The motto of the Olympic Games, “Faster, Higher, Stronger,” embodies the spirit of excellence. It is not a call to glorify performance or victory, but rather an invitation to give the best of oneself, to progress, and to surpass personal limits—both in the stadium and in life. Interestingly, this iconic motto was not coined by Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, but by his friend, the Dominican Father Henri Didon. A passionate educator, Father Didon believed deeply in the power of sport to instil Christian values in young people and inspire holistic development. When Pope John Paul II arrived at the Stade des Princes in Paris in 1980, Cardinal Marty called him “God’s sportsman”. The Pope, as a true “sportsman of God,” echoed the Olympic motto with these words: “Let us give thanks to God for the gift of sport, in which man exercises his body, his intelligence, and his will, recognising in these capacities so many gifts from his Creator”. At the Assumption, this profound motto resonates with our spirit as a call to “achieve fulfilment.” Through sport, we too can answer the call to holiness.
During the Paris Olympic Games this summer, we had the joy of participating in the Holy Games initiative - a beautiful mission of solidarity proposed by the Church of Paris. The Church established a chaplaincy to serve athletes and spectators alike, and fifty parishes in the capital joined in, supported by young people from all over France. The atmosphere in Paris during those days was marked by joy, communion, and mutual admiration for the remarkable sporting and human achievements of the athletes. There was a palpable sense of solidarity and respect among supporters, a true blessing in a world often so divided. Encounters on the metro, in the streets, and in the stadiums were infused with an international spirit, celebrating the beauty of diversity. As Nelson Mandela famously said, “Sport has the power to change the world,” and Paris truly felt transformed during this incredible month.
The “Holies” - those participating in the efforts of evangelisation - were not only involved in prayer, concerts, and community activities. They also underwent a special training in the virtues. Just as athletes train tirelessly to achieve excellence, this program emphasised that practicing virtues builds the capacity to live well and do good with ease. It highlighted the connection between perseverance in virtue and the path to grace and holiness. “They do it to receive a laurel crown that will fade, but we do it for a crown that will not fade” (1 Corinthians 9:25). This discovery of virtues deeply impacted young participants, many of whom are searching for guidance and meaningful ways to act in the world!
We extend our gratitude to all athletes, sports enthusiasts, and to the Olympic Games itself. It’s a unique event where the human family comes together in respectful communion, celebrating talent and dedication. In this spirit, let us embrace St. Paul’s exhortation: “Glorify God through your body” (1 Corinthians 6:20)!
Sister Marie Valérie LAGARRIGUE
Province of France
Original french
Read #Assumpta nº 12 here