Cursillo #199

Cursillo #199: A Weekend of Expectation, Prayer, and Light

De Colores! Cursillo #199 is on the horizon, and joyful anticipation is already growing. If Cursillo is new to you, you may be wondering what it is and why so many people describe it with such gratitude and joy. Cursillo is a movement of the Church with Spanish roots and the heart of a pilgrimage. The word Cursillo means “short course,” but its impact can reach far beyond one weekend.

At its heart, Cursillo helps Christians recognize their individual callings to be leaders for Christ in everyday life. In Cursillo, leadership is not about power or position. It is about influence, encouragement, and being a faithful witness. Each of us can reflect Christ’s love in our work, families, friendships, communities, leisure activities, and churches.

The Cursillo Three Day Weekend is difficult to describe until you experience it. It is not a traditional retreat, and it is not simply a class or lecture series. It is a grace-filled gathering of shared stories, messages, worship, prayer, fellowship, and blessings. Through the weekend, participants are encouraged, renewed, and reminded that the goal of Cursillo is the goal of the Church: to bring all to Christ.

A few Cursillo terms may help if this is new to you. The “Fourth Day” is the time after a Cursillo weekend, which means the rest of your life as a Christian pilgrim. “Ultreya” is a pilgrim word meaning onward, persevere, keep going, and let’s go together. Ultreyas give those who have participated in Cursillo a regular opportunity to gather, encourage one another, and keep walking together in faith.

Cursillo #199 will be held August 27-30, 2026, at Old St. Andrew’s Parish Church, 2604 Ashley River Road, Charleston, South Carolina. Stephen Fulghum, Lay Rector for Cursillo #199, has prayerfully chosen the theme “Let Your Light Shine,” rooted in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before others, so that they may see your good works, and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.” It is a beautiful reminder that the light is Christ’s. Our calling is to let His light shine through prayer, service, worship, encouragement, sponsorship, and love.

As Cursillo #199 approaches, each of us can help surround the weekend with prayer, encouragement, and joyful support. Here are a few meaningful ways to be part of it:

·  Pray for Stephen Fulghum, Weekend Lay Rector, and the team as they prepare and serve.

·  Pray for each candidate and participant, asking the Holy Spirit to open hearts, renew lives, and strengthen relationships.

·  Offer encouragement and reminders of Christ's love.

·  Watch for upcoming Cursillo Sounds newsletters with specific ways to help.

You do not have to be a Cursillista to be involved. Everyone is invited to pray, encourage, support, and help surround Cursillo #199 with Christ’s love. If you feel called to attend a Cursillo weekend, there is still time to explore joining Cursillo #199. To learn more, receive Cursillo communications, support the weekend, or connect with your Regional Ultreya Lay Rector, visit https://scanglicanfourthdaycursillo.com/regional-ultreyas and choose the region that supports your parish.

As we look toward Cursillo #199, let us pray with joyful expectation for the candidates, team, sponsors, host parish, and all who will support the weekend. May hearts be opened, friendships be formed, faith be renewed, and the light of Christ shine brightly through every act of love and service.

Come, Holy Spirit. Let your light shine.

De Colores,
The South Carolina Anglican Cursillo Community