Go New York, Go New York, Go!
New York Knicks fans across the world remain in a state of disbelief and untold bliss as the team recently won its first NBA championship since 1973. More than five decades of losses and disappointment finally felt worth it as the Knicks bested the San Antonio Spurs in a 4-1 lead to take home one of sport’s most coveted trophies.
And while each and every player on the Knicks deserves their kudos for bringing a championship to New York City, credit is also due to the lifelong fans who for years have shown unwavering support while relentlessly praying for their favorite team.
One such individual is St. Joseph’s University, New York’s own Sister Marie Mackey ’84, CSJ. As an alumna of the University and Director of Campus Ministry on its Brooklyn Campus, S. Marie made local headlines leading up to game four of the NBA finals.
During a Mass held by the Sisters of St. Joseph — the order under which the University was founded — S. Marie said a prayer for the Knicks, placing her faith in the team to reclaim their championship title after 53 long years.
Blessing Madison Square Garden
From Johnny Mignione with Karen Carson in the Morning on NEW 102.7.
The blessings did not stop there with S. Marie taking a trip to Madison Square Garden the morning of the big game to invoke St. Sebastian, the patron saint of athletes and St. Michael, the patron saint of protection. This has become somewhat of a tradition over the years as she has blessed “the world’s most famous arena” whenever the Knicks are in the playoffs.
This year, it appears the prayers of S. Marie and many others were answered, with the Knicks not only defeating the Spurs at the Garden but also on the Spurs’ home turf during game five to secure the championship.
“I say, ‘To God be the Glory’ and those determined Knicks players,” said S. Marie. “It is important to remember that prayer does not change God’s mind, rather, prayer changes us. We have been seeing for weeks now how NYC has become alive and electric.”
Word of S. Marie blessing Madison Square Garden spread quickly on social media after national attention was given to the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco in Texas, who were in attendance at every Spurs home game.
A Rejuvenated Sense of Unity
With this moment now cemented in history, S. Marie is looking to the future, hoping that the unity and pride this victory has brought about will only continue to strengthen both local and global communities as time passes.
“We are experiencing something that is enabling us to put our differences aside and unite with one another. Sports have a way of doing that. The stories of each of the Knicks players is beautiful and unique just like each one of us. Let’s keep this spirit going on way beyond the victory celebrations,” S. Marie concluded.
