They say that when friendship is authentic, the Gospel becomes credible. And that was exactly what was experienced in El Salvador during the National Ultreya of the Cursillos in Christianity Movement: an explosion of faith, joy, and fraternity that brought together more than 500 Cursillistas at the Casa DeColores in the Diocese of San Miguel.
From early on, there was a special atmosphere. Brothers and sisters from all the dioceses of the country filled the place with smiles, hugs, and that “De Colores” that you feel before you even say it. But the grace was even greater: friends from the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, and three Cursillistas from Mallorca—Carmen Enseñat, Juan Aumatey, and Marga Munar—also arrived, reminding us that friendship in Christ knows no borders.
A Marian preparation to open the heart
The celebration began the night before, in Jocoro (Morazán), with a beautiful Marian Night. Because the courses are Christ-centered, yes, but we always walk hand in hand with Mary, Mother and companion in faith. Under her trusting gaze, the participants prepared their spirits for all that they would experience the next day.
In those moments of simple and profound prayer, voices, intentions, and hopes intertwined, as if each Hail Mary opened a wider space in the heart to welcome others.
A day to renew the mission
December 7 dawned brightly over Casa DeColores. After words of welcome from the President of the Diocesan Secretariat of San Miguel, Hector Brizuela and the National President, José Luis Urías, attention turned to this year’s theme:
“Where there is authentic friendship, the Gospel becomes credible.”
The main talk, given by Juan Aumatey, invited everyone to return to the essence of the charism: to evangelize through friendship, to approach each person with respect, joy, and a deeply Christian attitude. Because friendship is not only a method, but also an inner journey that helps us grow as disciples and draw closer to the heart of Christ.
Then came the testimonies, always the most eagerly awaited moment. From each Salvadoran diocese—and also from neighboring countries—we heard testimonies full of life, struggles, small daily miracles, and that hope that springs forth only when the Lord makes himself present in the simple things.
There was also a mystical talk, given by Father Carlos Villatoro, which led those present to contemplate the mystery of a God who acts in the hidden and in the small things. As a spiritual highlight, Holy Mass was presided over by Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chávez, accompanied by priests from various dioceses.
A Church that accompanies and encourages
The presence of the Bishop of San Miguel, Monsignor Fabio Reynaldo Colindres, was a clear sign of ecclesial communion. His simple but profound words encouraged everyone to continue strengthening the bonds of friendship because, as he reminded us, evangelization begins when two people recognize each other as brothers and sisters.
Amid songs, colors, and hugs, the National Ultreya confirmed what many already knew: that Christ continues to act powerfully in the MCC, that friendship transforms lives, and that faith, lived in community, becomes a credible and contagious proclamation.
A sending forth to continue walking together
As they said goodbye, the participants did not leave as they had arrived. They left renewed, with the joy of knowing they were part of a large family and with the challenge of bringing that authentic friendship to their own environments. Because when a participant lives De Colores, others discover that God continues to walk through life… and He always does so alongside us.
