Citius, Altius, Fortius

 

 

The 2014 Winter Olympics begin on February 7th in Sochi, Russia.

The official motto for the Olympics was coined by a French Dominican priest by the name of Fr. Henri Didon, OP.

He was a popular preacher known for his stirring sermons. As a youth, he had been an outstanding athlete in France. When he became a school principal, he introduced sports as a key component of an all-around education.

 

One of Fr. Didon’s friends was Pierre de Coubertin, the father of the modern Olympics. One day, de Coubertin attended a talk

given by Fr. Didon to the members of a sports association. The priest spoke of “faster, higher, stronger,” i.e. focusing on self-improvement and discipline through sports rather than emphasizing coming in first place.

De Coubertin liked the phrase, and used it as the official motto of the Olympics.

Thomas Merton Celebration

 

Registrations are already being taken! For more information and pricing for each event call:  (860) 567-3163, email:  programs@wisdomhouse.org or click on:  Wisdom House Retreat Portal

Merton image:  Gift of Father John Giuliani

Sheltered In the Heart

Over 50 people came to Wisdom House to work with author Gunilla Norris and share with others on the theme of spiritual friendship. Ms. Norris' latest book, "Sheltered In the Heart," has been published by Homebound Press.

Visit http://homeboundpublications.com to find out more about this book.

Second Responders PLAYshop

On January 11, more than 50 persons took the Second Responders PLAYshop created by the Fortunate Blessings Foundation. This initiative was founded by William Spear of Litchfield to help address the immediate and long term emotional and psychological health of children who have experienced disasters. The training included exercises which could be used with children and would significantly reduce incidences of PTSD and help build resilient communities. For more information, visit www.fortunateblessings.org.

Morning in Lakeville

Photo courtesy of Ingrid Freidenbergs