There are stories that begin small, almost imperceptible, but over time become streams of grace. This is how the Cursillos in Christianity Movement (MCC) was born in the Philippines in the 1960s, when a few lay people dreamed of bringing a living experience of God’s love to their people.
It was 1963. Some Filipinos had participated in Cursillos in the United States, where the movement was already flourishing. They returned to their country with hearts on fire and a clear idea: if this encounter transforms lives, it can also transform ours in the Philippines.
With the support of pastors such as Archbishop Julio Rosales of Cebu, the first Cursillo was organized on the island. It was not a big event, nor was there a large crowd. But those who participated left with a new joy, with a deep desire to “live the Christian fundamentals” and share them.
Soon the fire spread. In 1964, the MCC arrived in Davao, and two years later, in 1966, women experienced their first Cursillo at the Betania Retreat House in Quezon City. The seed had sprouted.
Over the following years, the MCC multiplied throughout the country. In Manila, in Cebu, in Davao, in Iloilo… each course was a small “Pentecost” where men and women discovered that the Gospel could be lived with joy and friendship.
The ultreyas and perseverance groups became meeting places where faith was shared amid smiles, testimonies, and prayer. There, the cursillistas encouraged each other to be light in their environments—at work, in the family, in society.
And the fire did not stay in the Philippines. Very soon, Filipino cursillistas helped bring the movement to other Asian countries such as Korea, Vietnam, and Taiwan. The Philippines became a bridge and missionary for Cursillo throughout Asia.
The MCC is not a three-day event. It is a way of life. It is discovering that Christ loves us just as we are and invites us to transform the world from within. It is learning to look at life with hope, to form community, and to live our faith in everyday life.
That is why, after so many years, the MCC continues to be a space where thousands of Filipinos have found a new reason to smile, serve, and love.
Many lay leaders, catechists, and parish servants have been born from this experience of grace.
Today, more than six decades later, the CCM in the Philippines continues to ignite hearts in 16 dioceses. In every ultreya, in every group of friends who pray together, the same call continues to be heard:
“De Colores… and forward, always forward.”
Because as long as there is a Cursillista willing to bring Christ to their environment, the fire of the CCM will continue to burn. And the Philippines—a land of faith and joy—will continue to witness how God’s love can change everything.
“Christ is counting on you.” And we, with His grace.
We continue to move forward:De Colores! 🌈
