Building Bridges with a Tow Truck, Soccer and a Story

The concluding unit for Sports and Spirituality is "Building a Culture of Encounter: Sports and Catholic Social Teaching." Given the recent passing of Pope Francis, his words on this topic are ever more poignant and meaningful. Like Pope John Paul II, not only was Pape Franceso a sport aficionado, he too embraced sport as a key pillar of the Catholic Church's social vision. I didn't need my car towed 30 miles from Walnut Creek to appreciate his teaching, but let's just say more than the Bay Bridge was crossed on a Sunday in May.

Upon safe delivery and transport of my Jeep to my mechanic,
I asked Siar if we could take a photo together

While many Catholics take heart in knowing Pope Leo is a White Sox and Villanova fan, he is far from the first pope to share his allegiance. But according to our text, On the Eighth Day, "more than his predecessors, Pope John Paul II saw sport as one of the crucial signs of the times, a 'cultural mediator' uniquely 'capable of interpreting contemporary man's hopes and needs'. In addition, sports' global popularity gave it a special potential to help build a civilization of love..." More specifically, John Paul commended sport for transcending barriers of race, religion, politics and ethnicity. Pope Francis built on JPII's "civilization of love" with his own term: the "culture of encounter."

For the purpose of this blog, I have often quoted a definition given by Holy Cross priest, Father Joe Corpora, C.S.C. He has said “The culture of encounter... simply means this: 'You have something good to give to me, and I have something good to give to you." It's so simple and so true. If we could engage with another person believing we all have something to give and receive—a smile, a tip, a handshake or hug. Maybe we can hear a story or learn a lesson. How might the world be different? 

The truth is that encounter has becoming increasingly more difficult. Many times we only see our differences, our perceived identity or interests. In light of these challenges, Francis sought to clarify the purpose of encounter. He wrote regularly about this—he spoke to specifics and modeled what it meant as it applies to sport. As written in "On the Eighth Day," 

A culture of encounter thus becomes a culture of contact rather than isolation, a culture of dialogue rather than monologue, and a culture of respecting difference and listening, even the face of firmly held commitments. In Francis‘s words, "to speak of a culture of encounter means we as people should be passionate about meeting others seeking points of contact building bridges planning a project that includes everyone."

Francis holds that sport can play a critical role in fostering a culture encounter, as well as the church's overall evangelizing mission, crossing lines of race, sex, religion and ideology, the sporting fields can be a place of “unity and encounter among people."

The Culture of Encounter was evident throughout his twelve year papacy. In that time, the Holy Father met shared with the faithful his love for soccer, he gave an address before the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, he took photos with the Harlem Globetrotters and asked to meet with NBA players in November 2020 as a response to the events around the death of George Floyd. It is safe to say that the Culture of Encounter has emerged as a hallmark of Francis' papacy. 

The question his teaching raises for me, for my students and for you is not Why should I care? but What does this mean in my life? What might the Culture of Encounter look like? feel like? And how can I engage? I hope this story might offer a few insights.

With 190,000+ miles on it, my 2015 Jeep Cherokee is running on borrowed time. My goal is to have it for 225,000 miles and I'm not even convinced that I can or will give it up at that time! 

Car problems never emerge as a convenient time. And, it would be naive of me to think that at this mileage they are unlikely. Therefore, when the radiator busted and sent the engine temperature to red, I knew I had to get help. The alternative meant losing the car then and there. 

I called Triple A and one hour later Siar came to tow my Jeep Cherokee from the East Bay, across the Bay Bridge and to my mechanic in San Francisco. He told me to hop in the seat beside him and the hour long journey began.

I wasn't worried about making conversation with Siar, but I wasn't sure how it would go. I have never been to Afghanistan, and regrettably, what I know about this ancient, landlocked country is likely no more than what most Americans know. My associations aren't exactly positive. Due to Sports and Spirituality however, I remembered something else. I carry with me a remarkable story about an American who lived and stayed in its capitol city, Kabul because of soccer.

With Siar, I did exactly what I profess in my blog post entitled, Faraway Goal: Using story and soccer to talk about Afghanistan. Instead of my students, I was able to talk to Siar about Nick Pugliese, an American who found an opportunity to continue his soccer career after college in an unlikely place: Afghanistan’s pro soccer league with Ferozi FC. 

I told him this story, more than many others inspires and sparks my student's interest. The words of Dan Arruda, the ESPN producer who spent ten days in Afghanistan with Pugliese resonate with me. He said, “I was just fascinated by the idea of an American all by himself living in this country and of all the things, he was playing professional soccer. It just seemed very surprising to me and I wondered what his life was like.”

Siar told me all about Kabul. I'm not sure that Siar was a fan of Nick's team. He was however aware that Ghazi stadium, Ferozi FC's home, was once used by the Taliban for public executions. Fortunately, in Pugliese's tenure, it became a locale for  Afghani "association football matches." I didn't ask him what it's like today.

Soccer was the starter, the bridge and key to encounter. I came to find out more about Siar's family, especially his two year old daughter. I asked him what family members will still in Afghanistan and if he wants to visit anytime soon. 

He shared with great pride that he is now an American citizen. I should have asked him what he thinks of the MLS.

Again, encounter has becoming increasingly more difficult. Anyone could just be on their phone or engage with social media instead of talk. However, thanks to this philosophy and to soccer, what was a slightly stressful situation was made better. 

Practically speaking, Siar gave me a ride and towed my car. I gave him business and I gave him a story. But given this philosophy, I realize, I gained a deepened appreciation for one man's commitment to supporting his family and making a go at the American dream. 

Indeed, my memories are what Pope Francis professed, "A culture of encounter thus becomes a culture of contact rather than isolation, a culture of dialogue rather than monologue, and a culture of respecting difference and listening." We have so much to give and to receive from one another....even with a broken radiator!

Photo Credits
Kabul
Nick and friends
Pope selfie

Women's World Cup Preview 2019: Part of Why It's Known as "The Beautiful Game"

I recently started to give my back issues of Sports Illustrated to my Dad. This is the best thing I have done—intentionally and unintentionally—in a long time. Passing this magazine on to one of the bigger sports fans I know means that I have learned a whole lot more about sports from a historical and statistical perspective. And when I gave him the Women's World Cup Preview issue, I realized, I am also learning more about me dad, too. It's pretty awesome. 

I understand why people prefer to go digital with their subscriptions. For me, it's not fun to have a visual reminder that I'm behind in my reading. I have not checked the box to go paperless as I think I may be held more accountable to read, open and flip through a hard copy of a  journal rather that let it remain somewhere in cyberspace. I have always made a point of sharing thoughtful pieces with friends and families and now that habit included giving the entire issue to my dad. I'm curious, What is your approach toward this topic?

My dad has always been a huge soccer fan. He has never held back his belief that soccer players are the best athletes in the world; that the game is 10 times more exciting than any baseball game ever could be. He coached my brother's team and still talks about that time in their lives with great affection. The increased coverage of televised soccer in the US has taken over my parents' household. I was not sure how his love for the Beautiful Game would apply when it came time for the FIFA Women's World Cup. Would he watch any of the games? Does he hold any of the interest in the twenty four teams?  Would he have any of his great excitement for the round robin tournament? Does he have a favorite player? A love for sport does not always translate from the men's to the woman's game (and vice versa). I have wondered Does the true love of sport require equal enthusiasm for both games?

I handed him the June 3, 2019 issue with Megan Rapinoe and young female soccer players on the cover, not knowing if or how he would react to it. His response was ecstatic. His enthusiasm was contagious. "Thank you!" he said. "I can't wait for the games to begin, and I'd like to read more about it. That Carli Lloyd, she is an incredible player." He went on to mention several women on the US team that he admires. 

His appreciation and value for the Women's World Cup meant more to me than I thought it would (and full disclosure, though I wish I was...I am not a soccer fan). I am a grown woman and have my own passions and interests in and beyond sport. But knowing my dad and his, I was sincerely touched that it made room for these women who are equally talented, dynamic and competitive (if not more so! US Women have won the World Cup three of the seven times the tourney has been played). 

The opinion and support of our parents have an impact and this one, from my dad, meant a lot. His interest in women in soccer affirmed that his beliefs—they are the best athletes in the world and the game is incredibly exciting—need not be limited to the men's game. I think part of why we call soccer The Beautiful Game is because it is so radically inclusive—men and women, all young and older, one nation after another. Enjoy the tourney!

Photo Credits
Lloyd
SI Cover

This I Believe: Thank you Kory Lamet

You want patience? life will throw you tests.
You want empathy, life will break you.
You want humility? try playing a new sport as an adult.

I recently heard someone complain about the fact that they picked up soccer too late in life. If only they had competed in the sport when they were much younger, their skill set, understanding of the game, and technique would be refined in such a way that they could be an elite athlete. 
"How old were you when you started playing?" I asked.
 "Eleven," she said.

I do not support this mindset. Though I understand that confidence is born from experience and competition is important, we should never feel as though we start something too late. I think of the many opportunities, friendships, life lessons and talents I would have missed had I not taken up a given sport by a certain age. 

I learned to row like many college freshman do my first year at Notre Dame. I rowed competitively for four years on the club team; women's crew became a varsity sport but a year after I graduated. I have a sense of what D-1 varsity athletes do because of that I experience. I know all that they give and what they gain.

I returned to playing basketball, a game I played in CYO in third through seventh grade in my late 20s. It was ugly, it was raw, I'm not sure you would ever want me on your team, but I enjoyed it. I watch the game much differently after having returned to it as an adult. My appreciation for some of the complexities of basketball and the demands it puts on athletes is much different because I had the courage to lace up my shoes for the hardwood.

And but three years ago, I didn't really play golf. Now it's a regular part of my weekend and summer activities!

Playing with a friend on Saturday I went straight for the pin, which was to the right side of the green on a slope. After I hit the ball, it faded to the right, demanding a chip shot to get on. I said "I should have hit for the middle of the green. I'm just not that good. I can't afford to be going for it." John turned and looked at me incredulous. "That's a great attitude. Most people don't talk like that,"  he said. I told him "I know where I have been and I know where I want to be. I'm a long way from that, but I also know I won't be going back." Every golfer knows the sport keeps you humble. For those of us who joined the ranks later in life, we know that truth cubed.

I first read about the "This I Believe" series from an article in Catholic San Francisco, a free publication created by the Archdiocese of San Francisco. In recent years, it has resurfaced as a popular podcast series on NPR.

This I Believe is an international organization engaging people in writing and sharing essays describing the core values that guide their daily lives. Over 125,000 of these essays, written by people from all walks of life, have been archived here on our website, heard on public radio, chronicled through our books, and featured in weekly podcasts. The project is based on the popular 1950s radio series of the same name hosted by Edward R. Murrow.

Since encountering this treasure trove, I have come to realize I believe many things, but pressing on is that it is never too late to find a passion in life. After his presidency, George W. Bush has found solace in painting. My mom has taken to Bridge with a vengeance. I'm just glad it's something she can play with old friends and new ones and with my dad! And I loved reading about fellow Carondelet alumna Kory Lamet '11, who found one on the sand volleyball court. In "A Beautiful Game," Jonathan O'Kanes writes 

Lamet, after finishing her career on Cal’s women’s soccer team, decided she wasn’t ready to put away her athletic shoes quite yet and decided to make a run at Cal’s beach volleyball team. She’s still running, helping the Bears’ No. 2 pair to a 17-5 record this season and the team to a No. 14 national ranking.

Reading Kory's story not only affirmed my belief—she hadn't even played competitive volleyball since sophomore year of high school, let alone beach volleyball—it reminded me that we all bring our unique self to what we do. 

Her natural athletic ability and mental make-up made up for any shortcomings related to the lack of playing time, Her partner teammate added “She kind of started with a clean slate. She didn’t have any bad habits or anything like that,”  

Lamet said, “It was humbling and frustrating, and it’s still that way,I still come out here and it’s kind of the same. I had indoor experience, but my body and mind just weren’t on the same page. On top of that, skills from indoor aren’t nearly the same as sand. It was frustrating, but it’s gotten better.”

In spite of her lack of playing experience, Kory was voted captain by her new teammates, I'm not sure she needed the humility that is born by playing a sport as an adult athlete; sounds to me like she has it. 

Lamet knew she was joining a team full of student-athletes with much more experience on sand. Once she was added to the roster, she asked her new teammates to trust her. 

I can't believe how badly I want to play this hole. #17 at TPC Sawgrass 

Watching all five hours of The Players Championship on Sunday, I found myself imagining a few times about improving so much that I could play on the LPGA tour. I did. As completely, utterly and laughably ridiculous as that is, it was fun to recognize that crazy dream even popped into my head. And perhaps that's why I hold such a conviction that it's never too late to find a new passion. They will makes demands of us, test us, teach us about ourselves, stretch us and make us patient, empathetic and humble. Sounds a lot like a great way of becoming human...more human.

Photo Credits
Hole #17
This I Believe

Is Pope Francis a Sports Fan?!

When the black smoke changed to white, I waited for nearly 45 minutes to see who would emerge from behind the curtain.  In that time, I made last minute declarations of my hopes and fears for Benedict's successor.  The predictions of trusted co-workers and even "the line" in Vegas filled my head as my heart beat anxiously to learn who was named the new leader of the Catholic Church.  The Holy See.  

My colleague ran into the room declaring, "It's the Jesuit! The Argentine Bishop!" She said his name with a beautiful Italian accent as I rolled my eyes. Teaching at St. Ignatius, we are just a bit a Jesuit-centric. The word "catholic" means "universal"—the Church is so much larger than one religious community. But I digress. After her pronouncement the room went silent, for that is all we knew of the 265th predecessor of the apostle St. Peter.   

As the world awaited to know just Who is Jorge Mario Bergoglio? What name he would choose as il Papa? Is he conservative or progressive? I wanted to know one thing--is he a sports fan? 

It's true, my concerns were about something much lower.  Although important, I was not as interested in his education (According to the Vatican’s website, he holds a degree as a chemical technician, but then chose the priesthood and entered the seminary of Villa Devoto. On 11 March 1958 he moved to the novitiate in Chile where he finished studies in the humanities. In 1963, on returning to Buenos Aires, he obtained a degree in philosophy at the St. Joseph major seminary where he also obtained a degree in theology. In March of 1986 he went to Germany to finish his doctoral thesis) or how many languages he speaks (he is proficient in five) as whether or not he's an athlete.  Does he have a favorite sport or team?  How does he recreate?

Fortunately, I found an answer!  Cubs fans--you have found a kindred spirit! a sympathetic soul.  Not only does he stand in solidarity with common folk (he takes the bus to the tribunal, he lives in a humble residence rather than the Archbishop's mansion and cooks his own meals) he knows what it's like to suffer because of a sports loyalty.  How so?  He supports the San Lorenzo soccer club. 

According to a Yahoo! news report, 

"He says he lives in a permanent state of suffering for San Lorenzo," said Oscar Lucchini, an architect and fellow fan who handed Bergoglio's membership card to him after that mass about four years ago. 

The Buenos Aires club wasted no time in promoting that fact via their Twitter account, sharing an undated picture of Pope Francis holding up the San Lorenzo crest and a scan of his club membership card (both below), which shows that he's been a member since 2008. San Lorenzo also count actor Viggo Mortensen among their biggest supporters. Yes, the High King of the Reunited Kingdom. 

Pope Francis being a San Lorenzo fan is perhaps fitting. The club was named after local priest Father Lorenzo Massa, who let children play football in his church's yard so they wouldn't have to do it amongst the dangerous trams in the street. San Lorenzo are currently in 12th place in the Argentine Primera Division, but now that they have the papacy on their side, they will probably expect to start rising up the table any minute now.

Knowing a person's passions makes them relatable.  It speaks to their humanity. Although I believe some dimensions of the Pope's role as the leader of the Catholic Church are truly supernatural and appropriately guided by the hand of God, other tasks, decisions and duties are totally natural.  To love a team, a sport, or an athlete only reaffirms that Pope Francis whose greatest loyalty is the Divine is but one of us.  

Viva il Papa!  Viva Francesco!  Pace e Bene. AMDG.  

Photo Credits
Pope Francis
Supporting San Lorenzo
Card Carrying Member