ATHLETICA VATICANA, THE OLYMPICS AND ST. BABYLAS
Until I read the Vatican News report about Athletica Vaticana delivering the Olympic and Paralympic Cross at a Mass this evening (as I am writing this column, to be honest) at the Basilica of San Babila, which will serve as the “Church of Athletes” throughout the Winter Games, I had never heard of St. Babila, also called Babylas! Naturally I did some research and came across a wonderfully edifying tale of a third century bishop who defied an emperor for his faith, joining so many martyrs, men and women of the early centuries of Christianity, who died rather than renounce their faith in Jesus Christ.
I also came across a website about Milan’s St. Babila Basilica, dubbed the “Church of Athletes” during the February winter Olympic games. It suggested that I download SmartGuide: Digital Tour Guide. I did so and it is amazing! If you are a traveler, you’ll enjoy this site (unless you already found it well before I did!)
According to New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia and other sources, St. Babila (or Babylas) of Antioch was a 3rd-century bishop and martyr who served as the Patriarch of Antioch from roughly 237 until his death in 250 AD during the persecution by Emperor Decius. Known for his uncompromising faith, he is famously remembered for denying the emperor entrance to a church following a grave crime, demanding public repentance.
22.01.2022. Festa patronale della basilica di San Babila
Key details about St. Babila:
Martyrdom: He died in prison around 250 AD, sometimes reported as being in iron fetters, along with three children, young disciples, he had instructed: Urbanus, Prilidanus, and Epolonus.
Significance: He is regarded as the first saint to have his remains translated (moved) for religious purposes.
Veneration: He is revered in both the Eastern Orthodox Church (4 September) and the Roman Rite (24 January).
Legacy in Italy: He is a prominent figure in Milanese history, with the ancient Basilica of San Babila in Milan dedicated to him.
Symbolism: He embodies moral integrity and the defense of evangelical values against earthly authority. The saint’s life and courage, particularly in confronting the emperor, was often likened to John the Baptist’s confrontation with King Herod
About Athletica Vaticana
In 2017, the Pontifical Council for Culture gave patronage to Athletica Vaticana, which began as a community of runners, and since then it has grown into a significant company of individuals from many different nationalities, working in or for offices connected to the Holy See. In 2019, Athletica Vaticana received recognition as the first official Vatican sports association.
Athletica Vaticana has a concrete goal: To be a symbol in the heart of the Vatican and the Catholic Church as a Christian witness using spiritual, supportive, and cultural initiatives to dialogue with the worldwide sporting community. Its members are Vatican employees and citizens, young and old, lay and clergy, male and female, who seek to build community through passion for sport. Athletes have participated in cycling, taekwondo, cricket and Paralympic sports teams, and have future plans for other ports. (source Vatican News)
ATHLETICA VATICANA TO BRING OLYMPIC CROSS TO MILAN FOR WINTER GAMES
Today, January 29, Athletica Vaticana will deliver the Olympic and Paralympic Cross at a Mass at the Basilica of San Babila, which will serve as the “Church of Athletes” throughout the Winter Games.
By Giampaolo Mattei (Vatican News)
Since the London 2012 Games, the Olympic and Paralympic Cross has accompanied athletes. The upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Games will be no different.
Archbishop Mario Delpini of Milan will preside with Bishop Paul Tighe, secretary of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, and the president and vice-president of Athletica Vaticana will also be present.
The “Church of Athletes”
The Mass marks the eve of the Olympic Truce, which—according to the resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on November 19—will last from one week before the Olympic Games (starting February 6) to one week after the Paralympic Games (the closing ceremony on March 15).
During this entire period, the Basilica of San Babila will be transformed into the “Church of Athletes,” hosting various celebrations and events linked to the Games.
Bringing the Cross through the Holy Door
The Cross of Athletes was entrusted to Athletica Vaticana on June 14 during the Jubilee of Sport with Pope Leo XIV. It is a spiritual symbol at the heart of global sports.
Thomas Bach, the President of the International Olympic Committee, together with Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, prefect of the
Dicastery for Culture and Education, carried the Cross through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Athletica Vaticana then received the Cross from a delegation from Paris, who had been sent particularly for the Jubilee, in connection with the 2024 Games. The moment of prayer marked the beginning of the Jubilee pilgrimage from Piazza Pia along the Via Conciliazione to the Holy Door of St. Peter’s.
One cross with wood from around the world
The Cross of Athletes was made by English artist Jon Cornwall specifically for the 2012 London Games. This was at the request of the coordination of Catholic initiatives in the Joshua Camp, an international Catholic Olympic gathering.
Fifteen different pieces of wood (including the podium that supports it) make up the Cross. Each piece has been carefully chosen from regions across the world: the Holy Land, China, Russia, North Africa, South Africa, India, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, Jamaica, North America, and the United Kingdom.
From London to Milan
At the closure of the 2012 London Games, the Cross was entrusted to the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics.
During the 2013 World Youth Day (WYD) in Brazil, Pope Francis blessed the Cross, which was later present at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Rio.
Due to the COVID pandemic, no events were held for the Tokyo 2020 Games. Instead, the Cross was brought to Lisbon for the 2023 WYD before being placed in Paris in the “Chapel of Athletes” at the Church of La Madeleine.
Joan's Rome 