New Cursillistas had a great fall in 2023
SCROLL THE ARROWS to see an additional photo.
The Jefferson City diocese’s Cursillo Movement held its Fall 2023 Weekends in the northern part of the diocese.
This was the first time in many years that weekends were held in Edina, as St. Joseph Parish has a wonderful retreat facility in the middle of beautiful, rural Missouri.
It gave Catholics from the northern part of the diocese the opportunity to participate without having to travel so far.
“Changed and inspired”
Men’s Weekend #72 was held Sept. 28-Oct. 1, and included 10 candidates, several of whom were from the Edina/Kirksville and surrounding area.
Tony Lupo of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Columbia served as rector for the weekend and was assisted by a team of 16 members from throughout the diocese, including members from Camdenton, Lake Ozark, Jefferson City, Columbia and Moberly.
“I thought that the weekend went very well,” said Mr. Lupo. “I felt that this group opened their hearts to God’s grace and we all went home changed and inspired.”
Men’s #72 had a rather unique experience in that Father Simon Kanyike, associate pastor our Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Columbia, served as spiritual advisor for the weekend while participating as a candidate.
“The Cursillo weekend was one of my best faith experiences,” said Fr. Kanyike. “It was spent with men serious about their faith, ready to serve and willing to ensure that everyone in their unique way benefits from the Cursillo.
“I was impressed by the depth of sharing individual experiences in sincerity,” he stated.
He pointed out that being the spiritual advisor and a candidate required him to be conscious of the two-fold reality of teaching and being open to learning.
“I have no doubt that the Holy Spirit guided every one of us,” said Fr. Kanyike. “It was so spiritually gratifying to see how many people at every moment of the day were out there praying for us!
“That ring of prayer shielded us from distractions and opened the way for the work of the Holy Spirit,” he stated. “ And so, I say to the entire team and my fellow candidates, De Colores!”
Trusting the Holy Spirit
Women’s Weekend #80 was held Oct. 19-21, also at St. Joseph in Edina, with 17 women attending from 11 parishes across the diocese.
Mary Wideman of St. Pius X Parish in Moberly served as rectora, assisted by a team representing at least 10 parishes in the diocese.
“We had a wonderful faith filled weekend,” said Ms. Wideman. “Grace was poured out on the 17 team members and 17 women candidates.
“We had our proverbial umbrellas down, so we were drenched,” she said.
The women were very open and listened to the whispers of God inside their hearts.
“Their attitudes were positive, they were enthusiastic and they trusted the Holy Spirit and the team,” said Ms. Wideman. “We even had fun and learned some new songs on Saturday evening. New friends were made.”
