麻豆社

As we look forward to the Olympics beginning in Tokyo, Mary Stallard reflects on the symbolism of the Olympic flame, inspired by ancient Greece where a sacred fire burnt for the duration of the games. We'll hear from people who took part in the 2012 Olympic torch relay in Wales; why they were chosen to carry the flame, and what it meant for them.

An eternal flame is a long-standing tradition in many religions, and we'll explore how a light represents God's eternal presence in Catholic churches and Jewish synagogues too. A flame can have a deep personal significance; perhaps lighting a candle to remember a loved one, or simply lighting a flame for hope. We鈥檒l hear from a lifeboat chaplain in Llandudno who led a candle lit vigil for the fishermen tragically lost at sea last January. A virtual event attended by thousands of people, we鈥檒l explore what lighting a candle can signify in a time of loss and grief.

In Ireland in the town of Kildare, the sisters of St. Brigid nurture an eternal flame. Legend has it that a fire burnt here in pre-Christian times, and when St. Brigid built a monastery there she continued the custom of keeping the fire alight. St. Brigid is one of the patron saints of Ireland, and today pilgrims come from all over the world to visit the flame. We鈥檒l hear how the sisters take care of it, and what draws people to this place.