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In the Cursillo it is courageously proclaimed and generally granted with enthusiasm by the cursillistas that God wants us all to be saints (I Thes. 4:3); that every Christian is to be a living and functioning member of the Mystical Body of Christ in a conscious and growing life in grace; that one can not be satisfied at all with lukewarmness and mediocrity but must strive toward perfection with zeal and confidence, that the best means to perseverance is the valiant and generous search for Christian perfection in one’s own state of life; that the world is lost because there are no saints, and only they can save it. “Do you seek to take the sure road to perfection?” asked Saint Francis de Sales. Then look for a virtuous man or woman to lead and guide you. Here you have the most important recommendations, since, as Blessed Avila says, however much you may seek, you will never be so sure to find God’s will as along the road of this humble obedience, so recommended and followed by the devout people of past centuries. (Introduction to the Devout Life; Part I, c.4). In order to embark upon this road, the cursillista needs a faithful, highly skilled, competent friend, and this is the Spiritual Director, who furthermore, has the grace of his position to assure his success in this important task of spiritually orienting souls. “A faithful friend,” says scripture “is a strong defense; and he that hath found him hath found a treasure…..A faithful friend is the medicine of life and immortality; and they that fear the Lord shall find him”. (Eccl. 6, 14, 16) God has willed that men go to Him, led by other men. God lends special grace and efficacy to the suggestions and advice of the Spiritual Director. The complications of modern life and the particular needs that the cursillista feels after the Cursillo specifically require it. Moreover, this has been the constant practice of the Church, the doctrine of the masters of spiritual life, and the example of saints. “We deem it necessary,” said Saint Basil, “to reveal ourselves to men of indisputable faith and prudence, with whom we can deal in full confidence that they may correct our errors and sanction the good that we do, and thus we can escape the judgment that threatens those who rely only on their own prudence.” Strong is the statement of St. Bernard: “Whoever makes himself his own master, obeys a very foolish superior.” “Seek a good man or woman to guide you and accompany you on your way; this is the counsel of counsels,” reaffirms Saint Francis de Sales. St. Bernard declares that they who are “at the beginning of spiritual life, as Children of Christ, have need of a teacher to instruct them, guide them and encourage them.” And what is said of those who are at the beginning of spiritual life, as is generally the case with the cursillistas, should be said likewise of those who have advanced in perfection. No one however knowing he may be, ought to allow himself to be persuaded through vain pride to believe that he has no need to depend on others. The experienced Father Luis de la Puente proclaims the same need, “Even though they may be,” he says, “very enlightened and favored of God….because merely by being men, they are subject to error.” St. Francis de Sales cites the example of the physicians who generally put themselves in the hands of other physicians for treatment of their own ailments. All of us then, have need of help. This will be all the more necessary for beginners in order that they may avoid false hopes and acquire spiritual instruction and formation more easily, surely and rapidly. We must avoid the common defects of the self-taught, which are much more to be feared when it is a matter, of acquiring not just any abstract perfection, but Christian perfection, such as it has traditionally been practiced in the Church, according to the examples and teachings of Christ. It is true that many times it is not an easy thing to find a Spiritual Director that will measure up to one’s own soul. St. Francis de Sales asks, “Who will find this man/woman filled with charity, knowledge, and prudence; who will be able to find this friend? Sacred Scripture says that they who fear God will find Him, that is, the humble who sincerely want their perseverance and spiritual advancement.” Therefore,” the Saint affirms with confidence, “ask God to give you one according to His goodness and although it were necessary to send an angel from Heaven as he did with the young Tobias, do not doubt that He will give you such a good and faithful friend...I repeat to you: Ask God for one, and when you have found him, bless His Divine Majesty and do not go around looking for another, but go forward with simplicity, humility, and confidence, because you certainly will have a happy journey.” Leaders Manual for Cursillos in Christianity |
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Spiritual Direction |
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Cursillos in Christianity |
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Los Angeles English Cursillo |
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The true benefits of the Cursillo are founded |
