Scottish Catholic Observer

The opening of the Commonwealth Games, which the Church is actively involved in, is a celebration of good sportsmanship, unity and life (in all its diversity) at a time when it would be all too easy to allow divisions in the world and attacks on life to negatively impact our spirits.

The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games are fully integrated with able-bodied athletes and competitors with special needs competing at the same venues during this fortnight. Glasgow 2014 also hopes to raise an extraordinary amount of money for UNICEF, the official charity of the Games.

Pope Francis sent his best wishes and prayers to athletes and theologians who gathered at a conference in Glasgow on the eve of the Commonwealth Games. Athletes at the Celebrating the Gift in Sport conference at Blessed John Duns Scotus church hall in the Gorbals included 2004 Olympic sprint relay champion Jason Gardener, Special Olympian Leanne Peter and paralympian Frank McGuire.

The Holy Father’s universal prayer intention for July is “That sports may always be occasions of human fraternity and growth.”

Let’s pray that Glasgow 2014 fosters fraternity and provides a shining example of what can be achieved by athletes no matter the challenges life has put before them. At a time of increasing conflict in the Middle East, and further legislative attempts in the UK to undermine the value of life through assisted suicide, may Glasgow 2014 truly be a celebration of God’s gifts, life and unity.

This Sunday Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow will celebrate Mass in St Andrew’s Cathedral at 5.15pm for all involved in the Games. Athlete or spectator, volunteer or organiser, this Mass offers a wonderful way to offer all your efforts to God.

“Sport is a gift of God and the Glasgow Games is an ideal opportunity for us to celebrate that gift and proclaim the dignity, respect and purpose that God bestows on all people, no matter their ability or nationality,” Archbishop Tartaglia said. “As we welcome visitors from all over the world to the city of St Mungo, I invite you to pray for a happy, peaceful and successful Commonwealth Games.”

And if an especially busy train to work or a cancellation runs the risk of raining on your Commonwealth Games parade, remember the Archbishop also said: “I hope that all who come to our country will return home having experienced the best in Scottish hospitality.”

PIC: ROBERT WILSON