At the time of writing this column the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has begun, and there will be no shortage of Catholic countries and individuals participating at this year’s huge spectacle.
As I witness the opening goal of the World Cup, I see the Ecuadorian players celebrating by kneeling down in a circle and looking up to heaven, giving thanks to God. The tradition began several years as Ecuador is a very Catholic nation.
Statistics show that 18 of the 32 countries represented in Qatar have listed Catholicism as the largest religion within their borders, including Ecuador, Netherlands, Argentina, Mexico, Poland (86 per cent), France, Australia, Spain, Costa Rica, Germany, Belgium, Canada, Croatia (86 per cent), Brazil (92 per cent), Switzerland, Cameroon, Portugal (81 per cent) and Uruguay.
Pope Francis’ Argentina squad is in a very Catholic Group “C” competing against Poland (home of the late great Saint John Paul II, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia. Germany (the homeland of Pope Emeritus Benedict) is in Group “E” again with two other strong Catholic nations in Spain and Costa Rica as well as Japan.
There is also no shortage of high-profile players who have publicly spoken about the importance of their Catholic faith in their life.
Argentina’s roster includes the phenomenal Lionel Messi, who has a large tattoo of Jesus on his right bicep. He has said he will celebrate an Argentina World Cup championship by going on a religious pilgrimage to St. Nicolas (in Argentina).
German goaltender Manuel Neuer works with a Catholic group that fights child poverty and with a youth group that is a branch of the Capuchins. French forward Olivier Giroud is a devout Catholic who has a tattoo of Psalm 23, according to the Batswana Catholic Facebook page. Zlatko Dalic, the coach of the Croatian squad, is known for carrying his rosary with him always. “Everything I have done in my life and professional career I owe to my faith. I am grateful to my Lord. When I am going through a difficult time I cling to my rosary and everything is easier” [Aleteia].
To prepare for the crowds coming to Qatar, the North Arabian Vicariate has set up prayer facilities at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in the capital city of Doha. As this church can seat more than 2,000 people, it is one of the largest in this part of the world. Bishop Paul Hinder states that the World Cup will create a special opportunity for brotherhood. “Let sports competitions, including football (soccer), be the means of cultural and religious coexistence.” There are a couple of other Catholic churches in Qatar, but Our Lady of the Rosary offers Mass and other sacraments in 11 languages.
Back here in Canada, among the players who will be watching the World Cup games closely are those Catholic men and women who play in the B.C. Christian Soccer League (BCCSL). This organization began in 1979 and has experienced great growth over the years. There are three divisions, and its motto is “Fun and fellowship between brothers and sisters in Christ while giving glory to God.”
This co-ed league has participants ranging in age from 16 to 60 years. The league runs from April to July. Some of its rules include no swearing and no cheap tackles. There are several cases of fathers playing with sons on the same team. Included in the year-end awards is a prize for the most Christ-like team. Teams pray before games, which helps build unity in Christ.
Under the leadership of Matt Maddalozo, St. Clare of Assisi Parish has enjoyed success in the league for several years. The team has won its division previously. A story is told that Father James Hughes was annoying an opponent in a game once when Maddalozo had to calm the opponent down by telling him that Father Hughes was their pastor.
Hopefully, moving forward there will be many Catholic parish teams registering in the league. Perhaps our Men in Black team can show our priests’ incredible talent. Perhaps we will have a future men’s or women’s World Cup player come out of the league.
So keep your eyes on the action in Qatar this month and then again in the spring next year as the Women’s World Cup comes to Canada.