This past March, the Cursillistas of Miami have experienced moments of great emotion, great happiness, and, while reflecting upon the past 50 years of Cursillos memories, of a great desire to tell Christ that he can continue to count on us as we are surely continuing to count on His Grace.

On the afternoon of March 10th, more than a thousand Cursillistas gathered at St. Mary's Cathedral for the 50th anniversary mass of Cursillos in beautiful Miami. That afternoon, we truly felt God's love and love for one another in each embrace, in each word, and in each prayer that we shared. A true Communion!

 Mass was presided by our archbishop, Monsignor Thomas Wenski; our spiritual director, Father Santiago Matheu; eleven priests from different parishes throughout the community; and our beloved bishop, Monsignor Augustin Roman, who parted just days later to the presence of Our Father. Also with us were Deacons Marco Rosales and Fernando Bestard, both active in our Movement. Watching the joy and respect with which they partook in the mass was a beautiful and meaningful experience. It truly celebrated the 50 years in which Christ's presence has been unarguably alive in the Archdiocese of Miami – a presence that has changed the lives of so many men and women who have decided to live a Christ–like life from the moment they found Him in a Cursillo.

 

In his homily, Monsignor Wenski, also a Cursillista, told us that we celebrate our 50th anniversary just as the father celebrated the return of his Prodigal Son. Through all these years of Cursillos in Miami we've seen so many people return to Christ like the Prodigal Son to his father, so many who've been lost and are now found. For 50 years, Cursillos has transformed lives.That is why we lift our voices to God and shout full of gratitude, "Christ and I are an overwhelming majority!"

In addition to the transformation of Cursillistas, the Movement has transformed the Archdiocese. Cursillos in Miami has bared fruit to other Movements such as Impactos, for families; Encuentros Juveniles, for youth ages 16 – 23; and Caminos al Matrimonio, for engaged and young married couples. He expressed that, through the years, Cursillistas have renewed their communities, given a testimony of faith through their daily lives, and formed families committed to the Church and its mission around the world.

Concluding the mass, Father Matheu thanked everyone for being a part of such a great celebration. He made it known that Cursillistas will continue to preach the Gospel throughout every aspect of their lives and communities just as our founder, Eduardo Bonnin intended.

After 50 years of Cursillos we have much to celebrate and give thanks for. We give thanks for all the experiences that have inspired us to serve God through our brothers in Christ. Now, as the Church, we charge forward to embrace new challenges with purpose, conviction, and a spirit of service knowing that with Christ, all things are possible.