History of Cursillo

Cursillo was founded in the 1940s by Eduardo Bonnin, a devout Catholic layman from Mallorca, Spain. After witnessing the spiritual hunger and disconnection that followed World War II, Eduardo felt a strong call to help people rediscover the love of God and the joy of Christian community. With a deep love for Christ and a heart for renewal, he developed a short course in Christianity—“Cursillo de Cristiandad”—that focused on personal encounter, spiritual growth, and community support.

The first official Cursillo weekend took place in 1949, and it quickly became a powerful tool for transformation. What made it unique was its focus on laypeople and its belief that everyone, no matter their background or experience, has the potential to be a witness of Christ in the world.

What started in a small town in Spain soon spread across the globe. By the 1950s, Cursillo had reached Latin America, and in the 1960s, it made its way to the United States. From there, the movement continued to grow, crossing cultures and languages, while holding fast to its original purpose: to help people know Christ more deeply and share His love with others.

Today, Cursillo is active in over 60 countries and in nearly every diocese in the U.S. Thousands of people each year attend Cursillo weekends and join vibrant communities of faith, prayer, and service.

While the format has remained largely the same, the impact of Cursillo continues to evolve. In a world that often feels disconnected, Cursillo offers something deeply needed—real community, purpose, and a renewed relationship with Christ.

Whether you’re hearing about it for the first time or you’re ready to reconnect, Cursillo welcomes you. The journey that started in Mallorca all those years ago could very well be the next step on your own path of faith.