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The "Ascending" Confessional: Skiing Toward Spiritual Peace
In the Val-Cenis ski area of Savoie, France, Father Geoffroy Genin is proving that you don't need a cathedral to find a connection with the divine. By trading the traditional wooden confessional for the skilift, he is bringing the ministry directly to the people—at an altitude of 2,500 meters.
On February 4th, thanks to the local bishop, on the occasion of the feast of Saint Agatha, the slopes of the area in Montchavin experienced a solemn moment. Bishop Thibault Verny blessed 60 instructors and their skis.
A Sanctuary Between Sky and Snow
Every Monday morning for one week a month, Father Genin dons a bright red t-shirt over his ski gear and joins the queue. This "priest on skis" offers a unique six-to-seven-minute window for reflection during the ascent.
While it might look like a media curiosity, the intent is deeply pastoral:
Accessibility: Reaching out to those who may feel intimidated by or distant from traditional church settings.
Introspection: Using the majestic silence of the Alps to encourage "spiritual elevation."
Efficiency: The short duration of the ride helps people cut through the noise and get straight to the heart of their thoughts.
Privacy in the Open Air
One might wonder about the "seal of the confessional" while dangling over a mountain. However, Father Genin assures that the chairlift is one of the most private places available. Suspended between stations, the exchanges remain strictly between the priest and the skier. If a conversation requires more depth, he simply stays on for another loop.
"Some feel 'lighter for the descent' after a moment of reflection in the silence of the peaks."
Why it Works: Faith Meets Sports
This initiative addresses the modern decline in church attendance by meeting people in their element. The mountain has long been a symbol of spiritual withdrawal and meditation; by integrating faith into a vacation setting, Father Genin transforms a leisure activity into a moment of profound personal connection.
On average, half a dozen skiers—believers and non-believers alike—take the seat next to him each morning, seeking a compassionate ear amidst the panoramic alpine views.
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