Father José García, of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Charlotte, delivered this blessing at Bank of America Stadium prior to the Carolina Panthers game on Oct. 5:
“On the occasion of the Jubilee of Sport, Pope Leo XIV said, “Sport reflects the beauty of God,” and Pope Francis added, “Sport is a place of encounter and fraternity.” These words echoed in my mind on Sunday, October 5, when I had the privilege of delivering the opening invocation at the game between the Miami Dolphins and the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.
The moment lasted only 30 seconds, but it was filled with emotion. Stepping onto the field, I felt the weight of responsibility and the joy of representing the Church before thousands of people. Seeing my name and image on the giant screens, hearing the murmur of the crowd, and observing the spectacle—paratroopers, athletes, flags—was an unforgettable experience.
However, the most profound aspect was not what was seen, but what was lived: the opportunity to bring faith into a space where God's name is rarely spoken. It was a simple gesture, yet full of meaning. Amidst the noise of sport, the Church said “present,” reminding that even there, fraternity and divine beauty are celebrated.”
