I think I wrote about this last year, but it always makes such an impact on me. This past weekend my son Quique and I attended a football game at my alma matter, the University of Notre Dame, which is a Catholic university. The were 80,000 people for the game. Two and a half hours before the game the players and coach attend mass together at the Basilica. Then, they walked from church to the stadium through a "tunnel" of people that are lined up at either side wishing them well. When they first take to the field, they each go to the end zone, take off their helmet, and kneel in prayer. At the beginning of the game, in addition to singing the National Anthem, a prayer is said.
Then after the game, visitors rush to the basilica for Saturday mass, which is always 30 minutes after the end of the game. The church was packed, with people standing along walls. In the church, you have fans of both teams worshiping together. You have rich people all dressed up because they had box seats, and people in sweat pants, you have professors and stadium ushers with their yellow vests. Parents, students, visitors, old, and young gathered and holding hands. The mass is always angelic and you leave uplifted.
God, the great uniter. Let's also embody that peacemaking spirit!
Technorati Tags: Catholic Spiritiality, Hope
What a beautiful tradition!
Posted by: patti | October 07, 2006 at 08:05 AM
Sounds awesome!
What a beautiful name you gave your son, how is it pronounced, Hector?
Posted by: ukok | October 11, 2006 at 03:29 PM
That sounds like a deeply moving experience, a real snapshot of the church. I am glad you got to experience it, once again. Blessings!
Posted by: Renee (Mary Poppins NOT) | October 13, 2006 at 01:04 PM
loved this. Thanks!
Posted by: Lorna | October 15, 2006 at 10:14 PM
God unites us all! When we are one in God, miracles can happen that is why I'm requesting prayers. Two weeks ago my 44 years old neighbor got sick with pain while conducting a meeting at the hospital where he works. He was diagnosed with kidney cancer. Before they could do anything, it advanced to the bladder and lungs. He has 4 children, a girl 18, a boy 12 and two beautiful twin girls 6. I feel humble at the inmensity of his faith and strength. He says he needs to fight because his children need him. God can unite us all in prayer to support this man that still has so much to do. Thank you!
Posted by: Carmen | October 18, 2006 at 11:00 PM