The Olympic Legacy Cross used at the Joshua Youth Camp during the London 2012 Olympics was blessed by Pope Francis at the recent World Youth Days in Brazil.
The conclusion of last year’s Olympics 100 Days of Peace was celebrated with a Mass at St George's Cathedral in Southwark, concelebrated by Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster, Archbishop Peter Smith of Southwark, and Bishop Luis Henrique of Rio de Janeiro together with priests from the London Brazilian Chaplaincy and parishes in London.
At the end of Mass, the Olympic Peace Legacy was passed on to the Church in Brazil as it now prepares for the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. Two symbols were presented to Bishop Henrique by way of encouragement and challenge to keep the the peace flame alive: a print copy of the Pax Christi ICON of Peace which had been a focus of prayer and inspiration in 17 parishes and two Cathedrals during the 100 days; and this wooden Olympic cross used in the Joshua Youth Camp in London.
Fr Vanderley Oliveira of the Brazilian Chaplaincy in London e-mailed us from Brazil:
From: FR VANDERLEY Oliveira
Sent: 03 August 2013 14:21
To: Justice and Peace
Subject: 100 days of peace
We are living after pope Francis time and the time after WYD it was a great time for us and for the Catholic Church here in Brazil.
During WYD week, happened a big Catholic exhibition and the Olimpic Cross were there but day before Pope Francis blessed it.
I'm sending some pictures for you.
Kind regards,
Fr Vanderley
