The Momentum of Hope: Exploring the Church’s Support for Sport
Are you ready to dive into the exciting world where faith and sport intersect? The Jubilee of Sport is just around the corner, and the Augustinianum Institute in Rome is gearing up to host an international conference that will explore the Church’s desire to support the “Momentum of Hope” offered by sport.
On June 14-15, the Augustinian Patristic Pontifical Institute, near St. Peter’s Square, will be the hub of discussions and insights as the Dicastery for Culture and Education presents the international conference titled “The Momentum of Hope.”
Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, the Dicastery’s Prefect, and Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, will kick off the event with their opening remarks. Following that, four exceptional athletes will share their inspiring stories:
- Sergio Conceição, a former player for various top clubs and the Portuguese national team, now the coach of AC Milan
- Letsile Tebogo, the 22-year-old Olympic 200m champion from Botswana who met Pope Francis and shared a touching memory of his late mother
- Valentina Vezzali, one of the most decorated fencers in history with a plethora of Olympic and World Championship medals
- Amelio Castro Grueso, a Paralympic fencer who found redemption through sport and faith despite facing personal tragedy
Other esteemed presenters at the conference include Giampaolo Mattei, President of Athletica Vaticana; Litus Ballbé Sala, a Spanish priest and former Olympic hockey player; Paola Gigliotti of Sentiero Frassati; Salesian sister Francesca Scialbetta; and photographer Giovanni Zenoni. The event will be expertly moderated by Novella Calligaris, a journalist and swimming star, and Alessandro Gisotti, Deputy Editorial Director of the Dicastery for Communication.
Excited to be a part of this transformative event? You can register to participate in the international conference by visiting this link on the Dicastery for Culture and Education’s website.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to explore the powerful connection between faith, sport, and hope. See you there!
