An event full of colors and emotions. And the universal message of peace. The “Mass of Nations” at the Shrine of Our Lady of Santa Cruz in Oran “was a wonderful experience, a moment of spirituality and sport. We are all united by our sea: the Mare Nostrum”, declared the satisfied ICMG President Davide Tizzano. “We have the honor of hosting 26 nations. There are more than 3400 athletes and 40 Olympic medals. From Santa Cruz we send a great message of sport, friendship and brotherhood” said the two two times Olympic champion in rowing, gold medal in Seoul 1988 and Atlanta 1996.

The celebration was officiated by His Excellency Jean-Paul Vesco, archbishop of Algiers and apostolic administrator of Oran, who emphasized during the homily that sport strengthens the frontiers of humanity. The event was attended by Don  Gionatan De Marco and Melchor Sanchez de Toca y Alameda, undersecretary of the Pontifical Council for Culture, who announced the message of Pope Francis, sent on the occasion of the 19th edition of the Mediterranean Games, an invitation to build bridges and solid bonds and to look to the future with optimism and confidence.

The athlete’s prayer read by Sara Carcinelli (Athletica Vaticana), who took part in the marathon race, to concretely witness the culture of encounter and dialogue between peoples.

The participation of the local community was evocative, animating the Mass of Nations with wonderful songs.