From Our Spiritual Advisor:
De Colores!
My dear sisters and brothers in Christ, I would like to focus my reflections for this article on the LEADER’S Prayer. We say it often at the opening of our meetings, Secretariat, School of Leaders and perhaps at Ultreyas and even in some groups. Some of us know it by heart. I have often found myself saying the words and wondering after just what am I saying and what does it really mean. Is it a translation from an original Spanish prayer and what is its history? So I thought this would be a good opportunity to explore more about the LEADER’S Prayer. In searching website for the National Cursillo Movement Office, I found very little by way of explanation of the Prayer or any of it’s history but I will share what I did find.
First, the Prayer itself: Leader’s Prayer
† Lord grant that we may understand the necessity for depth in our Movement, rather than surface glory. Convince us of the truth that colorful programs do not constitute success.
† My God, give us a spirit of self sacrifice so that we may offer everything for Your cause: our time, our abilities, our health and even our lives if necessary. Instill in us courage in our initiatives, good judgment in our choice of the right means, and that determination, which in spite of failures, assures victory.
† Move away from us the tiny rivalries, sensitivities, discourtesies, pride, everything which distracts from You, everything which divides or discourages.
† Help us to maintain at a high level, a meaningful supernatural and mutual charity among ourselves, so that each one will seek by preference, the most humble task and will rejoice at the good performed by others, so that all our spirits, united in a common purpose, will have one single spirit, Yours Jesus, and that this spirit may let us see Your attractive goodness marked in all our faces, Your warm accents in all our words, and in our lives something superior to the world, something that proclaims Your Living Presence among us. Amen
† Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patron of the Americas, Pray for Us.
† St Paul, Patron of the Cursillo, Pray for Us.
Some thoughts:
First: of all it is a prayer asking for God's help to avoid the temptation or belief that one can accomplish a mission on our own, or that we are incapable of making a change.
It is a corporate prayer rather than a personal prayer and it is a prayer seeking virtues: humility and a personal offering of one’s self in a total commitment; courage and good judgment in applying ourselves to the task of being a dedicated apostle; a person who puts all of his abilities in the service of Christ.”
Second: Setting aside our own ego, and letting others be in the spot-light while we take on the role of being servant to all. This is difficult because we have to be mindful of our own selfishness, pride and sensitivity to our own emotional ‘feelings.’ It is a constant conversion process, as Jesus taught us, “I have come not to be served but to be servant of all…” How often and how many former Catholics and Cursilltas do we know who left the community over hurt feelings?
Third: We ask for divine assistance to “put on” the mind of Christ in accomplishing our task, which is not only on the human level but is also on a spiritual plane provided for and guided by the Holy Spirit. Again, think of ourselves as “monstrances” showing forth Jesus by our life, love and genuine concern to bring Christ into all of our environments. In short we are living ‘sacraments’ in the world.
Fourth: While we pray together this prayer of supplication to the Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we also include a prayer of intercession to Mother Mary and St Paul and through them all of the heavenly hosts, especially our family and friends who are living their “fifth” day in eternity.
A Cursillo leader's prayer may include:
• Palanca A prayer offered at various stages of the Cursillo Movement, including before, during, and after the weekend. Palanca is offered for the team, candidates, and new Cursillistas.
• Asking for contact with Christ A prayer that asks for contact with Christ through the Holy Eucharist, the Gospel, and homilies at Mass.
• Asking for contact with others A prayer that asks for contact with others, especially in the Group Reunion, to grow in faith together.
The Cursillo Movement is a Catholic Church Movement that aims to help people live a Christian life. It was developed by men of prayer who were inspired by the Holy Spirit. So may it continue through our efforts.
P.S. The National Election is 25 days from when this letter was written. I have no insight, divine revelation, or idea of how it is going to turn out and what the future might hold for us. But I do know that Jesus IS Lord and Savior and is in charge anyway, no matter what. He is my candidate! He is the ONE I am following and the Leader’s Prayer is helping me to keep that focus. Lots of love to all of you.
Your brother in Christ,
Fr Jim Brown
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