Previous Story
‘20th Cursillo Encounter a success despite crisis’
|
Posted on Nov 10 2008
The president of the World Organization of the Cursillo Movement, known as the Organismo Mundial de Cursillos de Cristiandad, said the CNMI did an excellent job of hosting the 20th Asia-Pacific Encounter at the Palms Resort Saipan.
The gathering, Juan Ruiz said, went smoothly and, despite the worldwide economic crisis, the organizers were able to pull their resources together and come up with good results.
Rev. Fr. Ryan Jimenez of Mt. Carmel Church, president of the CNMI’s Cursillo Movement, said they were able to come up with ways to have a successful gathering.
“We have achieved our goal and that is to be committed ‘to be a friend, make a friend, and bring a friend to Christ.’ This was the emphasis of the event,” Jimenez said.
“When they go back to their countries, they will be more committed,” he added.
Some 80 participants from six nations, including Australia, Vietnam, Korea, Taiwan, Guam and the CNMI, participated.
Taiwanese nationals living in Los Angeles will host the 21st Encounter in 2010.
Jimenez thanked the local community for being there to give their support.
Ruiz explained that the Cursillo Movement is divided into four regions: Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe and Latin America.
Tam Nguyen, who was once a refugee from Vietnam and is now living in Australia, is the president of the Asia-Pacific region.
Nguyen also lauded the smooth conduct of the event, which is held every two years. Saipan also hosted it in 1999.
“It was very well organized. It really builds up this community. It’s just like a big family,” said Ruiz, who is on his first visit to Saipan.
“I love the beach, the people are nice and warm and they really make us feel at home,” he said.
Husband and wife Yvonne and David Carrigan from Australia were also glad to come here for the first time and would love to come back for another chance.
“We are very impressed with the hospitality. We had an extensive tour of the islands,” the Carrigans said.
They said the people of Saipan are really concerned about “the future of their beautiful island.”
The participants attended a Mass at the Mount Carmel Church on Sunday, the final day of the four-day encounter.
