Almost 10 years to the day since Father Hamel’s assassination, the Church in France once more faces hostility. During the inaugural events of the 2024 Olympic Games, a blasphemous depiction of the Last Supper depicted a female figure in place of Jesus amid drag queen “disciples.”

The Olympics have consistently represented a demonstration of human solidarity. In fact, political and religious messages are prohibited from the competitions. Organizers must hold creators to account for this breach of the games’ regulations.

Even more distressing is the fact that the Olympics has ceased to be family-friendly entertainment. Parents cannot rely on celebrations such as the opening ceremonies to be free from immoral and offensive exhibitions. This goes beyond personal preference; the welfare of the public necessitates that individuals voice their indignation at exposing children to manifestations of harmful and repugnant ideologies. It serves as yet another unfortunate illustration of the persistent and escalating hypersexualization of Western society.

Ridiculing the sacred Eucharist

However, the most troubling aspect is that this exhibit openly ridicules the essence of the Catholic faith: the sacred Eucharist.

On the eve of his betrayal, Jesus came together with his disciples to observe the Last Supper. In that sacred instance, he shared truth, compassion, and tranquility to support all who would follow his path. The blessings of salvation, found in the cross, are conveyed through the Eucharist. Even now, as Catholics approach the altar, we experience the blessings of that age-old offering.

Eternally captured by numerous Christian artists, Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” stands out as the most recognizable. It appeared to be an odd selection to satirize since it’s an Italian piece located in Milan, while the remainder of the program included references to French artists and heritage. I believe it was selected deliberately, for a very specific reason.

The Eucharist is the core rite of the Christian tradition. Every Sunday, Christians congregate to venerate God, and at the request of Jesus, perform this commemoration in his honor. Offering the Eucharist is what distinguishes us, the fundamental ritual that St. Justin Martyr conveyed to the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius in A.D. 155. The holy Eucharist is, as St. Paul VI stated, the Church’s “most invaluable treasure.” The Church stands as the final stronghold against these ideologies, the ultimate guardian of public morality and civic virtue. It serves as the last refuge for those who decline to worship at the altar of dogmatic liberalism and deviant sexual expressions.

It might be alluring to link the fury linked to this occurrence to the internet’s constant outrage engine. Certainly, some Christians are quick to be offended. However, this is not just a trivial political stance or a minor insult.

Sickening mockery of revered Christian values isn’t inclusion. It’s prejudiced and incorrect. To portray Jesus Christ and the transmission of the Eucharist in such a vulgar manner cannot be overlooked. Catholics must voice their concerns, calmly yet decisively.