I became a Catholic at the age of 53, mainly as a result of the Cursillo community which surrounded me.  My family and a considerable number of friends showed such love, joy and praise of Our Lord: this witness ‘converted’ me, changed my life and is an ongoing inspiration.”

Martin Black. Christian Malford  (Retired Businessman)

“Baptised and brought up a Catholic, I thought I was a “good” Catholic not just a “Sunday” Catholic.  At various stages in my life, I belonged to the Children of Mary, Catholic Youth Club, University Cathsoc., Legion of Mary and  the Catholic Women’s League.  I worked for the CTS for eighteen months. I married a man who was not a practising Christian, and although I brought up my son in my Catholic faith I often found myself going to church on my own.

“Shortly after moving to Wiltshire, my husband died; now I was quite alone: I was lonely, reserved and thought my life was finished.  I remember kneeling down one night, asking God what he wanted me to do with the rest of my life?  I discovered a leaflet about Cursillo in the church porch.  Someone saw me reading it and asked me if I wanted to know more.

“Soon I was able to go on a Cursillo weekend.  There I discovered that JESUS LOVED ME!   I also learned that I must love and value myself before I can love others.  This was what made Cursillo different for me.  Most of the other organisations I had joined were so busy ‘doing good to others’ without recognising the need to start with oneself.

“After the weekend I was introduced into a small group where I learned the value of sharing my faith journey.  These ladies were close to me in age and have become my firm friends.  We support and encourage one another.  Once a month we all attend an Ultreya and share with the larger Cursillo family in our area.

“I can now look around my church and see many friends; I am no longer alone.  In fact, I have gained so many friends both here and overseas.  My life is so full, with a full diary and I have discovered so much peace and joy through the practise of prayer, study and evangelisation.

“I was invited into Cursillo Leadership.  The experience I have gained working with Cursillo has equipped me to take leadership roles within my parish and recently  I represented my parish at a Conference on Collaborative Ministry in which I am now trying to interest the rest of my  parish community.  With another Cursillista, I attend and report regularly, on the Diocesan Pastoral Council.  Another Cursillista is the Parish Finance Officer. Our  ageing parish priest, having lost his Curate relies heavily on the Cursillistas in the parish to support him in many ways.”

Sheila Gadsden. Chippenham (Widow)