To speak of the beginnings of the Cursillos in Christianity Movement in Nicaragua is to look back with gratitude on how the Lord prepared the ground, sowing seeds of longing and causing His grace to take root in the hearts of ordinary people… who were open to Him.
It was the year 1963 when, at the Gruta de Javier Retreat House in Managua, the first Cursillo de Cristiandad was held, from September 19 to 22. That seed arrived through a small Colombian team—a priest and two leaders—driven by the apostolic zeal of Father Federico Argüello, who had felt in his heart the desire for the Cursillo to reach his homeland as well. Alongside them, Fathers Ángel de Jesús García, Ortega, and Álvaro Oyanguren provided spiritual guidance. That first Cursillo did not bear significant fruit, and the efforts were interrupted.
When a concern comes from God… it finds its time.
Bishop Argüello and Father Oyanguren then made the necessary arrangements with the Diocesan Secretariat of Mexico, and in May and July 1965, a Mexican team conducted Cursillos 2 and 3 in Managua. Thus began the second phase of the Cursillos de Cristiandad movement in Nicaragua
At the conclusion of Cursillo 4, Father Pedrito Hernández of the National Secretariat in Mexico stayed one more day in the country and, in a classroom at the newly built U.C.A., gave the Cursillistas a very brief explanation of the Precursillo, the Group, and the Ultreya. Those who attended that explanation would become the country’s first leaders, although the School of Leaders would not be established for some time yet.
The Cursillos continued to be led by Mexican Rectors, but by the 6th Cursillo, the rest of the team was already almost 100% Nicaraguan.
By then, groups from León and Chinandega also began to be led, and later from Matagalpa, Estelí, and Granada. From November 23 to 26, 1965, the first Cursillo was held for León and Chinandega. The team that made this possible was also a sign of communion and the Church: Mexican Cursillistas served as rector and spiritual director, reminding us that the MCC, from its very origins, has always been a shared gift, a current of grace that crosses borders and unites hearts.
Little by little, life began to spring forth.
From January 8 to 11, 1966, the first Women’s Cursillo was held for Managua and León, with a Mexican Rector. In 1968, from April 16 to 19, the first Women’s Cursillo was held in León, thus completing that kerygmatic proclamation that reaches everyone, without distinction, and that transforms from within the lives of those who encounter Christ.
Since then, the Movement has grown steadily, sustained by the fidelity of so many Cursillistas who, through their ordinary lives, have been witnesses to the Gospel in their communities.
The history of the MCC in Nicaragua is also marked by names that have left a deep imprint: chaplain priests, generous leaders, and faithful witnesses who have sustained the School and the Movement with quiet dedication. Among them, figures such as Monsignor Federico Argüello and Carlos Mántica stand out, along with so many others who, whether known or not, have made it possible for this work to remain alive.
Carlos Mántica conceived the idea of holding the Rodaje celebration after the Cursillo to provide continuity for the Cursillistas. And this was put into practice in every country.
Because the Cursillo, when it is authentic, is not just a moment… it is a life that spreads.
Today, as we look back, we can only give thanks. Thanks for that first seed in 1963. Thanks to those who said “yes” without knowing how far it would go. Thanks for every Ultreya, every School, every friendship born in Christ.
And above all, thanks because the Lord continues to act.
The history of the MCC in Nicaragua is not just a memory: it is a call. It is an invitation to continue living the Christian essentials, to continue joyfully proclaiming that Christ lives and counts on each one of us.
Because, as we always say…Christ counts on you!
