Words of Wisdom

Tom Silva
Lay Director May 2001 -- May 2005

Region II Meeting

An idyllic setting; sharing, praying, celebrating and interacting in Spanish and English; feasting on good food, meeting with other committed Cursillistas - this only begins to describe the Cursillo Region II Meeting on April 27-29, 2001 at St. Pius X Retreat House in Blackwood, New Jersey. Twice a year representatives of the Cursillo Secretariats comprising Region II are invited to participate in the regional meeting. The principal agenda topic for the nearly 50 participants, lay directors and secretariat members, from the English and Spanish movements located in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey, was the formulation of a Pastoral Plan for the Cursillo Movement for each diocese.

The schedule for the weekend began with an opening presentation on Friday evening by Fr. John Gordon, the Region II spiritual advisor for the English speaking community and Brother Estaban for the Spanish speaking community. On Saturday and Sunday presentations on the major components of the Pastoral Plan, Pre-Cursillo (given by Joan Brown), the 3 Day Weekend (Cursillo), Post-Cursillo, Reunion of Leaders, and Spirituality, were given by representatives of the different movements. Time for brain-storming and group discussions and time to write a pastoral plan was provided after each presentation. These presentations were separately conducted in English and Spanish; however, morning prayers, evening prayers, and daily Mass were beautiful, spirited combined celebrations - in Spanish and English.

The "business" part of the meeting was a success; (thank you to the authors of our Diocese of Arlington Cursillo Movement pastoral plan). Equally exciting was the opportunities to meet and share with our neighboring/regional sisters and brothers "real-life stories" about our diocesan movements - discussions that ranged from successes, new experiences, challenges, to helping Cursillistas who are relocating from one area to another. These personal interactions, alone, are a reason to participate at the regional meetings - an excitement similar to attending a reunion of reunions, an ultreya, where the spirit is so evident in the larger community.

Last, St. Pius X Retreat House, as the host location, is an oasis within a busy world - a favorite part of the facility is the Faith Walk, a peaceful pathway that surround the grounds and provides sacred places, "stations" to sit and pray or meditate. How often do we reluctantly say yes -- only to later say "that was a wonderful experience".

Tom Silva

On June 24th, ten new cursillistas were welcomed into our Cursillo community, having completed their weekend.  It was a time of great joy and anticipation as we extended our hospitality to the women of the 113th Women’s Cursillo and thanked the team for their service.  

At that same closing ceremony, we transitioned leadership of the Arlington Diocese Cursillo with a commissioning ceremony by Bishop Paul Loverde.  For four years we were blessed to have Joan Brown as lay director.  The accomplishments, the successes, and the works in progress that often cannot be measured have provided a solid foundation for our continued efforts.  We give praise for Joan Brown and the gifts she gave to the Arlington Diocese Cursillo.

In addition to Bishop Loverde doing the commissioning, it was with great joy to have present among our community of friends Father Greenhalgh and Father Bashista (St. Mary of Sorrows), Father Bill Schopps, Father Ben Faneye and Father Joe McCloskey, who with Sister Anne Jordan were spiritual directors for the 113th Women’s Cursillo.  The closing was a joyous celebration, a community celebration of our apostolic efforts.  The closing was also a testament of who and what we are and provided an insight to “what this child will be”.  As we are called to action -- to evangelize, to bring Jesus Christ to the world, to invite others to a friendship with Christ – “this child” will be the fruits of our efforts.

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations…” Mark 28:19

This summer I had an opportunity to spend time at a favorite location – at the beach. Time at the beach vividly reminds me of our Lord’s presence – in the quiet of the night, in the rays of the sun at its rising and setting, in the seemingly endless tides and the awesome power of the sea, by the array of seashells swept up on the shore, by the abundant life in the sea, and by the people who chose to spend time on the beach. Vacation time is one way I try to get away from the busyness and challenges of life to seek relaxation and rejuvenation. It is also an opportunity to review my spiritual commitment to Church and to Cursillo.

Do you take time to take stock of your spiritual journey? The call to be a disciple, to be a committed Christian has led me to ponder the following Cursillo related items – perhaps you, too?

What is my commitment to Christ … do I attempt to direct my life to Him?

As Christians, we are called to be lay apostles. Our goal, as Eduardo Bonin, Cursillo lay founder said, our goal is not to “have cursillistas all over but to have living and active Christians.” The Cursillo movement has provided me considerable joy – do I share this excitement and joy with others with whom I have contact? Do I live what I say I am?

Palanca is prayer, sacrifices and works of mercy. A short, caring, hand-written note to someone is very effective. When have I offered prayer and sacrifice for someone?

Am I committed to use the Cursillo method to persevere by meeting with a group of friends (group reunion) to share the Christian way of life together – do I welcome others into our group reunion?

Do I encourage my group reunion to participate in Ultreyas where growth in community and being church to the world occurs?

How well do I serve Pre-Cursillo, the 3-day Cursillo, and Post-Cursillo by my personal contact with others? Have I tried to make a friend, be a friend, bring that friend to Christ and supported and encouraged that friend throughout his/her 4^th day?

Have I accepted the invitation to participate in our Diocesan activities – our monthly Reunion of Leaders meetings and our Diocesan Ultreyas? Have I volunteered my talents to serve on a Diocesan committee?

“As for myself, … when I came to you I did not come proclaiming God’s testimony with any particular eloquence or “wisdom” 1 Cor 2

-- Tom Silva

“Love your fellow Christians always. Do not neglect to show hospitality, for by that means some have entertained angels without knowing it” Hebrews 13:1-2

We are approaching the time of year when we take time to share with others, to express our love to another, to do for others. We sometimes refer to this time of year as the “holiday season”; it is the time of year when people are hospitable. Hospitable is defined as “cordial and generous to guests” … “treating guests with warmth and generosity” – it is one of my favorite words as it provides wonderful images.

There are occasions where I find being hospitable is very easy – when I am hosting an activity or I am entertaining others; when I am being of service to others; and when I am in situations where I am expected to be hospitable. Holiday parties, Ultreyas, and family gatherings are examples where I am comfortable being hospitable

Being hospitable is also being active and taking positive actions so there are fewer “missed opportunities”. Perhaps you may have similar examples of being hospitable: every week at Church, I saw in the congregation the same people seated across from me. One Sunday I was moved to introduce myself to them. I now know their names and we acknowledge each other each week. People entering into our worship center pass fellow parishioners who serve as greeters, welcoming parishioners. Nametags worn by some facilitate conversations and make people feel comfortable talking to others. Conversations have begun because of a smile, by holding the Church door open for someone to pass.

“Hospitality” describes our efforts to make a friend, be a friend, and bring that friend to Christ. Use your opportunities to be hospitable as a starting point for bigger opportunities; our spreading Christ’s message through the testimony of our life and our words in all our environments is evangelization, which is what we are asked to do.

De Colores -- Tom Silva

“You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you:” Micah 6:8

Winter, the season between autumn and spring, and for us, the colder half of the year, has been more memorable this February than in recent years because of the colder temperature and the increase in snowfall.  For many, the snow brought by winter storms also has slowed the whirlwind of our busy schedules …”snowed in”.  This change to our routine, however, provided an opportunity to ponder how vibrant is our love of God, in light of the sudden available time.  Is our love and our action vibrant or are we experiencing “a time or season of inactivity”, the additional meaning of winter provided by Webster. 

Is there a winter in our love of God?  Is there a winter in our realizing the vision presented us through Cursillo … to fulfill our baptismal responsibility to go forth, as apostles and proclaim the gospel?  Have we “winterized” our prayers in these troubled times … when our prayers and our witness may lead to confidence, peace and hope for our church and our nation?  Has judging replaced love and friendship, mercy and compassion?  Is there a tendency for “theirs to do” rather than “ours to do”…?

Our season of winter need not be a time of inactivity and passiveness.  We have been given the tools and method to orient us as apostles of Christ without waiting for “a season of spring” for growth and development.  This commitment provided by Cursillo  is our being a living witness for Christ, whether in family interactions, in interactions with strangers or acquaintances as shoveling snow with your neighbor or standing in line at the grocery.  Is your season of winter also a season of spring?

“What is good has been explained to you, man: this is what Yahweh asks of you, only this, to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God.”  Micah 6:8

Peace / Tom Silva

“God will place people and events into our lives and whatever we may think about them, they are designed for the evolution of God’s life in us” Fr. Thomas Keating

Addressing the assembly of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America in March, 2003 Pope John Paul II expressed how “…the Church needs many qualified evangelizers who speak ‘more and more of Jesus Christ’ with new ardor, renewed enthusiasm, refined ecclesial spirit and filled with faith and hope.” Although this message was addressing the challenges and problems the Church and society experience in Latin America, is there not the same need for evangelizers here?

There are many definitions about the purpose of the Cursillo movement, but the central idea is still the same … “we can no longer sit passively by and ‘hope’ that the world comes to know Christ. We must make a conscientious effort to ‘tell’ the world about Christ.” Cursillo also suggests that we begin by creating relationships -- talking and listening to new people in addition to friends, family members, Church members, and reunions. We create relationships all the time and in our relationships, we share ourselves. We also share the enthusiasm, the energy, the spirit of faith and hope with those we are in contact. When we become an active presence to our new “friend”, we also serve as a witness of our Lord.

We can rely on the tools and training Cursillo provides when we share and when we evangelize. The ways to effectively “evangelize” are as diverse as we are, reflecting “our expressions and our initiatives”. Those who seem to be successful evangelizers are merely those who use their gifts with energy and enthusiasm. The energy and enthusiasm to sustain these efforts are also provided in gatherings of reunions, at Ultreyas, at Church functions – do we take advantage of these opportunities to be energized and spirit-filled, to actively proclaim our faith? Listen to the stories of those God has placed in our lives!

Does not the joy of Easter, the risen Christ, provide energy and desire to spread the news?

We are a communal people, we are teamwork people. We can and do evangelize. With Courage, we can also offer the Cursillo experience and become a Sponsor!

“Awake from your slumber, arise from your sleep! Anew day is dawning for all those who weep. The people in darkness have seen a great light. The Lord of our longing has conquered the night. Let us build the city of God ….” (City of God, D. Schutte and NALR).

De Colores! -- Tom Silva

He exclaimed, “I can see you, son, the light of my eyes!”  Tobit 11:14

The ability to see is more than the gift of sight.  Likewise, the ability to listen is also more than the gift of hearing.  How blessed I am to have the gift of sight and hearing; how blessed are they who more fully use and share the gifts given them!

Music is important in my life.  Music provides me a creative outlet, a source of entertainment, relaxation, and learning.  My musical preferences are influenced by the vocal and instrumental sounds that constitute the rhythm, melody and harmony.  I often hum a melody because the words are not known; I find remembering the melody and the words of favorite songs easy; but listening, my paying attention and giving heed to the words of the less familiar music, needs work.  The gifts of sight and hearing are tied to my love of music.  Music speaks to me: the melody and words of two songs ring in my head – the refrain of one begins, “…one day at a time…” the other exclaims “…Do not be afraid, I am with you….”  How appropriate, … I ask our Lord for the strength to take each day, one day at a time, and I am reminded how much I am loved and need to do likewise. Music aids my “formation” and music spurs me to “action” – especially when I see and hear the message being proclaimed in song – “… open my eyes, Lord, I want to see Jesus, to reach out and touch Him and tell Him I love Him…”; “ … let us build a city of God ….”     

In addition to the gifts of sight and hearing,  I have been given other gifts as speech, touch, sharing. My life is richer because of the people placed in my life who courageously share their gifts with me – a warm touch, a loving look, an invitation to share, an expression of care. 

How do I use the gifts given me? 

“…Come and follow me, I will bring you home, I love you and you are mine….”

De Colores! --Tom Silva

“Do you not have a saying, ‘Four months more and it will be harvest!”? Listen to what I say: Open your eyes and see! The fields are shining for harvest!” John 4:35.

For over 125 years, the parish community of which I am a part has held its traditional Labor Day picnic, a celebration that marked the harvesting of crops, the blessing of tools, and the end of summer. The day’s events begin with Mass at which the community is encouraged to bring the tools of their labors to have them blessed. Food, entertainment and activities follow. The picnic requires the labor of many – from those who plan the picnic (plant the seeds) to the volunteers needed to man the booths (gather the harvest). Recruiting volunteers for the activities requires considerable time and effort but the results are an enjoyable time.

As the picnic planning requires dedicated individuals, similarly, we are asked to use the Cursillo techniques and methods provided during our Weekend experience to bring about a spiritual renewal within individuals.

Have we sown and nurtured a climate of spiritual renewal so that harvesting occurs year-round? Do we include prayers as an integral part of our every endeavor? Have we made a friend, and as a sponsor, brought that friend to Christ and offered a weekend experience?

In October, men are provided the opportunity to participate in the weekend experience; women will have the opportunity in November.

Have we opened our eyes to see whether our fields are shining for a harvest?

Make a friend, be a friend, bring that friend to Christ.  

Tom Silva

Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

As our calendar year quickly drew to a close and our calendar filled with parties, shopping, gifts, baking, decorating, crowds, I found myself captivated by the explanation of the symbols and traditions of Christmas to children in their religious education classes. The explanation included items like the derivation of ornaments, the incorporation of the Christmas tree, the identification of St. Nicholas/Santa Claus and the relevance of his attire to Church vestments, the sleigh, the very date of Christmas – how much I thought I knew, how little I really knew. If asked would I have been able to answer what the color of the vestments represented … hmmm.

The symbolism of a different activity really caught my attention … the idea of a secret Santa. As “I understand it”, secret Santa is an individual who leaves gifts for another person, without identifying him/herself as the giver. This particular secret Santa provided a piece of holiday woodcraft with numbers depicting the days before Christmas – from day 12 to day 1. Each succeeding day for 12 days, the secret Santa left a gift on the doorstep. The gifts matched the days of Christmas, two gifts on day two and so on. With each day, the excitement and anticipation grew. The gifts were accompanied with a poem/note which also referred to our Catholic/Christian beliefs. How wonderful was the thoughtfulness of the secret Santa; how awed and thankful the received. Would the secret Santa be identified?
Why did this person spend the time and resources to bring joy to another? Is it better to give than to receive?

I found myself comparing the activities of the secret Santa with our preparations for Christmas … to find time in the hustle and bustle of the season, to take time to think of others, to open ourselves to others and to bring to them peace and joy, to cause smiles of anticipation, to bring pleasure with simple items gathered with care and thoughtfulness. How did we prepare … perhaps having dinner with the lighted Advent wreath lighting our day and our way, speaking our heart at a parish reconciliation services, recalling our Mother’s unhesitant yes … How could I not love this time of year … to Him I give thanks and praise for the gifts we receive. Like Mary, I proclaim the greatness of the Christ Child.

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