Adrian Garcia for South Texas Catholic Members of the St. Martin’s choir group provided music for the cursillo. They were, from left, Mary Cortez, Orlando Zepeda, Rosalinda Gutierrez and Ana Carabajal all.

KINGSVILLE, Texas – On Tuesday, Sept. 27, more than 100 people met at St. Martin’s Parish in Kingsville for a “Cursillo de Cristiandad,” a short weekend course to prepare Christians in basic Christianity.

People from Beeville, Mathis, San Diego and the surrounding area came to Kingsville to meet with other Cursillistas and share their stories of faith.

The three-day course is designed to give participants practical insights into the everyday life of faith and service. For many Cursillistas, it is a life-changing experience.

Rosalinda Gutiérrez, a parishioner of St. Martin’s Parish was one of many speakers to share their testimony.

“Before I made my Cursillo, I was very busy as a teacher and principal, but after the retreat, I learned what love was. It changed my life,” Gutiérrez said.

Father Fernando Gámez of Holy Family Parish in Corpus Christi compared the Cursillo experience to that of St. Paul who was knocked to the ground and blinded on his way to persecute Christians.

Father Gámez explained that many people are “blind” but after a Cursillo retreat, they “see” the truth and live out their lives as Jesus Christ wants them to live it.

Mary Parker, a choir member at St. Gertrude’s Parish, completed her Cursillo in Iowa in 1970. She is one of hundreds of thousands of Catholics that have lived a Cursillo, so there is always someone available to support one another.

“I’ll never forget the prayer support and strong feeling of personal friendship with Christ,” Parker said. “It spurred me to stay involved with the church.”

The event, which included live music by the St. Martin’s choir group and guest speakers, concluded with a potluck meal.

The next Cursillo retreat is scheduled for Nov. 3. Inquire at your parish office for more information.