Olympics Novena

In light of the tragic death of luger Nodar Kumaritashvili, my Olympic prayer in my previous post has been modified into this novena for the continued safety and success of the Olympics and the athletes.

Lord Jesus Christ, as the eyes of the world turn to Vancouver for the XXI Olympic Winter Games, we ask you to bless these games and those who participate in them.  We ask you to grant the athletes success in their competitions, and to give them the strength to compete fairly in the true spirit of sportsmanship.  Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, extend your mantle of protection to the athletes and keep them safe from injury as they compete.  Put in their hearts love for their fellow athletes, that they might seek to build friendships with those they compete against and enable them to respect their fellow competitors.

Lord, we commend to your mercy the soul of Nodar Kumaritashvili, who was killed tragically during a training for the luge event.  Grant him eternal rest in your heavenly kingdom.  We likewise pray for the continued safety of all who compete in the luge events.  We ask you to inspire the Olympic officials to work to make this even safer, so that tragedies like this never happen again.  We pray for the people of Georgia and the family of Nodar Kumaritashvili for comfort during their time of mourning for their fallen son.

Blessed Mary, Mother of God and of Christians, pray for the Olympic athletes and take our petition on their behalf to our Lord, for your Son will not refuse a request from you.
St. Sebastian, patron of athletes, pray for the Olympic athletes.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.  

Amen.

Live Blogging the Olympics

It's finally here.  The 2010 Olympic Winter Games begin today in Vancouver with an opening ceremony that's sure to be spectacular (after all, it's a closely guarded secret, and that's always a good sign with things like this).  Over 5,000 athletes from 80 countries will be competing at this event.

The games can be viewed live on your local NBC (for Americans) or on the local station of your home country.  Missed something?  Can't watch them?  I'll be posting live results from the games here on my blog each day of the games. Stay tuned here for updates.

Pax Christi, and God bless the athletes.

Prayer for the Olympic Athletes
Lord Jesus Christ, as the eyes of the world turn to Vancouver for the XXI Olympic Winter Games, we ask you to bless these games and those who participate in them.  We ask you to grant the athletes success in their competitions, and to give them the strength to compete fairly in the true spirit of sportsmanship.  Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, extend your mantle of protection to the athletes and keep them safe from injury as they compete.  Put in their hearts love for their fellow athletes, that they might seek to build friendships with those they compete against and enable them to respect their fellow competitors.

Lord, we commend to your mercy the soul of Nodar Kumaritashvili, who was killed tragically in a luge accident this morning.  Grant him eternal rest in your heavenly kingdom.

Blessed Mary, Mother of God and of Christians, pray for the Olympic athletes and take our petition on their behalf to our Lord, for your Son will not refuse a request from you.


St. Sebastian, patron of athletes, pray for the Olympic athletes.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.  

Amen.