March 2012 - 20th Anniversary of Cursillo Revista

20^th Anniversary of Cursillo Revista

By Stella Walsh

On January 20^th and 21^st, 2012, at St. Martin’s Hall in Gander, the Anglican Diocese of Central Newfoundland Cursillo held their twentieth Revista. Despite the inclement weather, it was well attended, with approximately seventy Cursillistas coming together for a time of renewal and reflection. The theme for this gathering was “Pilgrim’s Journey.”

It is fitting that the first Cursillo Revista was also held at St. Martin’s Hall in Gander on November 29^th and 30^th, 1991 with seventy people in attendance. The first Revista was initiated to provide an opportunity for Cursillistas to come together and “re-visit” what Cursillo means as a method for serving in the mission of the church, with Jesus as the head. Many who were present at the first Revista were also present at this recent event.

During this twentieth Revista there were several talks presented by experienced Cursillistas and clergy that led to open discussion and reflection on what it means to be part of Cursillo. On Friday evening, following Lay Director Fred Pafford’s opening remarks, the first talk was presented by Reverend Chuck Lockhart on “The Rule of Life.” He led an interactive talk that included good advice on how to develop and review regularly a personal rule of life. The next talk was a reflection by Reverend Larry Chatman, current Spiritual Director, during the Service of Reconciliation. He shared his thoughts on the difficulty of approaching worship in the right attitude and spirit, and the discipline required to maintain it.

Saturday morning began with a talk by Reverend Glenn Small at the Prayer Breakfast. He shared his inspiration to connect the Kris Kristofferson song “Between Heaven and Here” to the need to break down walls that prevent people from hearing God when He speaks to them. He encouraged everyone to “Go for the Glory” by coming together in Christ and remembering that with Him all things are possible. The next talk was given by Gord Shears on Methods of Prayer. He provided a wealth of information supported throughout by scripture, and illustrated with personal experience. This talk led to a generous sharing of thoughts and insights by the Cursillistas who were present.

Before lunch, the gathering shared in the Holy Eucharist with Bishop David, who, like the bishops before him, supports Cursillo with action. During his sermon he challenged those present to think about the complacency of Christians in today’s society. What are Christians willing to lay down for Christ and His message? In Bishop David’s words, “Is the roof on our church building our biggest vision?”

Following the break for a delicious potluck lunch, the witness speaker, Beryl Barnes, told of her own walk with Jesus as she strives to be His hands and feet in a world filled with pain. Beryl related her own experiences with Cursillo and her awakening to the fact that Christ is with us through everything. Many people responded to Beryl’s talk and Reverend Larry gave a spiritual echo on the subject of discipleship. The witness talk was followed by a presentation on “The Importance of Grouping,” given by Wilf and Lorraine Brushett. This was an informative talk on the importance of Group Reunion that also led to an open discussion. Wilf and Lorraine also recommended a book called the Leaders’ Manual. They encouraged all Cursillistas to read a copy, not just those in positions of leadership.

In one of those wonderful coincidences that are often provided by the Holy Spirit, Gloria Robinson brought along an original copy of the article about the first Revista as it appeared in the “Newfoundland Churchman” in January, 1992. She came across it a couple of days before the Revista, while looking for something else. It was obvious from reading it that Cursillo is still true to the purpose for holding these gatherings. Through the common practices of shared meals, prayer, worship and praise, fellowship and the Holy Eucharist, it becomes a time to renew the commitment to following and living in Jesus Christ and showing His love to those in our environments.