Paris (France), 09/14/2024, Sr. María Esperanza Olarte.- On the occasion of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the French Church is actively participating to support the world of sports, which is why the Holy Games route was established from July 25 to August 11, along with Holy Extra-Ordinary (for the Paralympic Games). I was fortunate to be part of the first Holy Games team with the Dominican Family from July 25 to August 2.
The principle
“Citius, Altius, Fortius”*: Faster, Higher, Stronger.
Following the inspiring motto of our Dominican brother, Fr. Henri Didon, the Dominican Family participated in this time of mission, sharing, and listening at St. Francis Xavier Parish in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. Very close to the Esplanade des Invalides, where the archery competition took place, as well as near the Pont Alexandre III and the Grand Palais, which were also venues for events.
Our team consisted of 13 members, including friars, laypeople, and Dominican sisters from three different congregations. It was a week where we lived the mission in the style of Saint Dominic: community life, prayer, and mission, all supported by the parish priest and the laity of SFX. Together, we experienced an extraordinary week where:
- We welcomed locals and visitors in the parish church, whether for a simple visit or to participate in services such as vespers, adoration, and Eucharist (in French, Spanish, and English).
- We discussed faith, sports, and current controversies in the Church and society.
- We watched a documentary about Fr. Henri Didon, his life, his mission in education, his vocation to promote sports, and his friendship with Pierre de Coubertin. By the way, his parish was SFX, and his childhood home is just a few meters from the parish church.
- A booth was set up in the church courtyard where coffee, soft drinks, and syrup were offered to passersby, extending the opportunity to share for several minutes.
We were fortunate to welcome hundreds of visitors from all over the world, as evidenced by the world map placed at the entrance of the church. People of all races and religions, as well as from different sports disciplines, passed by, whether to support a sport or as families coming to pray for the athletes participating in the competitions. This was an occasion to open our churches from 8:30 AM to 11:00 PM. As expressed by Monsignor Philippe Marsset, these were "the five loaves and two fish" we had to offer, and we gave our all.
In total, 50 parishes mobilized in Paris and its surroundings as part of Holy Games, with theatrical performances, concerts, and prayer vigils. The Church of La Madeleine was chosen as the parish for the Olympic Games.
Some Celebrations
On July 25, at the Basilica of Saint-Denis, a night of praise and testimony from some athletes took place, along with the blessing of the athletes, who received the first medal: the Medal of Rue du Bac.
On the evening of July 26, all the Holy Games teams came together for the inauguration of the Olympic Games at the Eugène-Napoleon Foundation, Paris 12.
On Sunday, July 28, I was lucky enough to attend the nautical competition in Vaire-sur-Marne. It was the first time, and perhaps the only time, I participated in such global events. It was truly an unforgettable experience: it felt like a celebration for everyone, where even though we didn’t speak the same language, it seemed we all knew each other. It was as if the whole family was gathered, celebrating around a lake. This moment reminded me of biblical scenes around the Sea of Galilee or Peter’s words on Tabor: "How good it is to be here! Let’s make three tents…". I felt the joy in everyone's hearts, wishing time could stand still so we could continue living like this, united and happy.
During the Week
There were training meetings for the Holy Games teams, where we shared the Eucharist and moments of fellowship, while moving back and forth.
On Friday, August 2, we concluded the first week of Holy Games with the veneration of the Holy Crown of Thorns, which is honored at St. Germain l’Auxerrois Parish (normally, the crown is in Notre Dame). After a catechesis on the crown that athletes received in ancient times and Christ’s crown, we proceeded to veneration and subsequently celebrated the Eucharist.
This week of Holy Games was wonderful, an unforgettable mission as a Church and as the Dominican Family. It was extraordinary not for what I gave, which was very little, but for all that I received: the opportunity to meet, converse, and learn from so many people from all over the world. I can only say, "May my joy endure." And thank you, Lord, thanks to the Dominican family, and bravo to the Church of France for being so inventive, creative, and open.
Holy Games - Pastoral de los Juegos Olímpicos