over others, in a given moment had wanted to work in
its own way, opposing the approach of the artist himself. For sure, Michelangelo would have
discarded it, since it had become an obstacle to the attainment of the conceived work. In the
same way when we resist the hand of God and we want that the works of the Lord are done
according to what we want, we ruin the work of God. We may face opposition to our
apostolic endeavours but we remember that with God, there is a remedy for every situation.
B. To believe we are nothing:
We may believe we are nothing, but we are everything in Christ. We have learned that
with Christ “we are an overwhelming majority.” We must never feel ourselves to be alone,
but rather we must live the spiritual solidarity of members of the Body of Christ. And if He
doesn’t work miracles it will be because we, His apostles, don’t know how to request them
from Him. The scriptures tell us “I will put in the mouth of my apostles words full of power,”
And Christ in the Gospel: “Don’t worry how you will act or what you will say because on
that day it will be given to you what you should say” (Matthew 10:19).
4. SOLUTION
The way to successfully overcome these dangers is:

 Contact with Christ, and
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 Contact with our brothers and sisters.

A. Contact with Christ should be constant in the apostle for it is the life in Grace. We
have been told already by the Lord: “Without Me you can do nothing.” Contact with Christ
by means of the life that He fill us with through the Sacraments, will teach us to k now Him
more and to appreciate His friendship better, and it will instil in us the necessary power, not
only in order not to fail Him, but to accelerate our journey towards Him, opening up at the
same time, the way to our brothers and sisters.
B. Contact with our brothers and sisters is insured in the Group Reunion which is
fundamental to the Cursillo®, we won’t speak now of it in any detail, because there is a rollo
which is dedicated expressively to this topic.
This contact with our brothers and sisters will open new spiritual horizons for you and it
will stimulate us in our apostolic tasks, accentuating among us the team spirit, to use us more
efficiently in spreading the Kingdom of God.
5. WHAT THE CURSILLISTA IS
The Cursillista should be Christian. To be a Cursillista is to be Christian, A champion of

Christ’s cause. Continuing Christ’s work using Christ’s methods. To be Christ in the world
requires continuous courage. It requires that we be heroes every minute, every second.
Heroes in the offensive and in the defensive disciplined heroes. This can only be gotten by
allowing the root and foundation of apostolic action to grow within us by means of growing
in Grace. Our Grace need to be conscious, growing and shared. To be effective in the
movement and to live the life of the Church in the world, growing in Grace is fundamental as
it brings to our lives the supernatural dimension.
We need to build on the life of the cornerstone of Christ and allow His Grace to act within
us. We need to lean on Christ to help Him to continue His work. For us to follow in the
footsteps of the Lord, we almost always find the same problems and obstacles that He found.
When exhibiting our apostolic ideal the things that happened to the teacher will happen to
us:
 A group of friends, who in the hour of testing disappear
 A more numerous group who will continue at a certain distance
 A group that vacillates; (Hosanna, Crucify him, Crucify him; according to the
circumstances) and later the Scribes and Pharisees who try to trap us.
Keep in mind that all these characters of the Gospel continue today, active and wagging their
tongues in the environments that we usually frequent. It will be the same for us; those that
make an effort to embody the truth, as happened before, the same Truth.
 Like Zaccheus who climbed the Sycamore out of curiosity
 Nicodemus who didn’t want to be seen
 Pilate who didn’t want to commit
 And others who were accustomed to going in search of water with the pitcher of their
own fantasy; they abandon Him when they face opposition.
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The Cursillistas should be a living testimony to the Gospel in such a way that through
him, Christ is manifested to others, by his living with Christ in a natural way. It will only be
in this way that it will be possible that the work of God, through us, works in a way that is
vital and normal with all the realities that form our world, and our holiness will go on
awakening those desires, even in those men/women and environments that are the most
difficult. Because now and always, men will be unable to resist the forces of the truth when
the Christian leans his/her whole weight on Christ without hesitation and in all Faith.
6. WHAT THE CURSILLISTA HAS
A. A clear concept of the ideal.

What is not known is not loved. Only fools sacrifice themselves for unknown causes.
With big ideals generous souls get disillusioned, but ours, is certain and fully attainable. God
wants it and has trusted it to our faith and our will. We don’t seek anything new. It is the
spirit of Christianity that shakes our souls by means of apostolic action. We are Church, we
want to be Church, and we want to be Christian with the fullness of life. Towards that we
journey and for that reason we work. We don’t want to manufacture for ourselves a small
ideal to the measure of our heart, but rather we want to enlarge our hearts to the measure of
the high ideal that the Pope has pointed out to us.
What we must have, or at least we must want to have, are individuals with resolved will,
and supported in the strength of Christ, who bring to their environments of family, work,
sport, social, etc., the life of Christ and therefore the universal rhythm of the life of the
Church and when we do so, we cultivate the vineyard of the Lord.
B. A clear concept of the reality.
We should have a clear concept of the reality of our lives, our environments. We must
know it and we must study it so that it disturbs us and moves us; because this knowledge is
not to be overcome by despair but we need to find the solutions. However, if they are
decisive, they are often blocked and slowed by the spirit of evil.
Christ was realistic and He accepted the reality entirely, with no illusions. He knows our
fallen nature and He knew that we were a race of sinners. The Lord knows all the forces that
are opposed to His work of Redemption. We are realistic because we want to be effective,
and we possess with our Ideal the power to transform the reality.
This morning in the rollo “Study of the Environment”, we made a study of this reality and
perhaps you have already planned something concrete, with the purpose of carrying out
future plans that without a doubt, and keeping in mind all that you have been told, and mainly
what you will be told in the last rollo, will lead you to unsuspected victories.
7. WHAT THE CURSILLISTA SHOULD KNOW
The Cursillista should know that the apostolic potential is not identical in all that although
no one can do everything; all can do something. It is fitting that all feel the responsibility,
although it is evident that not all can feel it in the same way. All Christians must cooperate in
some way, at least spiritually, in the supernatural and apostolic success of all the tasks, not
forgetting that they act in accordance with the teachings of the Church, within the Pope’s
will, in the structure of Christ’s Mystical Body.
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The application is clear. Where a group of Christians take the things of God seriously,
some help in some ways and others in a different way, according to their situations and their
potential, but they all have one purpose, the building up of the Body of Christ. It is inevitable
that there are those who are prejudiced against the Cursillistas. There are in the
environments, Christians who it seems, have the sad mission of making the figure of Christ
unfriendly, unwelcoming.
The Cursillista must aspire to live in divine Grace, with the maximum of human grace
possible. To live as Christ in the world, is not to be robbed, to lose anything, but to gain by
increasing the value of one’s own life.
8. THE CHRISTIANISATION, OF THE ENVIRONMENT BY THE CURSILLISTA
To encourage means to infuse soul, life. When carrying out their mission in the
environments, the Cursillista will give a new spirit and stamina to the activities that wait their
vigorous impetus, with conviction, with audacity and with courage, with the enthusiasm and
confidence of one who knows the importance and effectiveness of their action, when it is
based on piety and oriented by the study.
9. VITAL FUNCTION IS TO CHRISTIANISE
The vital function of a group of Cursillistas, is to encourage one another and the members
do this when they meet, by means of sharing their piety and their study, increasing their life in
Grace and their awareness of it; for they meet in Group Reunion regularly in order to be
better and to be more capable of spreading the Good News to the world by means of apostolic
action. Their piety and study are like the beating of the heart, when it contracts it draws in
oxygen and life, and apostolic action is like that of the heart when it expands, pumping life to
the body.
10. OUR LIFE – A PERENNIAL CURSILLO®
When by the Grace of the Lord and by the generous efforts made by the best, it becomes
a reality that each environment is fermented by life, thus giving life to the greater body of
society, an optimism, a joy, a concept of the victory of Christianity and the Church that they
now feel, and that they will share and will spread to all the environments, they will give life
to all and everything.
Then, the action of Catholics will cease to be without consequence but will be what it can
and should be: Christian life, deeply felt, lived and spread.
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Chapter 4 – Rollos – Total Security
TOTAL SECURITY
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TOTAL SECURITY
THEME
When we speak of Total Security, we give the candidates a sense of security, an idea that
we have found in the method of the 4th Day, a way in which they cannot only perpetuate what
they have experienced on the weekend but a means by which the conversion process can
grow, deepen and progress for the rest of their lives.
NOTE
Group Reunion and Ultreya should fit into our lives and not overwhelm us, i.e. they
should be short and at a time which is most convenient to the participants. The message of
the rollo on the weekend should be presented more as an invitation to something that we
ourselves do which works, rather than something that they must do because it will make them
a Cursillista.
What is shared in this rollo must be what is lived in the Ultreya.
CHRISTIAN “LIVING TOGETHER”
Sole cause of sanctification on account of the jubilant reality of the Mystical Body of
Christ.
Is especially made possible by friendship
That is the deepest, most pleasant, and efficacious form of all human “living together.”
That is encountered in the Group Reunion
Which is friendship elevated to the level of the transcendent.
A guaranteed channel
That allows for the most efficacy in the minimum amount of time.
To bring Christianity into life
And into the world, to bring it into all those things that happen in the Mystical Body of
Christ.
SITUATION
Being the final rollo of the Cursillo®, it should be the bridge between the Cursillo® and
the Post cursillo.
ATMOSPHERE
The people are tired, but they are keenly aware of their surroundings. Many words have
been tossed at them, and a certain saturation point has been reached. What is needed is not
deep philosophical pronouncements and extensive details (they won’t remember them) but a
combination of insights and just enough of the mechanics to assure them the method is sound.
They won’t remember much detail but need to gain the insight that it seems to be all worked
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out. All this must be tied together with a strong personal witness of the effectiveness of the
method. They must be assured it will work for them, new beginners, as well as for the strong
personalities they have met this weekend.
OBJECTIVE
One of the prime tasks of this rollo is to assure the participants that this is only the first
step of a lifetime of growth. This is reality not a dream, and it truly can shape their lives for
eternity if the proper precautions are taken (if they continue in the Postcursillo).
TECHNIQUE
The keynote for the rollista is confidence. A sense of insecurity is starting already in the
participants and certainly will be felt strongly over the next few days. The rollista must give
a firm sense of confidence to them: they are not alone; they can meet the challenge presented
to them, all they need is an ongoing relationship with Christ and an ongoing relationship with
their brothers and sisters.
STYLE
This rollo is usually presented in two sections – the first on Group Reunion and the
second on the Ultreya. In many places a sample group reunion will take place within the
table groups between the Group Reunion section and the Ultreya section.
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TOTAL SECURITY
OUTLINE
1. INTRODUCTION
A. If this weekend is only a pleasant memory, it will do little to advance the Kingdom,
either in you or in the world.
The Cursillo® offers a precise method of perseverance which if you want, will ensure
you total security for the rest of your life. This method is Group Reunion and Ultreya.
B. Definition – security is the state of being secure.
Security – one who or that which secures or guarantees.
Security – to insure; to guarantee.
2. WHAT DO WE WANT TO SECURE?
The fruits we have received in the Cursillo®. The life in grace.

The life we have come to know in the Cursillo® cannot end in it.
3. NECESSITY
The Group Reunion – To strongly point out an absolute need:

A. Life in Grace
GROUP REUNION
4. THE METHOD OF THE GROUP REUNION
A. What is the Group Reunion?

We might say that the Group Reunion is the place, the means and the instrument
through which the living, practical, triumphal and formidable truth of our Catholic
and Apostolic Christianity is shaped and made concrete.
B. Growth in our endeavour is accelerated and perfected by sharing and planning in
small groups.
Group – group of friends consisting of 3-6 who meet to grow in friendship and in
Grace.
Reunion – the act by which the friends come together. “For where two or three are
gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Mt. 18:20)
This is what we have done during these three days at our “decurias” (tables).
C. There are three basic steps in sharing our Christian lives.
(1) The first is to share our life in Piety. We share how we have nourished our living
union with Christ.
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(2) Secondly, we share our life of Study. We direct our sharing to how we have come
to know Christ better and how that knowledge has helped us to develop a more
Christian mentality.
(3) And finally, we share our life of Action – how we have attempted to live out our
vocation to be authentic apostles, leaders in our environments.
D. Functioning technique (hand out the Group Reunion Sheet). See Appendix 5.
I will explain the elements of the Group Reunion and define what each one means and
then provide some examples. Remember, the Group Reunion is our support system
that everyone here, everyone of the team believes in and follows. (Briefly explain
both sides of the sheet.)
(1) First, we begin with the Prayer to the Holy Spirit.
(2) Piety – Share our love for God.
a. What spiritual aids helped you nurture your vital union with Christ?
It is not a rendering of accounts, or mutual control, but a joyful sharing of this
facet of our love for God.
Example: Let me give you an example of what I shared recently with my own
group under Piety.
[Rollista should provide a short example of what spiritual acts (aids), helped
him/her to grow spiritually in the previous week.]
b. What moment did you feel closest to Christ?
This moment, explained and commented on, may be our confiding in the Lord
at Communion, in the visit to the Blessed Sacrament, reading a book, etc.
These “moments” may come to us at any time, because the love of God is
infinite and all things speak to us of Him.
Let me share with you a close moment.
[Rollista should provide a short example of how he/she was most aware of
Christ’s presence in his/her life and why.]
(3) Study
What have you done to better know God’s gift?
Once again we share not just what we’re reading or listening to, but rather how
we’ve read about God, helped us to know Him better.
[Rollista should provide a short example of how his/her study has helped them to
be more Christian.]
(4) Action
The last section of the Group Reunion sheet concerns our efforts as apostles.
a. What apostolic success did the Lord want to accomplish in His Church
through you this week? In your family, work, environments?
b. Apostolic failure – With what failure did the Lord want to test you this week?
In your family, work, environments?
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Our love for our neighbour manifested through our apostolic action does not
always bring us joy, or give us the sensation of effectiveness.
c. How was your last week’s plan fulfilled? What are your plans for next week?
Each week an apostolic plan – or several – is shaped and programmed. It is
necessary then to review the present state of the plans already made. We share
our plans for the coming week. The plan or plans are never from one
individual, but always from the whole group.
[Rollista should provide a short example of what he/she is planning for the
coming week.]
d. Activities of your own group
As friends, we always find ways to meet, therefore, we may meet at other
activities during the week (for a sport, social, visits to the hospital, jail, or just
to visit each other together with the family, etc.)
e. Prayer of Thanksgiving
[The next section should be a demonstration or example of a Group Reunion.]
(5) Characteristics of the group
Now I’ll explain some of the characteristics necessary for the Group Reunion to
be what it was intended to be.
a. Regularity – the group must meet weekly – life needs nourishment on a
regular basis.
b. Seriousness – it should have the joyful seriousness that God’s things deserve.
c. Confidentiality (Discretion) must be followed. We cannot share honestly and
openly if we feel what we are saying is going to be spread to others.
d. Sincerity – Authentic relationships can only be built on a foundation of truth.
(6) The Group and its Reunion are two elements of the same reality:
 The reunion, which is something that happens. It is a temporal and transitory
event.
 The group is formed by the persons who belong to it. It is something in and of
itself.
 A group of friends who give themselves to each other in trust.
 Friendship exists both when we are with and when we are away from our
friends.
 The group lives deeply: “Make a friend, be a friend and bring your friend to
Christ.”
 It should be patterned after the naturalness and openness of your table
discussion group.
 Finding persons with whom you can build this kind of friendship may take
time.
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5. ULTREYA – THE REUNION OF THE GROUPS
Introduction
The Ultreya is the weekly reunion which encourages all of us who attend to continue to
persevere in our Christian life as apostles for Jesus.
A. The purpose and mission of the Ultreya
(1) Purpose:
 Keep the spirit and friendship of this Cursillo® going.
 The Ultreya is a community which makes itself visible in a weekly gathering.
 The community comes together in an attitude of progressive conversion.
 It is a community united in one faith, one Lord and one baptism.
 It serves as an opportunity to help those who may not have formed a
permanent group.
(2) Mission
 To make possible the structuring of Christianity in the world.
 To make “See how they love one another” a reality, visible to those around us.
B. The content of the Ultreya
The Ultreya content is modelled after our evening sharing sessions.
(1) Prayer – The Ultreya begins with the Holy Spirit prayer.
(2) Reunion with people from different groups – The larger community is broken
down into smaller groups.
(3) Witness – The witness is a living example of how a person is living out his/her
commitment to a life of prayer and metanoia in their daily lives.
(4) Spiritual Direction – The Spiritual Advisor for the Ultreya provides spiritual
direction for the group on everything shared.
C. Other Components
 Joy
 Closest moment to Christ
D. Ultreya ends with the Thanksgiving prayer and if possible in front of the Blessed
Sacrament.
6. CONCLUSION
A. The Ultreya is the place where friendships are built, where each one shares.
 It is a service that the Cursillo® offers, not a structure to be imposed.
 Its goal is to facilitate the encounter between people.
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 It is a reunion of the Group Reunions.

 A place where the person is what matters the most, not the role that they play in
life.
 A place where everyone is welcome and their presence increases our joy.
 The joy of meeting each other.
 A place where we re-initiate each week, our journey.
B. It would be a travesty to bring a person to a Cursillo® and at is conclusion, to leave
him/her without the means to live what they heard throughout the weekend.
C. Last Thursday night I (Rector(a)) concluded the introductory rollo with a quote from
Chapter 4 of John’s Gospel, it was, “Now we no longer believe because of what you
told us; we have heard Him for ourselves and we know that He really is the Saviour of
the World.”
These Samaritans had been brought to Jesus by a woman who had reoriented her life.
Through the grace of God, freely given this weekend, hopefully, as individuals and as
small Christian communities, may we do the same.
Today, we are ending our Cursillo®, but what is essential is our perseverance through
Group Reunion and Ultreya which begins tomorrow.
DE COLORES!
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TOTAL SECURITY
NOTES
In the past, the Total Security rollo was renamed Group Reunion and Ultreya. This may
not seem to be a big derivation, however, when we in our Movements, understand Cursillo®
only from the perspective of and within the context of the weekend, changing the name of a
rollo leaves the message of the rollo open to adaptation and therefore the true message is
neither understood or delivered by the rollista, nor is it received by the candidate.
If on the other hand, the rollista, and in fact, all the Leaders, have a deep and thorough
understanding of the purpose of the whole Movement, then perhaps the name of the rollo is
not so important. The message will come through because the rollista understands its goal. It
is unfortunate but true, that in many Movements, the Cursillistas learn about the Movement,
only through the preparation of the rollos. This is far from adequate.
When we speak of Total Security, we give the candidates a sense of security, an idea that
we have found in the method of the 4th Day, a way in which they cannot only perpetuate what
they have experienced on the weekend but a means by which the conversion process can
grow, deepen and progress for the rest of their lives. Presenting a rollo, or rollos, (in some
places it is now two separate rollos), entitled Group Reunion and Ultreya, presents the 4th
Day in such a way that it may appear to be something that they must do, rather than
presenting a method that provides the means for them to find Total Security in their everyday
lives.
When the rollo “The Cursillista Beyond the Cursillo® “ was dropped from the weekend,
some of what it presented was combined with the Group Reunion and Ultreya Rollo, again
giving the rollo a different focus.
If we look at the 4th Day, in many places we realise sadly that it is failing. This isn’t
because the method is faulty, it is because we haven’t understood it and few are living it.
The rollo needs to be studied and the differences in approach noted. The main thing we
need to understand is again, that with the changing of the name the focus of the rollo has
changed. Total Security is presented as something that is of benefit, rather than something
that will cost something, i.e. added commitment. We can all make time for those things that
are important to us.
We need to be aware of the key points that are essential to the message, and of the
differences between the rollo outline that we currently use, and that used in Mallorca.
Our own ongoing conversion, supported and nourished by a healthy 4th Day, will do far
more to convince others, than anything we can say or do. This is the important message,
especially in the Ultreya section of the rollo, we come together so that each may become
better; while not being the best, through sharing our Christian lives. By being an Ultreya
people, people who encourage and support each other on the journey.
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Total Security not only centres on the sharing and friendship among conscious and
growing Christians, but it shows by explanation and personal witness how the two methods
of the Postcursillo program fulfils the needs of the apostle. A structure can be deadening. If
someone maintains a structure for the sake of the structure, they will find the structure a
burden and a source of death. A structure or technique is of value only when people want to
do something and are looking for the means to accomplish what they want. Holding a
hammer in the hand is a major obstacle to using your hand, unless you actually want to
hammer something. The most common reason for the failure of the Group Reunion is that
people have tried to use it without wanting to accomplish what it was designed for; failing to
use it as a simple means of sharing their lives with their friends in Christ, or failing to link it
with the broader community of the Ultreya.
We do not find Total Security by attending Group Reunion and Ultreya, we find Total
Security by coming to understand that God loves us, unconditionally, i.e. there is nothing that
can separate us from the Love of God found in Christ Jesus etc. And Total Security in this
context does not mean that life is now free of worries and problems. It simply means that id
finding friendship with Christ, we come to understand how God loves us. It is the Group
Reunion and Ultreya that give us support and help us to continue the process of conversion in
which we deepen our friendship with Christ, becoming more and more convinced of God’s
love which is where we find Total Security.
We need tools to live well. The Group reunion and Ultreya are one of the chief values of
the Cursillo®, one of the greatest treasures that the Cursillo® contains. It is worth going to a
Cursillo® just to be able to make Group Reunion and live the Ultreya.
We must bear in mind that Group Reunions are not held so that there may be more people
to attend the Cursillos, but the Cursillos are held so that there may be people to make a Group
Reunion” (Structure of Ideas, p. 80).
The same point has application in giving the rollo. The centre of the Christian message in
this rollo is on the need for community and friendship in Christ and on the importance of
sharing our lives a Christians in a personal way. The rollo is divided into (a) stressing the
need for sharing with our friends, and (b) illustrating how the Group Reunion and Ultreya
fulfil this basic Christian need for personal sharing. Not only must the structure of both the
Group Reunion and the Ultreya be explained, but the personal witness of the rollista in both
sharing his/her own reunion with the participants, and giving witness to the strength of life
given but the Ultreya is critical.
Following Eduardo Bonnín’s thought presented above, this rollo is the pinnacle of the
weekend. The purpose of the weekend is to have people ready to make a Group Reunion.
Great effort must be place on the importance of this rollo and its message. Too many make
the weekend, and like the wheat sown not on good soil, fail to grow and produce. The
principal reason is a failure to follow through in a Christian community. Nothing should be
done that would weaken its thrust that a Christian cannot make it alone. They need friends;
deep, accepting, and generous friends who act as a source of God’s grace in their lives.
The second purpose of this rollo is to clarify and sharpen many of the fine points of the
weekend. The reference to other talks, power phrases, examples, stories, etc., is used to
pinpoint the essence of “living what is fundamental for being a Christian.” Each section of
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the Group Reunion must not only be shared, but sharpened with a few clear insights about
how it applies to “every person.”
The Group Reunion thrust of this rollo is aimed at the reunion of friends. Too often the
failure of the Group Reunion and the subsequent dropping away is due to beginning a reunion
without a deep friendship, and then feeling the constraint of no-acceptance, finally causing
one to leave in pain and disillusionment. This is why the stress on the need to find a friend to
share with, one who accepts us right where we are.
The Ultreya is the second half of the perseverance method. Bothe the Group Reunion and
the Ultreya must be lived if maximum growth is to be achieved. Either one by itself will
eventually lead to disillusionment and discouragement, or to a stoppage of personal growth.
Further development of both the Group Reunion and Ultreya is a task for the Postcursillo
to fill, when time and experience will have shown the participants the truth of the method.
PREPARING THE ROLLO
Total Security is the one rollo for which the entire Cursillo® has been directed. It is not
difficult to achieve an atmosphere wherein a person may encounter Christ. What is difficult
is the perseverance one year, five years, twenty years from now. This rollo must carefully
build on the entire Cursillo®, using references and insights into the Cursillo® so that the
participants will understand what we are talking about here is the extension of the Cursillo®
into a program for the rest of their lives, and not something new and difficult. This rollo,
above all others, must not be skimped or shortened so as to save time.
One of the Cursillo’s greatest gifts to the Church is a method of perseverance; a method
not based upon a removal from the world, but a method based upon immersion into the
world, based upon friendship. The rollo must be strong, warning that they will have “down”
times as well as “up” times. We have found a method of persevering through all the ups and
downs, and it is so simple that it has been overlooked – sharing with our friends our love and
life with God.
The title and introductory session cannot be adequately translated into English. It is
based on the various meanings of the Spanish word “seguro”. Seguro would have to be
translated into English in five different ways. The first way would be by the word “secure”,
meaning free from risk. For instance, someone living on a mountain is secure in a flood. The
second way would be by the English word “sure”, meaning certain or firm. For instance, a
person might be sure that it is night-time or a person might have a sure footing. The third
way is by the term “safety catch”. A safety catch keeps a gun from going off. The fourth
way would be (roughly) by the word “security”, and is stocks and bonds. The fifth way is the
word insurance as in an insurance policy.
The idea behind the introduction is that we want to maintain what we have received in the
Cursillo®. We want to keep it secure. We want to be sure of it. We want to have security for
it. We want it insured. Therefore, we need some means of warding off any kind of loss or
danger; of doing something to insure what has been found in the Cursillo®.
The focus of Total Security is on the value of a personal contact with other Christian
apostles to help each other grow in the apostolic ideal. It is a rare person who can “go it
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alone.” And in this rollo, the rollista through explanation and examples convey the
importance of personal contact (friendship) with other Christians who have the same vision
and describes the means by which this personal contact can be maintained. At the same time,
this rollo focuses on the value of personal sharing as the heart of this personal contact with
other Christian apostles. The Christian life is strengthened and deepened by being shared.
The great task for this rollo is to show that natural extension of the Cursillo® into a daily
and weekly pattern of living. The Total Security should be approached in joy and
anticipation by the participants, since it is taken from this great joyful experience they are
now living. At the same time, the purpose of many parts of the Cursillo® is explained, by the
emphasis on the power of the community and the strength to be found in a friend.
Total Security also is meant to function in somewhat the same way as the Piety rollo. It
gives a glimpse into the life of a person who has dedicated his/her life to the Christian ideal, a
person who has learned from the Cursillo® and grown because of what he/she has learned. In
the course of the rollo, the participants should get a picture of the kind of things which a
person does to live as a dedicated apostle. Seeing the life of the rollista will be especially
effective, because he/she has been the Rector(a) of the Cursillo®, and the participants have
come to know, like, and respect him/her.
Much of the effect of the rollo will come through the examples given. There should, of
course, be a number of examples which show the importance of doing something to maintain
perseverance and which show the great value of living in a community of other apostles who
share their lives in the Group Reunion and the Ultreya. But the explanation of the group
reunion sheet is also a chance for the coordinator to share his/her daily life as an apostle with
the participants. As he/she shares examples of moments aware of Christ, apostolic successes
and failures, and as he/she tells them about the importance of the Piety commitments, Study,
and an apostolic plan, he/she is also sharing with them his/her life. In other words, through
the examples in this rollo, the participants should get more of a picture both of the existence
of an apostolic community that shares its life in the group Reunion and Ultreya and also of a
person who has benefited from his/her life in this apostolic community.
This rollo is the last time the Rector(a) can clarify any issue for the participants. The
sharing of the Group reunion with the participants is a perfect opportunity to insert added
explanations, to bringing the message of the Cursillo® into the concrete atmosphere of one’s
life. Many potential errors can be prevented, especially with respect to apostolic action.
Sometimes, during the Cursillo®, the Rector(a) will notice mistaken ideas forming that need
to be challenged. Each area can be focussed using the council documents or clarifying
examples.
The Total Security is the last rollo of the Cursillo®. It must give the feeling that the
Christian life can be lived today. It must impact the fact that we are offering to them a
proven method. The participant must be convinced that to try and go it alone is almost
tantamount of spiritual suicide (at least they will resume their old life) and the community
offered by the Cursillo® will fulfil their needs. One of the ways to show the power of the
method is for the rollista not only to share his/her Group Reunion in the course of the rollo,
but to share the power and presence the method has made in his/her own life, similar to the
Piety rollo. This is the rollo which must convince the participants that they should follow
through using the Cursillo® method for a most effective and sure road for their development
as a Christian person, fully human.
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It is not necessary to dwell on every point in the Group Reunion. The sharing of the
rollista’s reunion is a key to helping others understand the Group Reunion.
Using the example of a Group Reunion is an option of the local movement; it may be
replaced by a deeper explanation of the reunion.
The form that is used for sharing is the basic Group Reunion form “I am counting on
you”. While no great effort should be made to insist on this form, it does set a starting place
for the new participants. The true stress is placed on sharing our Tripod. Those sharing in
the example of a Group Reunion (if used) should use the same form.
EXAMPLE OF A GROUP REUNION – Recommended
During the rollo, the example of a Group Reunion may be held. Two or three members of
the team (other than the Rector(a)), preferable if they are from the same permanent group,
should share their lives.
The example of a Group Reunion, like the Total Security rollo, serves two purposes. It
shows in a concrete way what a Group Reunion is like, so that the participants have a clear
idea of it, and it gives the rollistas (or team) a chance to share with the participants the life
that they have lived during the week. It provides another picture of the Christianity in action
formed by the Cursillo® Movement, and it also shows in a more concrete way than the talks
have done what the lie of the rollistas has been like that week.
Those who take part in the examples of a Group Reunion should have been chosen during
team preparation and should be well formed in what the Group Reunion is. They should also
prepare well for this Group Reunion. They should have fulfilled all of their commitments
and have something to share for all the questions about action. The example of a Group
Reunion is one of the main chances in the Cursillo® for personal testimony. It not only gives
the participants a chance to see what the Group Reunion is like, but also a chance to see what
the life of a Christian is like. The members of the example Group Reunion should show the
participants that what is proposed in the Cursillo® can be done and can be done successfully.
The Cursillo® on the last day should present convincing testimony that the Cursillo® ideal can
be lived. It is not a good idea to make use of people who do not take their commitments
seriously or who have not made the effort to fulfil their apostolic ideal. Those making the
Cursillo® do not need to be shown that Christians can fail. They know that they will fail.
What they need to know is that it can be done.
The example of a Group Reunion should be as natural and relaxed as it can be under the
circumstances. It should not be too long.
Important Note:
Once the rollo has concluded, a group reunion may be done by all the participants. The
Rector(a) works on the formation of the groups, those who live in close proximity, and/or
those who have shown that they have developed particular friendships in the Cursillo®. The
Cursillo® leaders are segregated accordingly, but procuring at least one leader at each group.
The groups should be small enough so it can be done during the time frame. This would be
mostly on the “how to” reunion now that the “why” has been presented. The form of the
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group reunion questions may vary from the Service Sheet because the participants have not
had an opportunity to fulfil any commitments they have made on the Service Sheet. The
reunion can address the following questions:
1. What spiritual acts were most nourishing for you?
2. When were you most aware of Christ’s presence during this weekend?
3. What program of Study do you intend to begin?
4. What apostolic plan do you have for after the Cursillo®?
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TOTAL SECURITY
SAMPLE ROLLO
(40 MINUTES)
1. INTRODUCTION
A. Well our Cursillo® experience is almost over, but before we go back to the life that we
left on Thursday, I’d like to reassure you that the Cursillo® experience is really not ending
today... but rather just beginning. If this Cursillo® is only a pleasant memory, it will do little
to advance the Kingdom, either in you or in the world.
You may be thinking to yourself, I like what I’ve found this weekend, but how long will
it last? Is there any way I can keep from losing it? Many of us have experienced a retreat or
other religious experience in the past, which brought us to a new high for a few days, weeks,
or even months, but then the effect wears off, leaving us pretty much where we were before
we started.
The Cursillo® isn’t like that, it is not an end in itself, and it will not leave us hanging in
mid-air with nothing to support us. The Cursillo® was not meant to be just a happy memory.
The Cursillo® offers a precise method of perseverance which if you want, will ensure you
total security for the rest of our lives. This method is Group Reunion and Ultreya, a Total
Security.
B. Definition
The dictionary tells us among other definition that security is: the state of being secure;
one who or that which secures or guarantees. Secure, among other things means, insure;
guarantee.
What is insured? Whatever one does not want to lose.
2. WHAT DO WE WANT TO SECURE?
The fruit of the Cursillo®. We have experienced what it means to live the life of grace
and share it with our brothers/sisters. We have become friends with our Brother Jesus Christ
and shared with our brothers/sisters for three days. It has been a living experience in
Christian living which many people wish would continue forever.
This is what we want to make secure. This is the treasure we want to insure.
Now, you might be asking yourself, how do I obtain this security? The Cursillo® method
for persevering in our 4th Day, is the method of Group Reunion and Ultreya.
[The following is a witness]
At this point in my weekend, years ago, I knew that to continue and remain faithful to
what I had committed myself to on Sunday would require strength and courage beyond
my own capacity. I did not want to lose what I had found – a new life. For me to
persevere I would need additional help. I was presented with a method of perseverance
that has sustained me to this day and it will continue to do so as long as I allow it to do so.
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3. NECESSITY
A. Necessity of the Group Reunion.

The Group Reunion is the second moment in the Cursillos in Christianity. In it the
Cursillo® becomes lasting and Christianity becomes constant. Everything that is lived as a
Christian should be lived together. The Group Reunion is only a means for living together
the Christianity that each one lives or seeks to live.
The deepest form of living together is friendship. Therefore the Group Reunion is
friendship raised to the sphere of the Transcendental: friendship converted into permanent
actual Grace.
“We must bear in mind that Group Reunions are not held so that there may be people to
attend the Cursillos, but the Cursillos are held so that there may be people to make a Group
Reunion. And that the Cursillo® is only the best means that we know of for putting the soul at
the necessary level to begin to make a Group Reunion.” (Eduardo Bonnín)
The Group Reunion is not a simple means to perseverance, since it is also necessary for
the one who would persevere without attending it. His innermost heart is within the Christian
essence, in the dogma of the Communion of Saints.
4. THE METHOD OF THE GROUP REUNION
A. What is the Group Reunion?

We might say that the Group Reunion is the place, the means and the instrument through
which the living, practical, triumphal and formidable truth of our Catholic and Apostolic
Christianity is shaped and made concrete.
B. Growth in our endeavour is accelerated and perfected by sharing and planning in
small groups. Therefore, in order to grow and progress in our lives as Christians we share,
review, and plan how to incorporate into our daily lives what is fundamental to be a
Christian.
 Group – group of friends who want to be better friends and Christians who want to be
better Christians consisting of 3-6 who meet to grow in friendship and in Grace.
 Reunion – the act by which the friends come together. “For where two or three are
gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Mt. 18:20)
This is what we have done during these three days at our “decurias” (tables).
C. There are three basic steps in sharing our Christian lives.
(1) The first is to share our life of Piety. We share how we have nourished our living
union with Christ.
(2) Secondly, we share our life of Study. We direct our sharing to how we have come to
know Christ better and how that knowledge has helped us to develop a more Christian
mentality.
(3) And finally, we share our life of Action – how we have attempted to live out our
vocation to be authentic apostles, leaders in our environments.
D. Functioning Technique (hand out the Group Reunion Sheet – See Appendix 5.)
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I will explain the elements of the Group Reunion and define what each one means and
then provide some examples. Remember, the Group Reunion is our support system that
everyone here, everyone of the team believes in and follows. (Briefly explain both sides of
the sheet.)
(1) First, we begin with the Prayer to the Holy Spirit.
It is the Spirit who brings life of grace to us, and makes possible everything we do as
Christians. This also includes our Group Reunion. The Holy Spirit brings our sharing and
friendship from a natural to a supernatural level.
(2) Piety – Share our love for God.
The first item we mention is our Piety. You recall that we are called to maintain a
relationship with God, and sharing our Piety every week helps us to do that. Each member of
the group will then share his/her life of Piety for the past week, addressing the question (read
from Group Reunion sheet)
a. What spiritual aids helped you nurture your vital union with Christ?
It is not then a rendering of accounts, or mutual control, but a joyful sharing of this facet
of our love for God. Thus, each one explains to the others how he/she has fulfilled his/her
promises. In each section of Piety in the “Service Sheet” that Fr./Sr./Deacon/Br. __________
talked about, each person tells what he/she has accomplished and how he/she has
accomplished it. This living together makes one realise that failures and the possibilities for
improving; it makes one see that there are some who do not fail and stimulates all to value,
live and practice these mainstays of our life in Grace with greater idealism.
Example: Let me give you an example of what I shared recently with my own group
under Piety.
[Rollista should provide a short example of what spiritual acts (aids), helped him/her to
grow spiritually in the previous week.]
b. What moment did you feel closest to Christ?
The love that one has for God is not exhausted through acts of piety, but in any normal
act of life one can feel more intense love for God, than that shown in acts of piety. And the
love for God, not in acts, but subjectively, is what should be shared in second place in the
Reunion. The subjective love of God which we sometimes feel very keenly in a normal and
“worldly” act and at other times in an act of piety, because it has no limitations in time, place
or circumstance, but which can be as broad as life itself.
We ask ourselves “When was I most aware of Christ’s presence and why?” One sees and
shares the level which each one has reached in his intimate relations with God. And by
sharing the best of all these living experiences all the rest are naturally included and
encompassed. Thus, one shares “the moment during the week he has felt closest to Christ.”
This moment, explained and commented on, may be our confiding in the Lord at
Communion, in the visit to the Blessed Sacrament, reading a book, etc. These “moments”
may come to us at any time, because the love of God is infinite and all things speak to us of
Him.
Let me share with you a close moment.
[Rollista should provide a short example of how he/she was most aware of Christ’s
presence in his/her life and why.]
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(3) The next section on the Group Reunion sheet concerns Study. The question on the
sheet reads: (read from sheet).
What have you done to better know God’s gift?
Once again we share not just what we’re reading or listening to, but rather how we’ve
read about God, helped us to know Him better. Perhaps what we’ve read taught us something
about ourselves in relationship to God. We want to share how our Study aided us in putting
on the mind of Christ and how we changed or acted as a result.
What we share in Study might be a passage of scripture which relates to our Christian
life, or it might be some information from tapes, a bible class or sermon. Often it will come
from some form of study we have committed ourselves to do on the service sheet.
We do not just share the name of the book we’re reading and say we enjoyed it but rather,
how did this bring us closer to God and do we have a better understanding of Him and what
He wants of us.
[Rollista should provide a short example of how his/her study has helped them to be more
Christian.]
(4) Action
The last section of the Group Reunion sheet concerns our efforts as apostles. As we
heard in many of the talks this weekend, apostolic action is a natural overflow of our Piety
and Study. It is only natural for us to want to share the good news and to bring Christ into
our environments.
If I don’t bring Christ into my home, my neighbourhood, and work, and my other
environments, who will? None of our environments will be truly affected by a hit or miss
approach.
In order to give a complete and global view of our apostolic activity we divide it into (a)
successes, and (b) failures.
Success will be apostolic activity which came out as desired, or which through the Grace
of the Lord surpassed all possible calculations. Success is then, simply, that apostolic activity
which brings us joy, and makes us aware of the realisation of the promises of the Lord: “Ask
and it shall be given unto you,” “The Holy Spirit will put effective words in the mouth of His
Apostles,” “Christ and I are an overwhelming majority,” Thus, the terms success and failure
are not theological but merely psychological – only God knows what favours or impedes the
economy of salvation.
a. What apostolic success did the Lord want to accomplish in His Church through you
this week? In your family, work, environments?
I’d like to clarify that what we say each week in sharing our attempts at action is not
necessarily a final result of bringing someone to Christ, but rather a small successful step in
following our apostolic plans.
It may be just a contact that is made. Most often it is a step in the make of a friend, be a
friend, and then bringing your friend to Christ.
Our apostolic action are not centred on bringing someone to a Cursillo® weekend,
although, some of the time they may be. Our apostolic action is usually bringing someone
closer to Christ in some way, either by sharing a Christian book, a tape, or just talking with
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someone about Jesus. Usually before we can do this, we have to go through the make a
friend, be a friend stage with that person before we can bring them to Christ.
Now, remember, what we share in group every week is only very small steps. For
instance, one week I would share that we were sill at the make a friend stage and that we had
talked several times that week. Another week, I might share that we went to lunch that week
and were still at the “be a friend” stage, and so on.
b. Apostolic failure – With what failure did the Lord want to test you this week? In your
family, work, environments?
Apostolic failure. Our love for our neighbour manifested through our apostolic action
does not always bring us joy, or give us the sensation of effectiveness, but even at times its
fruits tend to increase our worry and restlessness. It is something that does not come out as
we had desired, when the seed seems to fall on rocky or thorny soil. Many times human
failures through no fault of ours are only the prologue to greater divine successes. One sows,
another irrigates and another harvests... The important thing is then not having many success
or many failures, but having a supernatural love for one’s brother/sister with our obstacles or
limiting conditions. The important thing is to work. The Lord fixes the salary of the apostle.
We also need to discern if the failure was the cause of our laziness, etc., in this case it is
not the failure of an Apostolic Plan, but the failure of an apostle.
c. How was your last week’s plan fulfilled? What are your plans for next week?
Each week an apostolic plan – or several – is shaped and programmed. It is necessary
then to review the present state of the plans already made. See whether they have been
carried out, whether they can be perfected. See whether the hope, the intention and the
prayer of all accompanied the total action of those who were to carry out the plan. What was
begun in the name of the Lord must not be left undone, and therefore it is necessary to review
the present state of previous plans. Thereby the spiritual living together and the union of
ideals that occurred during the week among all the members of the group becomes evident in
the reunion.
We share our plans for the coming week. The plan or plans are never from one
individual, but always from the whole group. When one acts, the rest form a praying
rearguard. In this way the responsibility and the idealism are common. The plan or plans
must be concrete. The lack of plans to stimulate and support our pilgrimage always brings
about a spiritual letdown, greater risk to routine and a temptation to group narcissism.
[Rollista should provide a short example of what he/she is planning for the coming week.]
d. Activities of your own group
As friends, we always find ways to meet, therefore, we may meet at other activities
during the week (for a sport, social, visits to the hospital, jail, or just to visit each other
together with the family, etc.)
e. Prayer of Thanksgiving
[The next section should be a demonstration or example of a Group Reunion.]
Now I am going to ask the following persons to demonstrate the mechanics of the Group
Reunion. This should give you a better idea of how it is done. Just try to keep in mind, that
the presence of other people will change the grouping a little. Also I have given them a time
limit.
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DEMONSTRATION (10-15 Minutes)

Again, I stress the importance of belonging to a group. Perhaps racing through your
minds this very minute are your everyday busy schedules, in all their variety. You may be
wondering how you can squeeze in just one more thing, let alone the things I am talking
about now. I believe that once you’ve made this commitment to Christ, all the things will fall
into place.
I personally have seen many people lose what they found on a Cursillo® because they
never got started in Group Reunion, or they did not persevere in grouping.
[The rollista should provide short witness as to the value of a Group Reunion in his/her
life.]
St. Paul tells us in Hebrews Chapter 10: “Do not stay away from the meeting of the
community as some do.”
(5) Characteristics of the group
Now I’ll explain some of the characteristics necessary for the Group Reunion to be what
it was intended to be.
a. Regularity – the group must meet weekly, because our spiritual life, just as any other
form of life, needs nourishment on a regular basis. If we did not nourish ourselves weekly,
our Christian growth would be hindered. I know if I miss group for one week, everything
starts to break down, my study falls apart, etc.
b. Seriousness – Another characteristic includes being serious. Group Reunion is not a
social hour, it is a serious experience.
c. Confidentiality (Discretion) – must be followed. We cannot share honestly and
openly if we feel what we are saying is going to be spread to others.
d. Sincerity – Authentic relationships can only be built on a foundation of truth. At
times, you will have dry spells and will have nothing to share. Just tell your group this and
pass on that section. However, do not allow this to become the norm. They will understand
and encourage you.
(6) The Group and its Reunion are two elements of the same reality:
 A group of friends who give themselves to each other in trust.
 The group exists at all times. Friendship exists both when we are with and when we
are away from our friends.
 The group practices and lives deeply, “Make a friend, be a friend and bring your
friend to Christ.”
 A group should be patterned after the naturalness and openness of your table
discussion group.
 Finding persons with whom you can build this kind of friendship may take time.
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5. ULTREYA – THE REUNION OF THE GROUPS
Introduction
If you recall the second element is called Ultreya. The Spanish term means “onward”. It
developed when the founders were going on the first pilgrimage to St. James the Apostle
and while climbing the steep hills of Mallorca, they used to shout Ultreya to encourage
each other to continue onward. And so we use that term to mean that which encourage all
of us to attend the Ultreya to continue, to persevere in our Christian life as apostles for
Jesus Christ.
The Ultreya fulfils the words of Pope Paul VI, when he stated: “Those who sincerely
accept the Good News, through the power of their acceptance and shared faith therefore
gather together in Jesus’ name in order to seek together the Kingdom, build it up and live it.
They make up a community which is in its term evangelising.” (Pope Paul VI, 1975, Apostolic
Exhortation on Evangelisation In The Modern World.]
A. The purpose and mission of the Ultreya
(1) Purpose:
 To keep the spirit and friendship of this Cursillo® ongoing in order that it may be a
motivating force for all of us to live the ideal and to evangelise the world.
 The Ultreya is a community which makes itself visible in a weekly gathering. The
community comes together in an attitude of progressive conversion.
 It is a community united in one faith, one Lord and one baptism. This community
gathers to facilitate the living and sharing of what is fundamental to being Christian.
 The Ultreya also serves as an opportunity to help those who may not have formed a
permanent group to come in contact with this larger Christian community and find one or
more people he/she may wish to join in group reunion.
(2) Mission
 To make possible the structuring of Christianity in the world.
 To make “See how they love one another” a reality, visible to those around us.
B. The content of the Ultreya
The Ultreya content is modelled after our evening sharing sessions.
(1) Prayer – The Ultreya begins a prayer. It may be a simple spontaneous prayer, or as
we did here, begin with a prayer to the Holy Spirit.
(2) Reunion with people from different groups – The larger community is broken down
into smaller groups (3-4), and share our Piety, Study, Action. This sharing is the centre and
heart of all Ultreyas. It enables us to develop broader vision and helps us in our search for
those with whom we would want to form a (friendship) Group Reunion in the future.
(3) Witness – The witness is a living example of how a person is living out his/her
commitment to a life of prayer and metanoia in their daily lives.
(4) Spiritual Direction – The Spiritual Advisor for the Ultreya provides spiritual direction
for the group on everything shared, and for individuals who desire personal spiritual
direction.
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C. Other Components
 Joy – singing, sharing, etc.
 Closest moment to Christ
D. Ultreya ends with the Thanksgiving prayer and if possible in front of the Blessed
Sacrament.
6. CONCLUSION
A. The Ultreya is the place where friendships are built, where each one shares what the
other has lived so that each can be better, though not the best. Ultreya is not a place where
mass is celebrated or where teachings are given or liturgical services take place, it is simply a
place where people may come to feel welcomed and accepted..
 It is a service that the Cursillo® offers, not a structure to be imposed.
 The Ultreya is the people who gather together.
 Its goal is to facilitate the encounter between people, who have discovered that in
accepting oneself one learns that one can be better and where they discover their desire,
together with others, to become more of a person.
 It is a reunion of the Group Reunions.
 At the Ultreya, each one should find what they need.
 To make communication between Christians on a regular basis, a natural occurrence.
 A place where the person is what matters the most, not the role that they play in life.
 A place where everyone is welcome and their presence increases our joy.
 The joy of meeting each other.
 A place where we re-initiate each week, our journey. None of us has arrived, but all
of us are on the way and at the Ultreya we share the joy of being on the way together, or find
the will to get back on track, a place where each week, everyone re-discovers why we want to
be on the journey and why it is worth it.
B. It would be a travesty to bring a person to a Cursillo® and at is conclusion, to leave
him/her without the means to live what they heard throughout the weekend. Eduardo Bonnín,
a founder of the Cursillo® movement, stated it this way:
“Presenting the loftiness of an infinite ideal without offering at the same time the
concrete means to make it a reality in life will always mean sowing utopias in order
subsequently to harvest inevitable disappointments. Every fulfilment that is worth living
requires, together with the loftiness of the ideal, the concrete means to make its dimension
attainable” (Eduardo Bonnín, Structure of Ideas, p. 69).
C. Last Thursday night I concluded the introductory rollo with a quote from Chapter 4 of
John’s Gospel, it was, “Now we no longer believe because of what you told us; we have
heard Him for ourselves and we know that He really is the Saviour of the World.”
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These Samaritans had been brought to Jesus by a woman who had reoriented her life.
Through the grace of God, freely given this weekend, hopefully, as individuals and as small
Christian communities, may we do the same.
Today, we are ending our Cursillo®, but what is essential is our perseverance through
Group Reunion and Ultreya which begins tomorrow.
DE COLORES!
- 265 -
Appendices
APPENDICES
- 266 -
Appendix 1 – The Story of the Threshing Machine
APPENDIX I
THE STORY OF THE THRESHING MACHINE
A farmer went to a state fair and as he was walking past the exhibits, he stopped in front
of a farm equipment display. All of a sudden, a piece of equipment caught his eye. It was
the machine he had longed for most of his life.
At the same time, the vendor of the exhibit noticed that the farmer seemed to be very
interested in the threshing machine. The vendor put all of his salesmanship talents to work
on the farmer. He explained and demonstrated all the internal workings, operational
functions and capabilities of this beautiful piece of farm equipment.
The farmer became very excited about the machine and decided to buy it for $100,000.
He gave a down payment of $50,000 and made arrangements to pay the balance after it was
delivered to his farm. Unable to contain himself, the farmer immediately went home to tell
his family and friends about the deal that he had made.
As soon as he got home, the first thing the family asked was: “How much/” He explained
to them that the threshing machine cost $100,000 and that he had given a down payment of
$50,000. Immediately they asked him: “Where is the machine?” We want to see it. When
the farmer explained that he did don’t have it and that it was to be delivered, everyone was
upset.
Just then his neighbours arrived and wanted to know if he had seen anything interesting at
the fair. When they heard what had happened, they sided with the family against the farmer.
They told him that city people were very slick and sly in dealing with farmers. They all felt
that he had been ripped off. By then the poor farmer only wished that his machine would
arrive soon.
The next day, a delivery truck arrived at the farm with five crates. The farmer opened the
crates and the only thing he found inside were small parts, screws, nuts and bolts. There were
no instructions of any kind. A day later, another delivery truck arrived at the farm and
dropped off another five crates. The farmer opened them and these too had only small parts
in them. By now the farmer began to get anxious and think that maybe his family and
neighbours were right. Maybe he had been taken for a ride.
The following day another truck arrived at the farm and dropped off another five crates.
This time, however, a man arrived immediately afterwards and identified himself as the
technician who would assemble the machine. In not time, he put the machine together and
gave the farmer a demonstration. Soon enough the farmer’s family and neighbours saw all of
the wonders the machine could perform.
It could cut the wheat, clean it, separate it and store it into sacks. The family and
neighbours regretted what they had said to the farmer and having judged ahead of time.
Meanwhile, the farmer was pleased that he had made the right decision and was very happy
with the machine’s performance. He paid the balance and became one of the best promoters
of the machine.
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Appendix 1 – The Story of the Threshing Machine
Guess what? The very same thing can happen with the Cursillo®. You may question why
you are here today, but rest assured that you will like the Cursillo® more and more as the
fifteen crates (talks) are delivered. Just as the farmer was pleased when he finally saw the
machine assembled so too, will you express your contentment after having experienced the
entire Cursillo®. You too will become great promoters of this weekend experience!
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Appendix 2 – The Prison Story
APPENDIX 2
THE PRISON STORY
In Mallorca there was a murder case in which two young men, who had been found guilty
of murder, were to be executed. A few days before the sentence was carried out, the prison
chaplain visited the local office of Catholic Action and requested that two young men visit
the condemned prisoners to try to persuade them to go to confession before they were
executed. He thought that perhaps laymen would be able to reach them for they would have
nothing to do with him.
At that time, Eduardo Bonnín was president of the youth chapter of Catholic Action and
he decided to undertake the mission himself together with the vice-president, Andres Rullan.
They asked many people to pray. There were some who went without sleep that night
praying for this intention.
The night before the execution they went in great fear to the prison. The prisoners had
been asked for their last wishes. Eduardo was told that when condemned prisoners are asked
for their last wishes, some request to see family members to say goodbye, or some desire to
write a letter to friends. In this case, the prisoners had asked for some “paella” and when they
arrived they were eating and smoking cigars that their fellow prisoners had given them.
Their attitude seemed as if they were not worried at all but Eduardo noticed that their
laughter and jokes were forced, trying to cover up the inner anxiety they were feeling.
Looking at the scene, their own fears increased and Eduardo asked the prison director for
permission to let them take the place of the guards. When this had been granted, they began
talking to the prisoners, listening to their stories. They invoked the aid of the Holy Spirit
relying on Him and in the prayers of their brothers. They began by telling the prisoners that
they were the most fortunate men in the world.
They explained that they were going to ask them to intercede for them because if they
wished it, at dawn they could be in heaven. They also explained to the prisoners that when a
person has been entrusted to undertake an important mission, he will find friends everywhere
and now they were seeking their intercession when they appeared before our Father in
heaven.
They explained to them that they were seeking their intercession with our Lord for them
and their plans in the Cursillo®. No one knows the day of one’s death unless by special
revelation however, they knew that at dawn they would be executed and they should realise
that when a person faces the hour of his death and is in the Grace of our Lord, all is saved,
but if he is not, then all is lost. Neither the Pope nor bishop, nor any priest, nor any man or
woman know the day nor the hour of his death, whereas they were in a somewhat privileged
position because if they would properly arrange their “passport”, if they would place
themselves in the Grace of God, in other words, confess, they would be in a position to repeat
what happened on Mount Calvary when Our Lord said to the good thief, “Now you will be
with me in Paradise,” in other words, if they wished they could fix their date in Paradise.
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These prisoners at first thought that this was too good to be true but as they continued
their dialogue they opened up, relating stories of their own lives, and gradually they sounded
more reasonable. Obviously the prayers of the people were reaching heaven and Divine
Grace started to penetrate their hearts.
At one point they recalled their youth and how wretchedly they had behaved towards their
parents. One of the prisoners requested to write to his family but he could not finish the letter
and instead dictated to Eduardo what he wanted to write.
In the meantime there were priests ready to hear their confession and after a few hours of
talking, they finally agreed willingly to go to confession.
In the prison a member of the military court asked one of his members, “did you see the
prisoners?” and he answered, “Yes, I saw them, they are like ‘prison fodder’”, but once they
had received the sacrament of confession, their attitude changed and even the expression on
their faces changed. The one who had said, “they are like prison fodder,” after hearing their
high spirits in spite of what awaited them, told the prisoners, “You have given me a lesson in
courage!”
At dawn the priest celebrated the Mass and Andres Rullan, the two young men and
Eduardo attended. They all went to communion, after which they had breakfast together.
Eduardo was so nervous that he could not eat. When they had finished breakfast the hour had
come.
Undoubtedly, the most impressive scene was their last words of farewell, when one said
to the other, ”Well, until we meet again before Our Father.”
The executioner was waiting, and with a cold voice he said, “Tale your seat, handsome.”
The prisoner was made to sit on what looked like an old barber’s chair; a black hood was
placed over his head. At that moment Eduardo and Andres went to the chapel to pray before
the tabernacle. At that moment, when the executioner was about to proceed, the prisoner,
Andres Trobat shouted, “Eduardo”.
Eduardo went running towards him and he said, “Why don’t you lend me your crucifix?”
Eduardo gave it to him and he died kissing it. During the night, while talking to the
prisoners, Eduardo had held in his hands the crucifix which he always had with him. The
condemned man had asked what it was, and Eduardo told him it was the image of Christ to
whom he was praying for words that would convince him of the Truth. In the prisoner’s last
moments he showed that he understood the meaning of the crucifix.
When the turn of the other prisoner came, Eduardo told him, “Your friend asked for my
crucifix. Do you also want it?” “Of course I do”, he said. And he died kissing it.
In the talks that lasted until dawn and after they had gone to confession, Eduardo talked to
them about the Cursillo®. He asked them to remember them and their Cursillo®, from
heaven.
The priest, who was with the prisoners up to the end, after returning the crucifix to
Eduardo, said, “I am morally certain that these young men are now in heaven.”
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The following letter was written at 12 midnight, 28 January, 1949, from Palma de
Mallorca to the family of Juan Trobat.
Dearest family, so close to my heart,

These lines I am writing are the last you will receive from your son and brother. I am
writing them more with my heart than my pen and I hope you will keep them with you until
the end of your life.
I am now in the Chapel, and have only a few hours remaining before I leave this life.
After my life of ill luck, and being the victim of wrong environments, God has granted me
the extraordinary grace of enabling me to recognise my past faults and making peace with
Him. He has given me this opportunity for sincere confession, which has opened, little by
little, the gates of heaven.
It only remains for me to ask your pardon for all the heartaches I gave you during my life,
with my straying, to recommend to my brothers whom I love with all my heart never to stray
from the path of duty that you, my parents, taught us to follow.
I hope that these lines which I am writing during the last moments of my life will serve to
express my apologies for all the disappointments and troubles which I have caused during my
life and may this serve as advice to my brothers to lead their lives as God expects from His
faithful servants.
I have reached the end of my life. Thank God for giving me these moments to make
amends for my past life and to die as men who die in faith.
I am surrounded by people who are trying to alleviate my pain. Only faith gives me the
courage and the energy to bear this great trouble.
If you want to know more details of our last moments you can write our Chaplain Jose M.
Fabian Rubio, who can give more details of my last hours in this world.
But rest assured I am going to heaven. There we will live happily for all eternity. Sacred
Heart of Jesus, I trust in You.
My last thoughts on Earth are for you.
Goodbye until Eternity, your son and brother who awaits you in heaven.
Juan Trobat
NOTE: The above account was originally written in the first person and is the actual
account of what happened in “The prison story” from Eduardo Bonnín himself.
- 271 -
Appendix 3 – Saturday Devotion To The Immaculate Virgin
APPENDIX 3
SATURDAY DEVOTION
TO THE
IMMACULATE VIRGEN
Leader: Is it possible to imagine a child not loving its mother?
Or a man not honouring the girl of his dreams?
Or a subject not giving homage to his queen?
Mother! Lady! Queen of the Apostles! Mother of the Church!

That is the Virgin Mary!
Are you weakening? Slipping? Crying? Well, here is your Mother!
Do you want to save the world? You will not succeed without the Virgin
Mary!
Call upon her at all times. Love her with all your might. Call upon her for all
your needs. Entrust your cares into her hands. She is a Mother!
She is your Mother! She never fails! Saturday is her day, honour her by
praying the:
Saturday Devotion
To The Immaculate Virgin
Leader: We fly to your patronage, O Holy Mother of God. Despise not our petitions in
our necessities, but deliver us from all dangers, ever glorious and Blessed
Virgin.
Prayer of Saint Bernard
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that
anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your
intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, we fly unto you, O
Virgin of virgins, our Mother!
To you we come; before you we stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the
World Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer
us. Amen.
Invocations
Leader: Virgin and Immaculate Mother! Look upon us with favour. Lady, we your
beloved children lack faith, humility, charity, piety, love of the Eucharist, love
of the Church, love of our own dignity as true Catholics, the spirit of sacrifice,
- 272 -
and spirit of self-denial. Tell this to your Son. Intercede for us and the
miracle of our sanctification will come about. Give us true piety, and intense
love of Jesus Christ and of His holy Church, of the Pope, the Bishop, and the
parish. Help us to make our Communions fervent; our visits to the Blessed
Sacrament frequent; and our practice of what is right constant. Help us love
Jesus Christ and you, our Immaculate Mother. We ask this of you because of
you unique and honourable dignity as Mother of God.
(Hail Mary)
Leader: Virgin and Immaculate Mother! We are your children, but we feel the lure of
the senses and the weakness of our own strength. Grant that we may lead
chaste lives and acquire pure habits. Lead us with your maternal hand away
from places and gatherings which you would not honour with your holy
presence. Inspire in us clean thoughts and sentiments, and grant that our
actions be suited to a favourite Son of the Virgin. We ask these things through
your Immaculate Conception and because of your purity without stain.
(Hail Mary)
Leader: Virgin and Immaculate Mother! There are some in our parishes who do not
know Jesus and do not know you. There are not enough apostles who may
speak to them about the truth, to make them feel and live Christian lives, the
only kind of life that can ennoble and dignify a person. We offer ourselves to
you that you may form in us a new heart. Fill it with fervour and zeal to work
for the salvation of the many ungrateful, indifferent and unbelieving
Christians. Lady, let there be apostles among Christians. Let the leaders be
true apostles, self-denying workers, so that they can lead many souls to Jesus
Christ and thus save our people and our country. We ask these things of you
because of the sorrows you bore for us at the foot of the Cross of the
Redeemer.
(Hail Mary)
Consecration
All: My Lady and my Mother! I offer myself entirely to you. And as proof of my
filial affection, I consecrate to you this day my eyes, my ears, my tongue, my
heart, in one word, my whole being. Now that I am all yours, Mother of
goodness, watch over me and defend me as your own. Amen.
Final Appeal
All: Immaculate Virgin! Before you we stand calling to mind most gratefully all
of you kindness. We proclaim you our Queen and Lady. We ask that you
continue to shower down upon us your favour and abundant blessings. Lady!
Give us strength and courage. We want to fulfil our promises. We will live in
the state of grace so that we may merit the many blessings of God. We will
lay down our lives so that all men and women may know the gift of God. We
want Christ to reign in our home, at work, at recreation. May He be the centre
- 273 -
of human life. Grant, Lady, that all Catholics of action, with our strength
united with the hierarchy, may transform this world from savage to human,
and from human to divine.
Radiating love, we shall work towards the salvation of our brothers and sisters.
Receive, Lady, these promises and aspirations. Offer them to our Lord, your
Son. Give us the strength, the courage, and the ardent desire of the apostolate,
that we may fulfil them faithfully. Blessed Virgin reign over us. Be our
Queen and Lady. Beloved Mother, love us and bless us always.
All: Amen.
Hail Holy Queen
All: Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy; our life, our sweetness and our hope. To
you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our
sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious
advocate, your eyes of mercy towards us, and after this our exile, show unto us
the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin
Mary.
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Prayer
Leader: Almighty and everlasting God, Who, by the cooperation of the Holy Spirit, did
prepare the body and soul of the glorious Virgin Mother Mary to be a worthy
dwelling for Your Son, grant that we, who rejoice in her commemoration, may
by her loving intercession be delivered from all present evils and from
everlasting death. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Appendix 4 – Service Sheet
APPENDIX 4
SERVICE SHEET
Where are you Now? Lord Jesus Christ!
100 I do
90 I will
I
80 I can from this day on, a conscious and
70 I Believe I can growing member of your Mystical
60 I could if Body, in union with all apostolic
50 Perhaps I could Christians of your Church, with the
help of your grace, will contribute
40 If I only could
my idealism, my self-surrender,
30
20
How can I do it?
I don’t know how Christ my spirit of charity, to make your
Kingdom more effective in me,
Is Counting
10 I can’t and in all those I come into contact
0 I don’t want to with.
On You!
304
SERVICE SHEET
Christ needs you. He wants you holy so that you can help HIM in the sanctification of all with your:
PIETY STUDY ACTION
“Without Me you can do nothing.” “If you only understood “I will make you fishers of all”
The gift of God...!.”
Morning Offering .......................... Bible Reading What have you done during the week
Personal Prayer Period ................ to extend the Kingdom of God...
Holy Mass .................................... Other forms of study, following  In your family
Holy Communion ......................... the advice of your Spiritual  In your profession
Visit to the Blessed Sacrament Director.  In your environments
Rosary .......................................... Don’t be satisfied with reading  In your parish
Examination of Conscience ......... good books. Read the best.  In your group
Spiritual Direction .........................  In your Ultreya
Always consult with your Spiritual Director about your Piety, Study and your Action!
THE NATIONAL CURSILLO CENTRE®
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Appendix 5 – Group Reunion Sheet
APPENDIX 5
GROUP REUNION SHEET
CURSILLISTA
Where FRIENDS:
are you Now?
If I grow cold, “For where two or three are gathered

If I fail, together in my name, there am I in the
Advise me, midst of them.”
Admonish me,
Manifest the friendship which (Mt. 18, 20)
unites us in the Lord.
Christ
We get together in
the Name of Christ
and for his glory each
week on .............................. Is Counting

at ......................................
On You!
GROUP NO .........................
318
GROUP REUNION
LORD JESUS CHRIST: PIETY 6. How was your last week’s plan fulfilled?
What are you plans for next week?
7. Activities of your own group.
I ....................................................................... 1. What spiritual aids helped you nurture
AND MY COMPANIONS your vital union with Christ.? Say an OUR FATHER for those who have not
want to live in Your friendship and in Your 2. What moment did you feel closest to fulfilled their quota of commitments.
Grace. Do not permit us to turn away from You! Christ? Note: If someone fails to show, say an Our
Father for them.
PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT: STUDY
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of us your PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
faithful and kindle in us the fire of Your love. 3. What have you done to better know God’s We give you thanks, Almighty God, for all
Send forth Your Spirit and we shall be created. gift? benefits you have bestowed on us. Who lives
And You shall renew the face of earth. and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
ACTION
Let us pray: O God, who by the light of the Holy HAIL MARY.
Spirit instructs the hearts of the faithful, grant 4. What apostolic success did the Lord want
that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly to accomplish in His Church through you this
wise and ever rejoice in His consolations. week?
 In your family
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.  In your neighbourhood
 In your environment
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be. 5. With what failure did the Lord want to test
you this week?
 In your family
 In your neighbourhood
 In your environment
THE NATIONAL CURSILLO CENTRE®
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Appendix 5 – Group Reunion Sheet
- 277 -

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The Cursillo® Movement’s

Father Daniele Liesi

Cursillos in Christianity yesterday, today, tomorrow and always is an effective instrument

From the Desk of Father Daniele Liesi ………..………………………... I

Preface …………………………………………………………………… II - III

Preliminary Rollo ………………………………………………….. 51 – 63

The Layperson in the Church ………………………………………….. 87 – 104

Actual Grace ..……….…………………………………………….. 105 – 108

Study ...……………….…………………………………………….. 129 – 144

Sacraments ….……….…………………………………………….. 145 – 148

Action …………….….…………………………………………….. 149 – 164

Obstacles to a Life of Grace ……………………………………….. 165 – 168

Leaders ……...…………….……………………………………….. 169 – 185

Study of the Environment ………………………………………….. 187 – 208

Life in Grace …..…….…………………………………………….. 209 – 212

Christian Community in Action ………..………………………….. 213 – 231

Total Security ………..…………………….……………………….. 249 – 272

Appendices ……………………………………………………………… 273 – 287

Appendix 1 ………………………………………………………… 275 – 276

Appendix 2 ………………………………………………………… 277 – 279

Appendix 3 ………………………………………………………… 281 – 283

Appendix 4 ………………………………………………………… 285

Appendix 5 ………………………………………………………… 287

6:30 p.m. - Registration

7:40 p.m. - Preliminary Rollo – Welcome and Cursillo® History2

8:15 p.m. - Begin Retreat Phase (Chapel)

8:45 p.m. - Way of the Cross (P.G. pg. 44-53)

9:30 p.m. - Break (Silence is observed by all)

9:50 p.m. - Chapel – Prayer before Meditation (P.G. pg. 22-23)

10:15 p.m. - Night Prayers (P.G. pg. 29-35)

10:25 p.m. - Announcements and Retire

10:30 p.m. - Team Reunion

7:00 a.m. - Arise (Silence)

8:00 a.m. - Mass – End of the Retreat Phase

8:45 a.m. - Breakfast

9:30 a.m. - Assignment by Decurias

9:45 a.m. - Ideal (25 minutes)

10:45 a.m. - Free time

11:00 a.m. - Habitual Grace (45 minutes)

12:15 p.m. - Lunch

1:00 p.m. - Free time

1:15 p.m. - Habitual Grace (45 minutes)

2:15 p.m. - Lunch

3:45 p.m. - Free time

4:00 p.m. - Piety (40 minutes)

4:45p.m. - Rosary5 (Sorrowful Mysteries) and Chapel Visit

5:30 p.m. - Discussions and Summary (30 minutes)

6:00 p.m. - Dinner and Free time

7:30 p.m. - Reunion of the Groups

8:45 p.m. - Chapel – Night Prayers (P.G. pg. 29-35)

9:00 p.m. - Retire

9:30 p.m. - Team reunion

6:40 a.m. - Arise

7:30 a.m. - Prayer before Meditation (P.G. pg. 22-23)

8:00 a.m. - Breakfast

8:45 a.m. - Study (35 minutes)

9:45 a.m. - Free time

10:00 a.m. - Sacraments Part 1 (50 minutes)

10:50 a.m. - Free time

11:00 a.m. - Sacraments Part 2 (50 minutes)

12:00 p.m. - Prepare for Mass

12:15 p.m. - Mass (Eucharist as Homily for last section of Sacraments)

1:00 p.m. - Lunch and Free time