Cursillo's vision is of a world transformed by the love of God - nothing less than the kingdom of God on earth

Cursillo, or short course, did not begin with the three day experience we are now having. It started in Spain after the Spanish Civil war ended in 1939.

To view a short film about the history of Cursillo please click here.

The first Southwell Cursillo was held at Lamplugh House, Thwing, Yorkshire in May 1985 with the help of Cursillo Cymru. This was followed by Southwell Cursillo #2, again at Thwing, in November 1985 and this time was greatly assisted by St Margaret's Woolston. Beginning with the third Cursillo in the Diocese, the venue was relocated to Launde Abbey, near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Since then nearly all staff members have been Cursillistas. In February 1988, a Cursillo was held at Morton Hall Open Prison, Lincoln. In April of 1988 Cursillo #10 was held with 32 candidates, this was the largest Cursillo ever held in Great Britain at the time.

The Cursillo movement has always been blessed by the support of the Diocese and in November 2009, the name of the Cursillo movement was changed, at the request of the then bishop (George), to its current name. This was to bring it in line with the name of the Diocese which had changed to Southwell and Nottingham in 2005.

There is a longing in the heart of God who calls us to active service and involvement, following in Christ's footsteps to complete our personal calling and the mission Jesus began. If we are to be effective in God's mission to change the world (in accordance with his values), we ourselves must be renewed people. Cursillo offers to committed Christians, a community of discipleship in which we are supported and encouraged as we grow in fruitfulness. The 3-day Cursillo weekend provides what is for many people, a life-changing experience through which God inspires, renews and challenges us.

Those who are involved in Cursillo encourage and support one another in discipleship by meeting in small groups for monthly fellowships. There are also opportunities to staff on Weekends and to develop other ministries.

"When the Weekend finished, I really looked forward to the rest of my Christian journey and I have never looked back."

People come from various churches and traditions around the Diocese. Learning, sharing, praying and laughing together, new friends can be made. Some say they have discovered a new meaning to:

"We are the Body of Christ".