Cursillo retreats for women and men planned
SALT LAKE CITY — Monsignor M. Francis Mannion has accepted the position of spiritual advisor to the Diocese of Salt Lake City Cursillo movement.
The cursillo movement began in 1949. A cursillo has its own charism; it is a pilgrimage back to the Father and eternity. Its purpose is to save souls and build a Christian community.
Msgr. Mannion is pastor emeritus of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Salt Lake City. As spiritual advisor to the Cursillistas, he replaces Fr. Joseph Frez, who since 2017 has been on active leave outside the diocese.
“After a lot of prayers and fasting, the Lord sent us Monsignor M. Francis Mannion as our spiritual advisor,” said Christine Benevento, one of the Cursillistas.
Having Msgr. Mannion guiding the spirituality of the movement is a gift from God, she said.
“For us as a movement he is able to give us direction as far as living and giving Christianity in action, so that we can spread the Word and help people find their way and maybe a call that they have or something that they are looking for. … He is leading us in that direction that keeps us aware of how important it is to do that,” Benevento said.
After Fr. Frez left, the Cursillistas prayed individually and in groups to be led to a spiritual director, she said. The answer to their prayers was given when one of the Cursillistas, Jackie Smithe, approached Msgr. Mannion at church and asked if he would consider being the group’s spiritual director.
“After some time of more prayer he said yes,” said Benevento, adding that all the Cursillistas are grateful that he is leading them.
“Our hearts rejoice. … He is so knowledgeable and he teaches us so many things – on the importance of being involved in the sacraments, in our movement, and just keeping us in tune with the Church’s teachings,” she said.
Msgr. Mannion’s acceptance of the position comes just in time for the women’s and men’s cursillo retreats.
“Monsignor will be leading the daily meditations, and also various priests from the diocese will do talks on grace,” Benevento said.
Both retreats are open to anyone who wants to join or learn more about the Cursillo movement in the Diocese of Salt Lake City.
The men’s Cursillo retreat will be July 12-15 at St. Vincent de Paul Parish.
“This is what God is calling us to do; to go love and serve Him, and the retreat teaches us how we can accomplish that,” said Art Romo, another Cursillista.
The women’s retreat will run July 26-29, also at St. Vincent de Paul Parish.
“People should attend the retreat to encounter spirituality with Christ,” said Rita Stelmach, part of the Cursillo movement.
After the retreat, those who are interested may continue to join the Cursillistas’ weekly prayer groups.
“This helps them to keep nourishing their spiritual life. It’s not that you go to a retreat and forget about it,” Stelmach said.
Once a month, the individual prayer groups gather together.
“It’s like a community type of group; this keeps us all focused,” Stelmach said.
To participate in the weekends, contact Art Romo, 801-834-5951; Frank Lujan, 801-664-3003; or Rita Stelmach 801-647-0143.
WHAT: Cursillo Men’s Retreat
WHERE: St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 1375 E. Spring Lane, Salt Lake City
WHEN: July 12-15
WHAT: Cursillo Women’s Retreat
WHERE: St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 1375 E. Spring Lane, Salt Lake City
WHEN: July 26-29
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