The participants of the March 6-9, 2025 women’s Cursillo are seen at Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp and Retreat Center in Bowling Green. COURTESY OF BETH HENDRICKSON
Enkindled: 79th Women’s Catholic Cursillo weekend at Gasper River
BY DCN. BRETT MILLS, SPECIAL TO THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
Congratulations to the 10 ladies who were first-time participants at the 79th Women’s Catholic Cursillo in the Diocese of Owensboro. The retreat was held March 6-9 at the Gasper River Camp in Bowling Green.
Just what is a Cursillo Weekend, and what is the Cursillo Movement that makes these encounters such a vital part of the Church’s life?
Cursillo is a recognized Apostolic Movement of the Catholic Church, approved by bishops and popes alike. Originating in the 1940s in Spain, drawing inspiration from the earlier and more general movement called Catholic Action, Cursillo came to the United States in 1957 and has been active in the Diocese of Owensboro since the late 1960s. While an ecumenical version of Cursillo exists, the Catholic Cursillo retains its deep roots in the Church’s mission and stands as one of the most enduring aspects of the New Evangelization.
As the newest participants have discovered, a Catholic Cursillo Weekend is aimed at helping individuals center on Christ. By embracing what Vatican II urged to be “full and active participation” in the Church and the world – as a real and freely chosen part of who they are in everyday life. Through prayer, reflection, and community, attendees receive the support necessary to maintain that transforming and evangelizing identity.
Plans are already underway for the next Catholic Cursillo Weekends – both men’s and women’s retreats are scheduled for February and March 2026. Consider giving a Catholic Cursillo Weekend the same opportunity that Jesus offered to two curious disciples: “Come and see.” For more information visit www.cursillo-owensboro.org.
Anita Coffman participates in the March 6-9, 2025 women’s Cursillo held at Gasper River. COURTESY OF BETH HENDRICKSON
Originally printed in the April 2025 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
