austraLasia 1870

Go Spurs Go! A new hymn for Evening Prayer?

SAN ANTONIO: 8th June 2007 --  Basketball is big-time in the USA, but is also followed by many around our EAO Region, and given that austraLasia is read in the US too, we have our correspondents there.  The following item came from information relayed by not one but two readers, one an SDB the other an FMA.  Given its all-embracing appeal, then, here it is!
    "On June 7th the normally quiet, sedate area of the Salesian Sisters' Provincial House convent in San Antonio in Mary Immaculate Province (stretching from California to Lousiana), was cheerfully interrupted by the arrival of TV cameras that came to observe the Sisters as they cheered on the San Antonio Spurs. Four lucky Sisters had received tickets to attend the game in person. The Sisters will receive 4 tickets for all home games.
    Recent publicity has brought the sports-minded community into the spotlight. The white-habited Sisters can even be seen sporting team jerseys during basketball season.
    Sister Sandra Neaves (Provincial), Sr Claudette Germain, Sr Anne Cassidy and Sr Cindy Salas appeared on the pre-game show on June 7th.  The Sisters were warmly welcomed by the enthusiastic crowd and had the opportunity to meet with players, managers and other team personnel.  During the game, the players glanced up at them acknowledging a welcome presence.
    The Spurs were not favoured to win their first game on June 7 but they did (76-85)!  Divine intervention?  Well, the Sisters won't go that far, but as Sr Sandra said, what they really enjoy is a good game, well played and good sportsmanship.  All FMA eyes are on the Spurs and the Cavs (Cleveland Cavaliers) as they continue their playoffs.  Game two (of seven) will be played on Sunday June 10".
    Some would argue that all this is the work of, well, if not divine intervention, at least a decent dose of intercession.  Sr Filomena Conte, who was 86 when she died in March, and a member of the community, was an avid fan despite her congestive heart condition. 'Go Spurs Go' had an almost hymnic quality with her. She prayed for the team and corresponded with its coach. One can't rule out the possibility that Sr Filomena's close support from a higher grandstand had something to do with a first win in the NBA Championships".
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