The history of the Cursillo Movement is an inspiring story of how God led a small group of faithful men and women to serve Him in powerful ways. Their dedication created a movement that continues to bear fruit around the world.

In the early 1940s, under the leadership of Eduardo Bonnín Aguiló, a group of young Catholics on the island of Majorca, Spain, committed themselves to helping others grow closer to Christ. As they prayed, worked, and shared their experiences, they developed what became known as the Cursillo in Christianity.

The word Cursillo means “little course” or “short course.” The full title describes it as “a little course in living what is fundamental for being a Christian.” Today, however, people simply call it Cursillo, even in non-Spanish-speaking countries.

The first Cursillo did not happen by chance. It developed as Catholic lay leaders prayed and worked together to bring others to Christ. During World War II and the years following the Spanish Civil War, the Church in Spain experienced great challenges. At the same time, movements like Catholic Action encouraged young men and women to bring the Church alive in people’s hearts.

With God’s grace, these leaders created a method that combined prayer, study, fellowship, and action. Their vision gave birth to something new in the Catholic Church: the Cursillo Movement.

From 1948 to 1955, the Cursillo remained mostly in Majorca. During this time, leaders refined the method and deepened their understanding of its purpose. Despite some setbacks in the 1950s, the movement spread across Spain and eventually throughout the world.

The first Cursillo in the United States took place in Waco, Texas, in 1957. Father Gabriel Fernandez and two Spanish airmen introduced it while training with the U.S. Air Force. By 1959, the Cursillo had expanded throughout Texas and into Arizona. In 1962, it reached the Eastern United States.

Cursillistas from the Diocese of Biloxi later helped establish movements in the Dioceses of Jackson, Mississippi, and Mobile, Alabama. By 1965, leaders organized the U.S. Cursillo Movement at a meeting in Kansas City, where they created a National Secretariat and National Office.

The Cursillo Movement quickly spread beyond Spain and the United States to Central and South America, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, France, and other parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Far East.

In 1980, Pope John Paul II praised the Cursillo during the first National Italian Ultreya. He encouraged the movement to continue inspiring Christians to live out their faith in every part of their lives.

Over time, other denominations—including Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches—adopted the Cursillo model.

Today, the Church recognizes Eduardo Bonnín Aguiló, founder of the Cursillo, as a Servant of God on the path to sainthood. He faithfully carried the charism of the Cursillos in Christianity, a gift of the Holy Spirit, and shared it without alteration. As Cursillistas, we are called to continue stewarding this gift with the same faith and dedication.