Pope Benedict XVI Blesses Skiing
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A group of Italian ski instructors visited the Pope at the Vatican on Monday and he had some blessed things to say about skiing.
“This is an environment that in a special way makes us feel small, returns us to our true dimension as creatures, makes us capable of asking ourselves about the significance of creation, lifting our eyes to the top, opening ourselves up to the Creator.”
“Your engagement as 'ski masters' helps to boost certain capacities, for example steadfastness in pursing aims, respect for the rules, tenacity in confronting and surmounting difficulties.”
“In all sporting activities, a person understands better that their body should not be considered an object … but that it allows them to express themselves and establish relations with others.”
“In this way, the balance between the physical and spiritual dimensions leads one not to idolise the body but to respect it.”
What a great excuse for Catholics to hit the slopes. And for the non-believers, here's a picture of the Pope holding skis with his name engraved on them.
–Joe Spring
@joespring