The Olympic Spirit: “Not the Triumph but the Struggle”

As the world once again revels in the excitement and celebrations of the Olympics, we find ourselves captivated by this grand assembly of athletes, spectators, and supporters. Every four years, the Olympic Games seize the attention and imagination of countless individuals across the globe.

Here at St. Brigid’s, we are embracing the spirit of the 2024 Olympics in Paris by organising our own “mini games.” In doing so, we strive to honour Pierre de Coubertin’s vision of the Olympics as a peaceful gathering that celebrates excellence, supreme effort, and tolerance, uniting people from diverse nations. The Olympic creed reminds us: "The most important thing is not to win but to take part; just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle."

Imagine a world where peace and understanding prevail, where everyone is committed to doing their best. These ideals seem increasingly elusive as global conflicts over power and wealth dominate the actions of leaders and their followers.

As Christians, we might pray that the spirit of friendship, love, and goodwill displayed during the Olympics might extend to broader issues of world politics and international relations. If each of us made a personal “supreme effort” to embody the values demonstrated by Jesus - striving against greed, selfishness, and intolerance - we could foster a spirit of peace and understanding in our world. As Jesus taught us:

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”
(Matthew 22:38-39)

May these principles guide us as we seek to make a meaningful impact in our own lives and beyond.

Yours in Faith, Justice and Learning