As athletes gear up for the Paris Olympics, over 120 faith leaders including a significant contingent of Catholic chaplains are preparing to provide spiritual support to approximately 10,000 competitors. This initiative aims to assist those coping with the pressures and challenges of the Games, particularly those facing disappointment. Jason Nioka, a former judo champion and Read more
If you have been watching the Olympics this year, odds are you have seen the famous “Christ the Redeemer” statue that overlooks the city of Rio. It is listed as one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World” and has become one of Brazil’s most famous landmarks. Measuring 124 feet tall with an arm Read more
The Catholic priest coordinating the inter-religious center for athletes at the Olympic Village is looking forward to “very successful spiritual mission”. “We hope that the center will encourage harmony and unity among different countries and among different religions,” the coordinator Father Leandro Lenin Tavares says. “We are a symbol of peace, brotherhood and the unity Read more
A Dutch carpenter inspired by a dream to construct a life-sized replica of Noah’s Ark now has a new and equally ambitious dream – to sail the vast vessel to the Olympic Games in Brazil. Johan Huibers’ Biblical boat complete with wooden animals, was constructed four years ago at the cost of nearly $1.6million (over Read more
The Catholic Church of England and Wales is taking advantage of the Olympic Games to evangelise London locals, the thousands of tourists in the city for the events, and the athletes as well. Speaking to Vatican Radio, James Parker, Catholic executive co-ordinator for the Olympic Games, reported that not only is daily Mass celebrated within Read more
Carlos Ballve — known as “Litus” to his friends — plays defence on the Spanish field hockey team competing in the London 2012 Olympic Games. But as soon as the Games end, the Spanish Olympian will head to a Belgium seminary to begin the process of becoming a priest. According to the Spanish daily El Pais, Read more
An Olympic Cross, hospitality centres for athletes and round-the-clock adoration of the Blessed Sacrament are featuring in the Catholic pastoral programme for the London Olympic Games. The cross will stand at the Joshua Camp, an international Catholic Olympic gathering in East London, until August 13. The camp provides hospitality and creates a Catholic presence to Read more
In 1908, in the wake of a serious economic crisis, Rome renounced hosting the Olympic Games, which eventually were held in London, England. In the same year Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympics, sought help from the Vatican to support the Games, and Pope Pius X in person offered him his support. Read more
A nun will carry the Olympic Torch today as Catholic parishes across Britain prepare for a series of Masses and other events to mark the opening of the Olympic Games in London on July 27. Sister Mary-Joy Langdon, of the Sisters of the Infant Jesus, will join the Olympic Torch Relay in the Kingston to Read more
Some people are simply gifted at sport; they excel at any challenge involving a ball, a stick or a physical contest nearly as soon as they turn their hands to it. One such person is Father Geoff Hilton, a priest from Salford diocese in the north of England, who will be serving as one of Read more