Ottawa Catholic Cursillo Movement

Join us in a transformative journey that deepens faith and fosters lasting connections within the Catholic community.

Learn More

Inspiring Faith

Experience a profound renewal of spirit through our immersive Cursillo weekends.

Building Community

Connect with fellow believers and grow together in faith and fellowship.

What it is:

Cursillo is a global lay-led movement within the Catholic Church, focused on spiritual renewal and empowering everyday Christians to live out their faith with purpose.
Its core mission is to share the Good News of God’s love—primarily through authentic friendship—encouraging believers to transform their everyday environments by living as witnesses of Christ.
Ongoing support continues after the retreat through small group reunions and larger community gatherings called Ultreyas, fostering fellowship, accountability, and a shared commitment to walking with Christ.
The movement includes a three-day retreat, where participants (called Cursillistas) experience talks (rollos) by clergy and laypeople on grace, the sacraments, Christian action, and discipleship in daily life.

Purpose:

To ignite a stronger commitment to living a Christian life.
To form small groups of support for ongoing spiritual growth after the retreat (called Fourth Day).

Who it’s for:

Practicing Catholics who want to renew their faith, find community, and grow spiritually.
Open to both men and women (usually on separate weekends).

❤️Vibe:

Deeply personal, joyful, and community-oriented.
Emphasizes love, forgiveness, and the importance of being Christ to others in everyday life.

Our Journey and Mission

The Cursillo Movement began in Spain in the 1940s, born out of a deep desire to renew and strengthen the Christian faith during a time of political upheaval, religious persecution, and societal unrest following the Spanish Civil War. Inspired by Catholic Action and encouraged by Pope Pius XI, a group of young lay leaders developed a short course in Christianity—Cursillo—as a way to prepare for a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, reviving the Church’s presence through personal faith, action, and community.

At the heart of this renewal stood Eduardo Bonnin Aguiló, a young man from the island of Mallorca, who envisioned a way to bring Christ’s love to the everyday lives of ordinary people. With a deep understanding of both faith and human nature, Eduardo helped shape Cursillo into a three-day retreat focused not only on knowledge, but on encountering Christ, forming authentic friendships, and transforming the world through joyful Christian living. His belief that “Cursillo has yet to be tried” reminds us that the movement continues to grow and evolve in its mission to bring people closer to God.

The Ottawa Catholic Cursillo Movement began its inspiring journey in 1966, the same year Pope Paul VI officially recognized Cursillo as a movement of renewal within the Church and named St. Paul as its patron. Since then, Ottawa’s Cursillo community has been a living witness to Christ’s love, encouraging men and women to grow in faith and to live their Christian values in daily life.

Rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, our mission is to build vibrant Christian communities within neighborhoods, parishes, families, and workplaces. Through a powerful three-day retreat, Cursillistas (participants) experience spiritual renewal, fellowship, and a deeper understanding of their calling as disciples of Christ. This journey continues beyond the weekend with regular group gatherings and ongoing formation to sustain their spiritual growth and commitment.

At its heart, the Cursillo Movement is not just an event—it’s a way of life. Inspired by the vision of Eduardo Bonnin, it awakens faith, fosters meaningful friendships, and equips ordinary people to live out their faith with extraordinary purpose. We invite you to join us on this journey of transformation, joy, and community in Christ.

Our Mission: Building Christian Community

The Ottawa Catholic Cursillo Movement is dedicated to nurturing a vibrant Christian community, where individuals are empowered to live their faith authentically. Our mission is to create spaces where believers can connect, grow, and support one another in their spiritual journeys.

Through our Cursillo weekends, we offer a unique opportunity for personal and communal transformation. Participants are encouraged to explore their faith deeply, engage in meaningful discussions, and form lasting bonds with fellow Cursillistas. Together, we strive to embody the teachings of Christ in our daily lives, making a positive impact in our communities.