Cursillo ( pronounced "kur-see-yo" ) is a Spanish word meaning "short course" - and Cursillo Weekend is a short course in Christianity. The Cursillo movement started in Spain in the late 1940s and spread throughout the Spanish speaking countries of the world. It came to the United States in 1957 when Spanish Air Cadets, training in Texas held a Cursillo weekend for a group of Spanish speaking men. Cursillo is unique, not to be likened to other forms of spiritual renewal programs. It is made only once in a lifetime, therefore it is not considered a substitute for a retreat.
The local Peoria Cursillo, sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Peoria reflects Roman Catholic theology, but functions in the spirit of ecumenism. People of all religious affiliations participate. There is no pressure on participants to take part in any religious service in which they would not feel comfortable. Out of the blending of personalities, religious denominations and occupations there develops a respect for each other's differences, and an appreciation of the common search for a full Christian life.