Jan. 30, 2008

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St. Mary of the Angels Chapel resounded with the prayers of around 150 athletes and administrators on the evening of January 29. The Blessing of the Varsity Athletic Teams, led by Frs. Bill Beaudin and Kevin Daly, is an opportunity for both the students and the friars to express gratitude.

"We try to show our support for the students," said Fr. Kevin. "We go to the games, of course. But it's also important to cheer them on spiritually."

Blessings for the athletes are held in fall and spring. In January, the active teams include men's basketball, women's and men's lacrosse, women's swimming and diving, water polo, softball, baseball, men's and women's golf and men's and women's tennis.

"We feed them after the prayers," Fr. Kevin noted. "They have practice in the afternoon, then shower, join in prayers. They're very busy."

"Those athletes do a great job," he added. "They're very involved. And they pray for individuals among them who are on the injured list, and vice versa. They really do cheer each other on, on and off the bench."