In San Antonio, a group of nuns known as the ‘Spurs Nuns’ are bringing a touch of faith to the NBA Finals. The Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, who don Spurs jerseys over their habits, have been long-time fans of the San Antonio Spurs, forming a unique relationship with the team over the past 20 years.
A Mission of Faith and Basketball
The sisters, led by Sr. Bernadette Mota, director of mission advancement, see their support for the Spurs as an extension of their mission to serve the young and the poor. ‘We have that affinity with the Spurs because it gives us an avenue to do our mission with the young people that we serve,’ Mota explained.
Their story began with retired sisters, native Texans and avid Spurs fans, who would watch games from their hospital rooms and cheer for the team. They even wrote letters to Coach Gregg Popovich, offering both praise and gentle critiques, which led to a warm response from the coach himself.
A Relationship of Support and Prayer
This relationship has grown over the years, with the Spurs welcoming the sisters at games and the sisters’ story inspiring many to support their mission financially. ‘All of this is divine providence, God’s gift, because we’re actually very much in need,’ Mota said, highlighting the importance of community support in their work.
The sisters’ presence is not just about cheering; they also offer prayers for the team. Their blessing during the Western Conference finals was noted when player Luke Kornet made a crucial play, leading some to wonder about divine intervention.
Community and Faith in Sports
The Spurs community, including new fan groups like the Jackals, reflects a diverse yet unified support system for the team. Victor Wembanyama, a key player, acknowledged the strength and organization of this community, which includes both the chanting Jackals and the praying nuns.
Interestingly, Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for June focuses on the value of sports in promoting peace and respect, a sentiment that resonates with the sisters’ involvement with the Spurs. Whether or not this is connected to their story, it underscores the broader impact of faith and sports in society.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
