The Paris Olympics – a longing, a prayer and a blessing from Pope Francis.

“Sport is a universal language that transcends frontiers, languages, races, nationalities and religions; it has the capacity to unite people, to encourage dialogue and mutual acceptance; it stimulates the surpassing of oneself, forms the spirit of sacrifice, fosters loyalty in interpersonal relations; it invites people to recognize their own limits and the value of others. The Olympic Games, if they remain truly “games”, can therefore be an exceptional meeting place between peoples, even the most hostile. The five interlinked rings represent the spirit of fraternity that should characterize the Olympic event and sporting competition in general.

I therefore hope that the Paris Olympics will be an unmissable opportunity for all those who come from around the world to discover and appreciate each other, to break down prejudices, to foster esteem where there is contempt and mistrust, and friendship where there is hatred. The Olympic Games are, by their very nature, about peace, not war.

It was in this spirit that Antiquity wisely instituted a truce during the Games, and that modern times regularly attempt to revive this happy tradition. In these troubled times, when world peace is under serious threat, it is my fervent wish that everyone will take this truce to heart, in the hope of resolving conflicts and restoring harmony. May God have mercy on us! May He enlighten the consciences of those in power to the grave responsibilities incumbent upon them, may He grant the peacemakers success in their endeavours, and may He bless them.”

“I ask the Lord to bestow His gifts upon all those who will participate in any way – whether athletes or spectators – and also to support and bless those who will host them, especially the faithful of Paris and elsewhere.”

Pope Francis

This hymn, sung at a service of preparation for the games at The Anglican Church, Trinity Church, Maisons-Laffitte ,
near Paris. last Sunday expresses the hope of Pope Francis.
It is a prayer which we can use to feed our own hopes and longings about what the Games may achieve

In Christ there is no East or West,
In Him no South or North;
But one great fellowship of love
Throughout the whole wide earth.

In Him shall true hearts everywhere
Their high communion find;
His service is the golden cord
Close binding humankind.

Join hands then,people of the faith,
Whate’er your race may be;
Who serves my Father as his child
Is surely kin to me.

In Christ now meet both East and West,
In Him meet South and North:
All Christlike souls are one in Him
Throughout the whole wide earth.

(Original words by John Oxenham, 1908, amended)

[Mr G. July 26th 2024]