Bob Giusti

It was Thursday, May 15,1969, that my sponsor drove me down this dark country road to the St. Ann retreat house in Bristow, Virginia, to begin my Cursillo weekend( Men’s 5^th). I wondered what was in store for me when I saw men hugging each other and wearing crosses around their neck. For the next three plus days I sat with a group of men, who I did not know, but by Sunday we were Brothers in Christ.

My table of St. Paul included a Xavarian Brother, a Monsignor in the Diocese, and 3 other laymen. I learned more about the human aspects of Christ and his workings in team members lives that weekend than my previous whole life in Catholic schools. Most importantly, I learned that the clergy and religious did not have it all together and they told us lay folk that they needed me and others for support and help. Throughout the weekend the Monsignor (well respected) was emotional as were others, including myself, and I truly believe it was the work of the spirit. There was much diversity on the weekend from age, job, family, and religious experience.

The talks and the personal witness by team members had a major impact on me but the most significant thing were the human aspects I learned about Jesus and his love for me and others. Personal palanca letters from a few friends (not many people had made Cursillo at this time) were also special as were the 30 or so people and a few friends who woke me up to song (Mañanita) on Sunday morning and then left. And then Closing!! It was 50 people coming to welcome me. I realized that this was the community of people that team members were referring to in their talks all weekend. It was a joyful celebration and something I wanted to hold onto. All of this is what made the weekend so great and yes, AUTHENTIC.

After I came off my Cursillo, there wasn’t any sudden, overnight change in my life, but the seed had been planted. I knew that if I was to be a good Christian, instead of a good Catholic, I would have to reorder my priorities, and nurture that seed. Our relationship with the Father is a living thing that needs constant care and nourishment, so it will blossom and ultimately bear fruit. Left on its own, it will soon wither and die. I’ve learned that every day is important and is to be lived fully.

My journey with the Lord over the past 30 years, although difficult at times, is still one of increased spiritual growth and every step that I take which brings me closer to Him brings me more of that true peace which I believe can be found nowhere else. These past six years have been spent dealing mostly with two wonderful grandsons, family illness (the death of my father and father-in-law), and some other painful news. That has resulted in lost contact with many Cursillo activities that my wife and I were involved in for so many years. After serving in many leadership roles and teams, it has been hard. However, I have stuck to the Cursillo method of piety, study and action and that has been my “lifeline” for the past 30 years. Without it, I would never have been able to deal with those dark sides of life.

Initially, I was in a couples group reunion and it was good for awhile because we each had a small young child and it was in the home. In 1972, I joined a men’s group that met on Saturday mornings in our parish. That has been my support, encouragement and you name it for all these years. I meet every Saturday with Ray (since 1973), Jim (since 1985), Bob (since 1986), Harry (since 1990), Brad (since 1986), Nick (since 1997) at 7:30 am. My present group reunion is a true gathering of friends, I can be myself and share my life freely with them and know that I can count on them for prayer and support. Its a constant reminder of who I am and where I m going and most important, it keeps me accountable to friends. No matter my mood--enthusiastic, filled with the spirit, or barely dragging myself and feeling empty, I almost always leave with something that I can hold onto to keep me going. Someone seems to say the very thing I need to hear, sometimes not even being aware they did so. I find encouragement and support in moments of doubt or hesitancy, a pick me up after a fall. I am greatly blessed by these men I share my life with each week. Christ has not worked in extraordinary ways but mostly in the nitty-gritty of everyday living of trying to be a good Christian.

In recent years, Spiritual Direction has also been a source of strength and I am grateful for the Sister’s of the Cenacle, who through their programs and individual guidance have helped me to know this God of ours and recognize His humanity and His love for us. It was the Cenacle who helped me to understand that Christ laughed, cried, got mad, and enjoyed many things.

Cursillo has been a powerful force in my life. It continues after 30 years to be a way to examine a part of my life where I might live His gospel in the day-to-day events of my life. It has provided much more for me than I ever expected and it truly has been the means that has helped me to recognize that as I try to serve others, I am reminded of Christ’s special moments in my life.

DeColores, Bob Giusti

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