Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

By Caroline de Sury, OSV News

PARIS — Isabelle de Chatellus, 46, from the Diocese of Versailles, is currently directing the "Holy Games," an initiative by the French Catholic Church for the Olympic Games. Chatellus oversees teams of volunteers identifiable by their yellow T-shirts with the Holy Games logo.

"I have just come out of the Olympic Village in Saint-Denis," Chatellus told OSV News. "It is a pretty extraordinary place, particularly peaceful. It is a village where all humanity seems to come together. The flags of the countries represented are on every window! It is very beautiful."

She noted that athletes are gradually familiarizing themselves with a multifaith center on the village's outskirts. "There were not a huge amount of people at first," she said. "But little by little, the athletes are making the place their own, getting to know it better. They start to come and go, and little by little, they know when the prayer times are."

Chatellus encouraged Catholic athletes to attend Mass at a nearby church held every evening for them. "They come there in privacy, to recharge their batteries, discreetly. It is very beautiful to see them reflected in this way."

Regarding the opening ceremony on July 26 that featured a controversial drag-queen performance parodying Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper painting, Chatellus remarked that it "unsettled Christians the world over" and that many messages were received from individuals who felt deeply saddened by parts of the ceremony.

However, she also mentioned ongoing dialogue with International Olympic Committee members following this incident: “It was a bit tricky.” She emphasized focusing on welcoming athletes and delegations post-ceremony.

Young volunteers involved in Holy Games experience spiritual enrichment through organized activities such as morning sessions for resourcing and formation focused on Christian virtues.

A notable event for these volunteers is venerating the crown of thorns every Friday at Saint Germain l’Auxerrois church near Louvre Museum. This relic was saved during Notre Dame Cathedral's fire in April 2019 and will remain at Saint Germain l’Auxerrois until Notre Dame reopens on December 8.

"It is a great opportunity," Chatellus pointed out. Normally reserved for Lent Fridays, this veneration helps reflect on both athletic laurel wreaths and Christ’s crown of thorns' significance for Christians.

Young people are also active at La Madeleine Church near Concorde Olympic site hosting various sports events. Volunteers invite visitors to place intentions or candles in the “sportsmen’s chapel” while offering Mass and confessions in different languages each evening alongside music festivals featuring diverse genres.

Another venue mobilizing young volunteers is located near Place de la Nation at Eugène Napoléon Foundation buildings where local children engage in sports activities every other day while meals are served to those in need.

"This service dimension makes young people very happy," Chatellus said. Many compare it favorably to World Youth Day due to its service aspect.

The Holy Games webpage continues receiving pledges supporting athletes through prayers with special invitations extended for praying for 37 athletes from 11 countries forming part of Olympic Refugee Team.

As an avid sportswoman herself playing tennis and soccer regularly during these games, Chatellus commented: “It is obvious that faith and sport are two worlds that are very close.”

"In sports we go beyond ourselves,” she told OSV News.“And it is in going beyond ourselves that we experience transcendence; that is when we encounter God.”