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Snowboarding remains one of the most popular alpine sports and is often a highlight of the Winter Olympics.
While there is yet to be a modern-day saint who was an avid snowboarder (St. John Paul II was a skier), the Church has appointed St. Bernard of Menthon as the official patron saint of snowboarding.
Who was St. Bernard?
While most may not be familiar with the saint, many know the St. Bernard dog that is named after him.
The Catholic Encyclopediaoffers a succinct summary of his life and fame.
Since the most ancient times there was a path across the Pennine Alps leading from the valley of Aosta to the Swiss canton of Valais … For the convenience and protection of travelers St. Bernard founded a monastery and hospice at the highest point of the pass, 8,000 feet above sea-level, in the year 962 … At all seasons of the year, but especially during heavy snow-storms, the heroic monks accompanied by their well-trained dogs, go out in search of victims who may have succumbed to the severity of the weather. They offer food, clothing, and shelter to the unfortunate travelers and take care of the dead.
The next time you go out snowboarding, pray to St. Bernard for a fun and safe time on the slopes.
And today we celebrate...