The Diocese of Naha’s Okinawa Cursillo lay ministry held a “Cursillos de Cristiandad” Three-Day Weekend retreat May 14-17 at the St. Clara Monastery in Yonabaru. This was the 85th women’s Cursillo retreat in Okinawa.
The first Cursillo retreats in Okinawa were held in 1972. They were presented in Japanese to Japanese speakers. The recent weekend was presented in English, but for the benefit of several Japanese-speaking participants, made use of the translating skills of several women and three priests, as well as new artificial intelligence translation technologies. Nineteen women from a wide variance of cultural backgrounds and faith life histories were led by a team of ten Cursillistas–women who’ve previously experienced a Cursillo Three-Day Weekend. One leader came from mainland, as did the retreat’s spiritual director, Father José Ramon Rubio. Father José himself is a Cursillista and credits the movement with leading him to priesthood.
Much of the language used within the Cursillo method and its retreats comes from the movement’s origins in Spain. “Cursillos de Cristiandad” means “short courses in Christianity.” The weekend retreat provides participants an opportunity to learn and discuss how one authentically lives a Christian life. Short talks are presented by Cursillistas and the Spiritual Director. Mass is celebrated daily and meals taken in common. As always, the Saint Clara Monastery offered a beautiful and serene site for the Weekend and the Sisters were ever so lovely with their accommodations.
Each day of the Weekend presents a different encounter for deepening one’s faith. The first day presents an encounter with oneself for examining what is fundamental to Christian faith–a life of grace where one’s whole life is directed to God. The second day presents an encounter with Jesus Christ and how through grace we can better know and imitate him, our Brother and merciful Savior. The third day presents an encounter with others and how to live for Christ in our local environments or live for Him in a community. The Cursillo helps us to better know, love, and serve Jesus. One woman aptly described the Weekend as a “crash course in Catholicism.” And all of this is accomplished by placing the women in a holy environment that, for a short time, is removed from work and family responsibilities, errands, telephones, and daily chaos, such that they can enjoy a few days of encouragement and growing closer to God.
Behind the scenes a dedicated team of faith-centered Cursillistas prepared meals and materials to share with the Weekend participants the same outpouring of love they once received during their own Cursillo Weekend experience.
When the Weekend retreat was completed, 19 new Cursillista sisters returned to their home and work environments, but having grown closer to God and having been given the Cursillo Method for living authentically Christian lives, and through friendship, sharing with others the Good News of our Lord.
Okinawa Cursillo is now making plans for men’s and women’s retreats in the autumn. De Colores! (The Colors!)
By: Russell Davis – Cursillista
Image May 17, 2026, St. Clara Monastery chapel: while describing how her life is affected with the help of the Cursillos de Cristiandad Three-Day Weekend retreat, a participant shares a laugh with Father José Ramon Rubio