Vatican City, May 22, 2026. The World Organization of the Cursillo Movement (OMCC) participated in the annual meeting of moderators of international associations of the faithful, ecclesial movements, and new communities, held on May 21 and 22 in the New Synod Hall in Vatican City under the theme “Serving, Accompanying, Guiding: Foundations and Practices of Governance in Associations.”
The WCMCC delegation consisted of Bishop José Ángel Saiz Meneses, spiritual advisor; Álvaro Martínez, president; and Kresimir Percela, representative of the European Cursillos in Christianity Group (GECC).
The meeting brought together nearly 200 participants from 104 international associations of the faithful and entities recognized by the Holy See. Over two days of work, attendees reflected on the exercise of governance in ecclesial realities from a theological, pastoral, and canonical perspective, fostering dialogue, formation, and shared discernment.
Among the highlights was the opening address by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, who offered a profound reflection on the meaning of the service of governance in ecclesial associations. Likewise, the participants held a meeting with Pope Leo XIV, whose address underscored the importance of fidelity to the founding charism combined with openness to the challenges and needs of the present.
The sessions also included working groups organized by language using the “Conversations in the Spirit” methodology, fostering the exchange of experiences among representatives from a wide variety of ecclesial realities. The program concluded with a Eucharistic celebration in St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Farrell, who recalled that “to govern is to love,” emphasizing that authentic leadership in the Church can only be understood through the lens of evangelical love.
During the meeting, the leaders of the Dicastery also shared practical guidance on issues such as communication, transparency, conflict management, and building trust—aspects considered essential for the proper functioning of associations and movements.
One of the particularly significant moments for the Cursillos in Christianity Movement was the address by Bishop José Ángel Saiz Meneses, who delivered a presentation on the relationship between bishops and lay associations. His presentation allowed him to share the history, identity, and current state of the Movement with the international assembly.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Álvaro Martínez highlighted the experience as a privileged opportunity for ecclesial communion and personal growth. As he noted, participation in this international forum allowed him to confirm once again the richness of belonging to a universal Church that unites millions of people from different cultures, languages, and places on the same journey of faith.
Álvaro Martínez particularly emphasized the renewed awareness of being part of a living history that, from the origins of Christianity in Galilee, continues to spread throughout the world. He also described the gathering as an experience of learning, gratitude, and hope that strengthens the conviction to continue building together an open, synodal Church at the service of the fullness of life proposed by the Gospel.
