Ely Cursillo's BACC Rep Lesley Bowring reports on the annual gathering of UK Cursillistas:
A large crowd gathered at St Paul's Cathedral on 3rd September, with banners, brightly coloured clothing and smiles.
Following 'Pilgrim Prayers' under the dome, we processed with our diocesan banners over the millennium bridge to Southwark Cathedral, where we were greeted with refreshments and 'goodie bags.'
An Ultreya followed, with Group Reunion, and two very powerful witness talks. Melanie Nazereth of Southwark Cursillo spoke about her voluntary work with 'Christian Climate Action' – something that she would never have considered until God led her to an 'Extinction Rebellion' march, and called her to take action. Monica Bolley of London Cursillo then told us about her call to action against racism. Her story can be found at: https://www.london.anglican.org/articles/monica-bolley-my-story-part-1/
The Gospel response was given by our National Spiritual Director, Stephen Bowring, who reminded us that so often: 'everybody thought that something needed doing, and that somebody needed to do it, but nobody did!' - does that sound familiar within our churches? Our speakers had inspired us to be open to God’s invitations and to seek our own calling, whatever that may be.
After lunch, when many enjoyed the interesting food on offer from Borough Market, shared with friends old and new, we gathered back in the cathedral for The Eucharist led by Rt Revd Richard Harris, with Rt Revd Rob Wickham preaching. The singing was, as always, joyful and uplifting, and the banner parade round the church dazzling, reminding us that Cursillo is spread throughout Great Britain.
Next year, the National Ultreya will be at Rochester Cathedral, hosted by Canterbury Cursillo. Put the date in your diary, you won't want to miss it!!
