ST LUCIA
Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire of Castries praised St Lucian athlete Julien Alfred for her impressive achievements at the Olympics, winning gold in the 100 meters and silver in the 200 meters. He noted that these victories are a clear indication of what God can do with any human being who is determined to put themselves at His feet, with a positive direction.
Speaking to SIR Agency (Religious Information Service), Archbishop Malzaire also highlighted another champion, Thea Lafond of Dominica, who secured her first gold medal in the triple jump.
St Lucia, the Archbishop said, has already received important international recognition such as the Nobel Prizes: Arthur Lewis for Economics, and Derek Walcott for Literature.
Alfred’s result, the Archbishop said, “has also broken the ice for the Olympics”.
He said the words of Thomas Aquinas come to mind—grace builds on nature.
“This means that God will take everything we present to Him, our nature, and will build it to make us the best we can be. And Julien Alfred has given us the best. Even at such a tender age, she is an ambassador for every young person of St Lucia,” Arch-bishop Malzaire said.
He underscored that Alfred’s success, then, is particularly significant, because she comes from a very humble back-ground and has challenged every vice by which young people today are tempted: alcohol and drugs, licentious lives, laziness and lack of ambition.
“Julien teaches every young person that with determination, you can achieve anything,” adding he had the privilege to give a special blessing to Alfred’s grandmother who was present at the Mass August 4, in a home for the elderly, the very day after her Olympic victory. “You can imagine my joy!” Archbishop Malzaire said.
