Bishops from the three London dioceses have visited the Olympic Park to see how 504 acres of previously toxic wasteland in the East End of London has been transformed into a place of new life and immense beauty.
Archbishop Vincent Nichols (pictured) and Bishop John Arnold of Westminster, Bishops Pat Lynch and Paul Hendricks of Southwark, Bishop Thomas McMahon of Brentwood and Bishop Richard Moth of the Forces joined local head teachers and members of the board of the John Paul II Foundation for Sport for a tour of the site.
Archbishop Nichols said: “The Olympic and Paralympic Games are a moment of great opportunity for us all.
“These great sporting events generate all sorts of good ideas and initiatives, particularly for young people, reminding all of us of the importance of good health, the dignity of our bodies, the care of our physical well-being and its spiritual meaning.
“The example of many who are dedicated to training routines in preparation for these Games remind us of the need for good habits and routines in our own daily lives if we are to make the most of our God-given talents.”
The Catholic Church is planning to use the 2012 London Olympic Games to renew interest in the faith with initiatives ranging from human trafficking, gang violence and homelessness to youth ministry and ecumenical dialogue.
The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales is also preparing liturgical and Holy Hour resources which will be made available to the entire world via the internet in the lead up to the Games in July and August.
A total of 24 chaplains have been trained for the occasion and training is also being offered to representatives of churches who will organize parish events, such as street parties, around the Games.
A range of initiatives prepared over three years by the bishops’ conference include two Catholic hospitality centres wbich will open in London, and the Joshua Camp, a tented village for Catholic youth which will be set up in Brentwood, Essex.
(Photo: mazur/catholicchurch.org.uk)