From July 9th to 11th, coinciding with the feast of Saint Benedict, patron saint of Europe, the Lord called us together through the European Group of Cursillos in Gazzada Schianno (on the outskirts of Milan) for a meeting where communion, rigor, and joy proved once again that this Movement is deeply alive. Álvaro, president of the OMCC, was also present and accompanied us in a special way.
Martha and Mary in Perfect Organizational Union
From the initial registration, transfers, and daily logistics to the final farewell, I saw a simply flawless organization. I witnessed an extraordinary unity between two key countries: Italy as the host and Hungary leading the GECC. Both teams perfectly embodied the attitude of Martha and Mary as one: a tireless work ethic combined with the full awareness that they were walking on holy ground and caring for the children of the same Father. I know there was a huge personal and family sacrifice behind it; but as we well know, «by their fruits you will know them».
Eucharist, Adoration, and Prayer for the World’s Suffering
The moments of Eucharist and Adoration were lived with deep beauty. I had the gift of listening to homilies preached with depth and filled with God’s Love, which constantly reminded us of that «square meter» each of us leaves behind in our cities and that the Lord placed in our paths to lead them to Him. We shared a very moving time of prayer for peace in Ukraine —a country present and very active in the encounter— and for the victims of the earthquake in Venezuela, my homeland. Each day ended at night with a rich examination of conscience before going to sleep.
Conversation in the Spirit: The Method That Makes the Heart Speak
One of my great personal discoveries at this meeting was seeing the deep effectiveness of the Conversation in the Spirit method. Far from useless debates, I watched how a structured itinerary of prayer, silence, and active listening in groups guided the work sessions, allowing the voice of the Spirit to shape each of the group’s thoughts and conclusions.
The Tower of Babel, the laughter, and the “Store-Brand Translator”
The initial moments of language barriers, far from causing frustration, brought us laughs, stories, and pulled out the child we all carry inside. But soon the Spirit blew: Google’s technology, along with a «very homemade but high-quality simultaneous translation» done by some brothers, made the teamwork smooth and extraordinarily productive.
Keys for the Cursillo Movement in the 21st Century
During three intense days, the reality of each country was reviewed, and I saw how the great challenges of our time were addressed:
- Unity in diversity: Differences in style must be put into perspective and accepted. I observed how, just as the Church welcomes a diversity of gifts, the Movement thrives while being enriched by the different traits and nuances of each country and diocese.
- Real openness to young people: It became clear that if we want young people to be there, inviting them is not enough; they must be an active part of the organization. Their ideas are essential to understand their reality, connect with them, and ensure they stay.
- Creativity in Pre-Cursillo and Post-Cursillo: It was a joy to see the imagination with which different countries adapt the activities of the method to their own culture, without losing its essence.
- Transparency and charity: Financial matters and donations were handled with exemplary respect, delicate care, and charity.
Brotherhood, World Cup, and Recharged Batteries
Not everything was work at the tables. We had plenty of space for coffee, the bar, laughs, jokes, hugs, and that healthy feeling of feeling young again. We shared a beautiful cultural visit to a small museum (where by «God-cidence» Majorca, our birthplace, was very present in the ceramics) and a lovely classical music concert. God also rewards us with unforgettable moments, and we shared in Communion and Joy the excitement of the football matches between France, Spain, and England as if we were the same team (fortunately, all three countries passed).
Homework for the Return: Tasks in the Backpack
1. Digitalization and Evangelization: Contribute ideas and initiatives on how to use the digital environment to serve the Gospel.
2. Prayer for New Leadership: Pray a daily Hail Mary for the election of the new authorities of both the OMCC and the GECC.
In the middle of July, with the heat pressing on and daily batteries running low, the Lord gave me another of His surprises. Without any effort, He pulled a strong conviction straight from my chest: «I am the Church».
What joy and pride to belong to this Movement! How good the Lord is!
¡DE COLORES!
