Report on 2007 National Encounter
Steve Krause

Thank you for your prayers for a safe and successful Cursillo 17th National Encounter in Dallas this past weekend. The Encounter began Friday evening with video message by Eduardo Bonnin from Majorca, Spain and opening talk given by our National Episcopal Advisor, Bishop James Tamayo entitled "God is Love" followed by exposition, benediction and reposition of the Blessed Sacrament followed by the sacrament of reconciliation.

Day two had three inspiring talks throughout the day - Koinonia (Friendship), Diakonia (Service) and Kerygma (Proclamation) which reflect the main Cursillo theme of Make a Friend (Koinonia), Be a Friend (Diakonia) and Bring a Friend to Christ (Kerygma). The day concluded with a cultural exchange and fiesta with music and song in Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino, Portuguese, Spanish and English. It was a true reflection of the diversity and beauty of the Body of Christ within the Cursillo Movement.

Day Three was our pilgrimage to the celebrate the 50 year anniversary at birthplace of the Cursillo Movement in the US in Waco, TX. Eighteen buses transported 800 Cursillistas. The bus trip was filled with prayer, sharing, witness and plenty of song. Once in Waco we toured St. Francis of Assisi Church, the site of the first Cursillo in US in May of 1957. A local priest gave tours and provided history. After the tour, we had an Ultreya with witness provided by eight men that lived the first Cursillo. Each of their messages were simple and filled with joy in living a Christian life over 50 years.

After the Ultreya and dinner there was a closura for an actual Cursillo. There was a men's Spanish Cursillo held in Waco at St. Francis Church. Twenty four men walked into the Waco Convention Center (one block from St. Francis Church) to 800 Cursillistas singing DeColores!!! Their faces showed the shock and joy of being welcomed. Would you believe that all 24 men spoke of their experiences on the weekend. It was very an inspiring, joyful, interesting and encouraging day.

Written words just can not describe the Encounter because it was a lived experience just like a Cursillo weekend. Larry Rubalcaba and I look forward to sharing more information with you. Send me an email with your questions or comments. I'd love to hear from you at spkrause@aol.com

It looks like there will be a Regional Encounter this fall in Oklahoma City to share the information. Our diocese will be helping host. Hope many of you can attend. I will pass on information as it is determined.

DeColores!

Your brother in Christ,
Steve Krause