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Is there a Saint of Rugby on the horizon?

21st January, 2010
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Roar Guru
21st January, 2010
4
2425 Reads
France's Maxime Mermoz, left, is tackled by Wynand Olivier, center, and Heinrich Brussow of South Africa during their international rugby union match in Toulouse, southwestern France, Friday, Nov. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

France's Maxime Mermoz, left, is tackled by Wynand Olivier, center, and Heinrich Brussow of South Africa during their international rugby union match in Toulouse, southwestern France, Friday, Nov. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

On reading that Pope John Paul II had his “heroic virtues” approved by the Vatican, I thought, does this mean in the future, rugby will have a saint? Because, amongst a bunch of noble deeds, a young Karol Wojtyła played for his national team of Poland, in rugby union.

The promising Saint and former Pope has had his path to sainthood fast-tracked by Benedict XVI, waving the five year waiting period for approval of heroic virtues, and some are saying he could be beatified within a year.

More importantly, Sainthood comes with patronage, and amongst other things, I’m sure the rugby union community could push for his patronage of the game he’s obviously enjoying playing up in heaven.

Currently the two Saints considered patrons of athletes and heavily followed for football are Saints Sebastian and Saint Christopher, respectively.

Both are third century martyrs who are also patrons to, among other things, protection and archers. It is common for some Catholic athletes to wear medals of these two Saints during play, as they are seen to protect them from injury during games.

Patronage for a Saint is appointed, through, the church and the representation of Poland in rugby is a part of Pope John Paul II’s life, so it would be quite befitting.

Of course, eventual sainthood for the late Pope may be well off into the future, but rugby will most likely exist then and be primed and ready to receive a patronage.

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