Advertisement

Catholics, Others Respond to Mockery of Last Supper at Paris Olympics

In reparation for the blasphemy, Bishop Donald Hying of Madison, Wisconsin, called on Catholics to “fast and pray, renew our devotion to the Eucharist, the Sacred Heart and the Virgin Mary.”

By CNA Staff

CNA Newsroom, 27 July, 2024 / 12:17 pm (ACI Africa).

A drag queen-led parody of the Last Supper featured during Friday’s opening ceremonies of the 2024 Paris Olympics has sparked a wave of incensed reactions and denunciations.

In a statement released Saturday, the French Bishops’ Conference criticized the “scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity, which we deeply deplore.”

“We thank the members of other religious denominations who have expressed their solidarity. This morning, we think of all Christians on all continents who have been hurt by the outrage and provocation of certain scenes,” the French bishops said.

One of the best known prelates of the Catholic Church in the United States, Bishop Robert Barron of Minnesota, called on Catholics to “make their voices heard” in response to what he called “the gross mockery of the Last Supper.”

In a post on X, Barron said the blasphemous act was emblematic of a “deeply secularist postmodern society” that identifies Christianity as its enemy. 

Advertisement

Meanwhile, in reparation for the blasphemy, Bishop Donald Hying of Madison, Wisconsin, immediately called on all Catholics to “fast and pray, renew our devotion to the Eucharist, the Sacred Heart and the Virgin Mary.”

“May Jesus be adored and loved in every tabernacle throughout the world,” Hying added in a post on X in which he thanked the Lord for the Eucharist, the Last Supper and his “love for us.”

Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville, Texas was also quick to share his reaction, stating “My vocabulary is not varied enough to find a word for the feeling in the pit of my stomach” and asserting that people of Christian faith “deserve more respect.”

Flores’ sentiments were also echoed by non-Christians. “Even as a Jew, I am infuriated by this outrageous insult to Jesus and Christianity,” said Dr. Eli David. He panned the opening ceremonies as reflecting a Europe that is “culturally dying.”

The world’s materially richest man, Elon Musk, also called the spectacle “extremely disrespectful to Christians.”

More in World

Sister Clare Crockett

7 Things to Know about Sister Clare Crockett 

Read the article

For his part, United States Senator Marco Rubio, a Catholic, responded to what he called the Olympic “freak show” by quoting Jude 1:18 “In the last time there will be scoffers who will live according to their own godless desires.”

Updated July 27, 2024, to include the French bishops’ reaction.

Trending

You may also like

The Vatican and Microsoft have created a 3D digital model of St. Peter’s Basilica using the latest in artificial intelligence to offer a new way to experience the nearly 2,000-year history of the tomb of St. Peter. / Credit: Microsoft La Basilica Di San Pietro: AI-Enhanced Experience

Discover the History of St. Peter’s Basilica in New Microsoft Oline AI-enhanced 3D Model

Accessible worldwide at virtual.basilicasanpietro.va, the free interactive platform allows anyone in the world to “visit” the virtual 3D model of...

An external view of the Chapel of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem during the procession of the Franciscan friars after the first vespers of the Ascension solemnity on May 8, 2024. The procession circled the chapel three times. / Credit: Marinella Bandini

Catholics Ascend to Mount Olives, Site of Jesus’ Ascension, Only Day They Can Use Chapel Currently Under Muslim Control

“I’m excited to have come to pray in the actual place of the Ascension... I want to be closer to...

Pope Francis arriving at the meeting with bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated persons, seminarians and catechists in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, East Timor, Sept. 10, 2024. / Vatican Media

Catholics in East Timor Welcome Pope Francis to their Island "oasis" of Religious Vocations

Speaking in Dili's cathedral, Pope Francis challenged East Timor's Catholic leaders to renew evangelization efforts, declaring that the nation's position...