A journey of faith, friendship, and dedication that continues to transform lives in the heart of Oceania.
The story of the Cursillo Movement in Australia is a remarkable tale of faith, friendship, and courageous apostolic action. It began with a group of Spanish-speaking immigrants who, full of enthusiasm and a deep desire to share their experiences from home, planted the seeds of the Cursillo Movement on Australian soil.
In the 1960s, several Spanish Cursillistas newly arrived in New South Wales joined forces with Father Bennino Martin, a Capuchin priest, to hold the first Spanish-language Cursillo weekends in 1963 and 1964. At St. Fiacre’s Parish in Leichhardt (Sydney), a small but vibrant community soon emerged. Ultreyas, Group Reunions, and a Leaders’ School were established, keeping alive the spirit of the Fourth Day.
Yet the movement did not stop there. Driven by a desire to share their faith with the wider Australian Church, this small group became the bridge that allowed Cursillo to flourish in English as well. Through collaboration between Spanish-speaking Cursillistas and a team from the United States, the first English-language Cursillo was held in 1965. This was a bold and generous gesture: the Spanish Cursillistas gave their time, witness, and support to help others experience the same personal encounter with Christ.
A key figure in this expansion was Chuck Heller, an American university professor, and his wife Rita. Their arrival at the University of Armidale proved providential. When they connected with Father Bennino, the dream of introducing English-language Cursillos took shape. With the blessing of Bishop Edward Doody, and the support of Cursillistas from Michigan and Spain, the first English Cursillo was celebrated in Armidale in July 1965, marking a historic milestone. Just a few months later, the first women’s Cursillo followed.
From that point on, the Cursillo Movement grew rapidly across Australia. In every diocese — Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra/Goulburn, Brisbane, Perth, Townsville, Hobart, and more — the testimony of men and women transformed by their encounter with Christ became the engine of a movement that adapted to Australia’s cultural and geographic diversity. Cursillistas traveled thousands of kilometers, crossing deserts and inland seas, all united by the same passion: to bring the Good News to every corner of society.
Over the decades, the Cursillo Movement in Australia has been a symbol of cultural unity. Vietnamese and Korean communities gradually joined the original Spanish-speaking members, discovering in Cursillo a place where their faith could flourish within their families. Leaders’ Schools, Ultreyas, and national and regional gatherings created a network of Christian friendship that continues to thrive today.
Looking back, the history of Cursillo in Australia is a story of trust and perseverance. Men and women of different languages and backgrounds joined together with a single mission: to build Christian communities and make every corner of Australia a testament to God’s love. From the first Spanish-language gatherings to today’s international meetings bringing together Cursillistas from across the globe, the Spirit has guided this journey with the same vitality as on the very first day.
The Cursillo Movement in Australia continues to write its story. In every Ultreya, in every Group, in every new Cursillo, the same call echoes: “Christ counts on you.” A call that has crossed oceans and, thanks to the faithful witness of many, continues to ignite hearts in this new land.
“The faith we receive is not to be kept for ourselves, but to be shared; and every Ultreya, every encounter, is an opportunity to light someone else’s heart with the light of Christ.”
— Australian Cursillista
