By Ana Rodriguez Soto - The Archdiocese of Miami
Even before the start of the game, fans of the seminarians proved very enthusiastic. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens. The teams played two 40-minute halves.
Auxiliary Bishop Enrique Delgado, left, laughs as the priests warm up, including Father James Arriola, parochial vicar at Mother of Christ in Miami.
Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Wearing a T-shirt and cap with the Polish crest and colors, Archbishop Thomas Wenski chats with Father Fritzner Bellonce, pastor of Holy Family in North Miami, before the start of the game. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Goretti Anthony, an ecclesiastical notary at the Metropolitan Tribunal, chats with Father Alfred Cioffi, who teaches at St. Thomas University, before the start of the game. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Father Fritzner Bellonce, pastor of Holy Family in North Miami, warms up before the game. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Partial view of one of the stands, a cheering section for the priests. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Partial view of one of the stands, with parishioners of St. Lawrence in North Miami Beach cheeering for their pastor, Father Cletus Omode. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Priest players wave to their fans before the start of the game. From left: Father Emmanuel Essiet (rear), Father Nicholas Toledo, Father James Arriola, Father Agustin Estrada, Father Juan Carlos Salazar and Father Bryan Garcia. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Seminarians wave to their fans as they are introduced before the start of the game.
Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Knights of Columbus present the colors of the U.S. and Vatican before the start of the game. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Joemma Vomvolakis sings the national anthem before the start of the game. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Seminarians stand for the national anthem before the start of the game. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Priests stand for the national anthem before the start of the game. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Msgr. Dariusz Zielonka, chancellor for canonical affairs, stands next to Archbishop Thomas Wenski as the players are introduced. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Ileana Roque of the Vocations Office cheers for the seminarians while standing next to Knights on Bikes member Father Julio de Jesus, pastor of St. Benedict Church in Hialeah. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Sisters of St. Joseph Benedict Cottolengo who staff the Marian Center cheer on the seminarians; from left: Sister Fausta Rondena, Sister Filomena Mastrangelo and Sister Lidia Valli. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski leads the crowd and players in a prayer before the start of the game. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski prepares to toss the coin to determine who will kick off first. At left is seminarians' co-captain Deacon Gustavo Santos, at right is priests' co-captain Father Juan Carlos Salazar, administrator of St. Martha in Miami Shores, and in the middle is referee Charles Bwanika, a student soccer player and member of St. Thomas University's campus ministry. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Redemptoris Mater seminarian Samuele D'Angelo takes on priest defender Father Cletus Omode, pastor of St. Lawrence in North Miami Beach. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Father Youry Jules, parochial vicar at Notre Dame d'Haiti in Miami, defends against an advance by a seminarian. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Redemptoris Mater seminarian Samuele D'Angelo, who scored one goal and was deemed the game's most valuable player, takes a shot on goal. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Father Fredy Yara, parochial vicar at St. Stephen in Miramar, advances the ball. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Redemptoris Mater seminarian Carlos Escamilla, who scored one goal, advances the ball as Father Juan Carlos Salazar races to stop him. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Father Reynold Brevil, parochial vicar at St. Mary Cathedral in Miami, retrieves a loose ball. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Father Antonio Tupiza, left, of St. Rose of Lima in Miami Shores and the Metropolitan Tribunal, battles Redemptoris Mater seminarian Carlos Escamilla (4) for the ball with help from Father Youry Jules of Notre Dame d'Haiti. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Some young people show their support for the priests' team. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Surrounded by seminarians, Father Youry Jules, parochial vicar at Notre Dame d'Haiti in Miami, battles for the ball. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski enjoys the game while standing with the seminarians' cheering section. Partly visible next to him is Msgr. Pablo Navarro, rector of St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Cheerleaders from St. Brendan Elementary in Miami, rear, and Nativity in Hollywood, entertain the crowd during the game. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Sister Lidia Valli of the Marian Center cheers for the seminarians during the game. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Father Ivan Rodriguez, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Fort Lauderdale, takes a penalty kick which unfortunately hit the crossbar. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
A view of the game from behind the goal of Redemptoris Mater seminarian Emanuel Magallanes. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Father Juan Carlos Salazar helps Father Ivan Rodriguez get to his feet after a scramble in front of the seminarians' goal. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Nativity Knights cheerleaders entertain the crowd during the game. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Father Cletus Omode gets some encouragement from his supporters during halftime. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Father James Arriola gets some encouragement from his supporters during halftime. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Father Fenly Saint-Jean gets some encouragement from his supporters during halftime. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Crowds cheer on the priests during the game. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Pompano Beach brought two busloads of yellow-clad fans to cheer for their parish administrator, Father Fenly Saint-Jean. A parishioner even did a play-by-play of the game in Creole. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Priests' supporters show their spirit. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Young priests' supporters show their spirit. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Father Ivan Rodriguez, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Fort Lauderdale, takes on seminarian defender and co-captain Gabriel Campos (14). Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Priests' supporters show their spirit. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Father Ivan Rodriguez, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Fort Lauderdale, takes a free kick. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Father Juan Carlos Salazar, administrator of St. Martha in Miami Shores, fights for the ball. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Father Fritzner Bellonce, pastor of Holy Family in North Miami, clears the ball from the priests' area as Fathers Angel Calderon of St. Timothy (14) and James Arriola (13) of Mother of Christ look on. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Father Bryan Garcia, left, and Deacon Rikinson Bantou, center, chase after the ball as Fathers Angel Calderon (14) and Antonio Tupiza, far right, converge on the play. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Father Angel Calderon prepares the clear the ball as seminarians Deacon Saul Araujo (1) and Samuele D'Angelo converge. At right are Fathers Bryan Garcia, center, and Antonio Tupiza. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Redemptoris Mater seminarian, goal scorer and most valuable player Samuele D'Angelo makes a run toward goal as priests try to catch up. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Father Juan Carlos Salazar (8) clears a shot from seminarian Deacon Saul Araujo. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Priests and seminarians exchange greetings after the game. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Seminarian James Daly (15) gets a high five from priests' honorary coach Anthony Vuono of Immaculata-La Salle High School in Miami. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Priests and seminarians exchange greetings after the game. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski congratulates Father Fenly Saint-Jean after the game. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski holds up the medals for the winning seminarians. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski hands out the medals to the winning seminarians. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Fathers Angel Calderon, Pedro Torres and Antonio Tupiza show off their after-game gift from the archbishop. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski presents the first Archbishop's Cup to seminarian co-captains, from left, Gabriel Campos, Samuele D'Angelo and Deacon Gustavo Santos. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Seminarian co-captains, from left, Gabriel Campos, Samuele D'Angelo and Deacon Gustavo Santos prepare to hoist their trophy. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Sseminarians celebrate after winning the first Archbishop's Cup. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Priests' team and their coaches pose for a photo after the game.Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Father Fredy Yara greets fans after the game. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Redemptoris Mater seminarian Joseph Purcell pretends to take a sip from the "sippy cup" the seminarians received as a gag gift from the archbishop. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
A Radio Paz commentator interviews seminarians' goalie Emanuel Magallanes after the game. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Father Matthew Gomez, archdiocesan vocations director, poses with the trophy and seminarian players, from left, Matthew Taisipic, Samuele D’Angelo and Leo Rene. Archdiocesan seminarians defeated the priests 3-0 in the inaugural Archbishop's Cup soccer game, played Feb. 3, 2023 on the field at St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens.
Photography: CRISTINA CABRERA JARRO
MIAMI GARDENS | El resultado final fue de 3-0. La juventud venció a la experiencia. La velocidad venció a la astucia. Los seminaristas de Miami derrotaron a los sacerdotes de Miami para ganar la primera Copa del Arzobispo.
Pero cerca de 1,500 aficionados se deleitaron con la emoción de ver un partido de fútbol de muy buen nivel, jugado por aficionados con un talento sorprendente, y que se mantuvo igualado hasta mediados del segundo tiempo.
Fotógrafo: CRISTINA CABRERA JARRO | FC
Los hinchas de los sacerdotes muestran su entusiasmo. Los seminaristas de la Arquidiócesis derrotaron a los sacerdotes 3-0 en el partido inaugural de fútbol de la Copa del Arzobispo, jugado el 3 de febrero de 2023, en la Universidad ST. Thomas de Miami Gardens.
Fotógrafo: CRISTINA CABRERA JARRO | FC
El Arzobispo Thomas Wenski disfruta del partido junto a los simpatizantes de los seminaristas. A su lado se puede ver parcialmente a Mons. Pablo Navarro, rector del Seminario St. John Vianney de Miami.
En las gradas, y a lo largo de la valla metálica donde muchos se colocaron para ver el partido, el espíritu era de pura alegría y diversión.
Los seminaristas y sus simpatizantes animaban en voz alta, y a veces zapateaban en las gradas, cantaban himnos como Alabaré y Ave Ave María, y sonreían, agitaban pompones y sostenían pancartas. Cuando un sacerdote se caía, permanecía tendido un rato, y luego se levantaba, cantaban Resucitó.
Entre quienes “animaban a los Padres”, se encontraban sus feligreses y los empleados del Centro Pastoral, además de cualquier persona con una tendencia natural a animar a los menos favoritos, incluidos los locutores de Radio Paz 830 AM/96.1 FM, que narraron el partido mientras lo transmitían por Facebook y YouTube. Dos de los jugadores, el P. Antonio Tupiza, co-capitán, y el P. Emmanuel Essiet, trabajan en el Tribunal Metropolitano, y el P. Juan Carlos Salazar, también co-capitán, es administrador de la parroquia St. Martha.
Los feligreses de St. Elizabeth of Hungary, en Pompano Beach, alquilaron dos autobuses y vistieron camisetas amarillas para animar a su administrador parroquial, el P. Fenly Saint-Jean. Los feligreses de St. Timothy, en Miami, llevaban carteles con la foto de su jugador favorito, el P. Ángel Calderón, vicario parroquial.
Muchos de los presentes elogiaron el “espíritu” de la actividad.
Jean Souffrant, de la Misión Notre Dame d’Haiti, en Miami, la describió como “edificante”, y dijo que debería convertirse en un acontecimiento anual. El vicario parroquial de la iglesia, el P. Youry Jules, se encontraba entre los jugadores.
El P. Reginald Jean-Mary, párroco de Notre Dame, lo calificó de “hermosa iniciativa, la unión de sacerdotes y seminaristas”. Añadió que “la presencia de tanta gente demuestra que la gente ama y apoya a la Iglesia”.
La sección de animación para los seminaristas impresionó a Sharon Utterback, presidenta del Club Serra de Miami. “Se nota la hermandad que han formado”.
Para Víctor Rocha, miembro de la junta del Club Serra, lo mejor fue la multitud, “un montón de católicos devotos que se divierten”, comentó. “El Espíritu Santo está con nosotros”.
Fotógrafo: CRISTINA CABRERA JARRO | FC
El P. Fritzner Bellonce, párroco de Holy Family en North Miami, calienta antes del partido. Los seminaristas de la Arquidiócesis derrotaron a los sacerdotes 3-0 en el partido inaugural de fútbol de la Copa del Arzobispo, jugado el 3 de febrero de 2023, en la Universidad St. Thomas, en Miami Gardens.
Fotógrafo: CRISTINA CABRERA JARRO | FC
El P. Juan Carlos Salazar (8) despeja un tiro del equipo de los seminaristas, el diácono Saúl Araujo. Los seminaristas de la Arquidiócesis derrotaron a los sacerdotes 3-0 en el partido inaugural de fútbol de la Copa del Arzobispo, jugado el 3 de febrero de 2023, en la Universidad St. Thomas, en Miami Gardens.
Mons. Pablo Navarro, rector del Seminario Universitario de St. John Vianney, en Miami, se reía entre dientes al predecir el resultado. “Ganarán los seminaristas”, pronosticó, aunque su vicerrector, el P. Bryan García, jugaba en el equipo de los sacerdotes.
Mons. Navarro también bromeó al decir que “el transporte para los sacerdotes es ése”, y señaló el vehículo de los bomberos de Metro-Dade, preparado para un caso de emergencia y que, por fortuna, no fue necesario.
“Es un gran aliciente reunir a los sacerdotes, seminaristas y feligreses”, añadió Mons. Navarro en un tono más serio. “Es una forma estupenda de elevar la moral”.
Las religiosas también estuvieron representadas. Las Hermanas de San José Benedicto Cottolengo, que administran el colegio del Marian Center, vecino de la universidad St. Thomas, se presentaron con sus hábitos blancos.
“Queremos apoyar a los futuros sacerdotes, el futuro de la Iglesia”, expresó la Hna. Filomena Mastrangelo, mientras sostenía su cartel de apoyo a los seminaristas.
La iniciativa fue organizada por la Oficina de Vocaciones, pero la idea fue del Arzobispo Thomas Wenski, animado por el entusiasmo que suscitó la Copa Mundial de la FIFA celebrada en Qatar en diciembre. Dijo que su objetivo era “que la gente viera que los sacerdotes también son humanos”.
De hecho, los aficionados se tomaron selfies y los niños se mezclaron con los jugadores y los seminaristas antes y después del partido. Los niños pudieron jugar en el campo de la universidad St. Thomas durante el medio tiempo, y ayudaron a recuperar balones perdidos durante el partido, para que los jugadores no tuvieran que correr tras ellos.
La Oficina de Comunicaciones repartió 600 pompones en azul y amarillo —los colores que llevaban los sacerdotes y seminaristas, respectivamente— junto con 600 carteles impresos en inglés, español y creole haitiano que decían: “¡Vamos, sacerdotes, vamos!” y “¡Vamos, seminaristas, vamos!”, para que la gente animara a sus favoritos.
Debido a que la Semana de las Escuelas Católicas finalizaba al día siguiente, el 4 de febrero, estuvieron presentes porristas de St. David, en Davie; Nativity, en Hollywood; St. Mark, en Southwest Ranches; Our Lady of the Lakes, en Miami Lakes; Immaculate Conception, en Hialeah; y St. Brendan y la catedral St. Mary, en Miami. El equipo de danza de la universidad de St. Thomas se presentó brevemente durante el medio tiempo.
Los entrenadores honorarios del equipo de sacerdotes fueron Anthony Vuono, de la escuela secundaria de Immaculata-La Salle, de Miami; Rafael Ferreiro, de la escuela secundaria de Cardinal Gibbons, de Fort Lauderdale; y David Fique, de la Academia de Our Lady of Lourdes, de Miami.
“Fue magnífico, un verdadero modelo de Iglesia y comunidad, todo un maravilloso final para la Semana de las Escuelas Católicas”, declaró Donald Edwards, superintendente asociado de Escuelas de la Arquidiócesis.
Los estudiantes Charles Bwanika, Juan Pablo Castellanos y Dylan Francisco, de la pastoral universitaria de St. Thomas, actuaron como árbitro y jueces de línea, respectivamente. Joemma Vomvolakis interpretó el himno nacional. El camión de comida Choripán alimentó a la multitud.
Fotógrafo: CRISTINA CABRERA JARRO | FC
Los sacerdotes Ángel Calderón, Pedro Torres y Antonio Tupiza muestran su regalo del Arzobispo después del partido. Los seminaristas de la Arquidiócesis derrotaron a los sacerdotes 3-0 en el partido inaugural de fútbol de la Copa del Arzobispo, jugado el 3 de febrero de 2023 en la Universidad St. Thomas de Miami Gardens.
El Arzobispo Wenski pronunció la oración de apertura y lanzó la moneda al aire para el comienzo del partido. Luego presentó el trofeo dorado a los seminaristas, que lo alzaron de la misma manera que lo hacen los profesionales después de los partidos de campeonato. Como ganaron, la copa llevará la inscripción “Seminaristas 2023” y permanecerá en la Oficina de Vocaciones hasta el partido del año que viene, algo que aún no se ha confirmado, pero es muy probable.
“Si esto fue lo que pudimos hacer con siete semanas de planificación, imagínense lo que podemos hacer con un año de planificación para la Copa del Arzobispo de 2024”, expresó eufórico el P. Matthew Gómez, director arquidiocesano de vocaciones.Los seminaristas y los sacerdotes también recibieron regalos de broma: para los seminaristas, vasitos para bebés (sippy cups), y para los sacerdotes, crema muscular (que tanto la necesitaban).
Aunque los seminaristas anotaron en el cuarto minuto, los sacerdotes recuperaron el control más tarde en el primer tiempo, acercándose mucho en dos ocasiones. La primera fue un penalti alrededor del minuto 27, tras una falta cometida contra el delantero, el P. Fredy Yara, vicario parroquial de la iglesia de St. Stephen, en Miramar. El poderoso tiro del P. Iván Rodríguez, párroco de Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, de Fort Lauderdale, lamentablemente chocó contra el larguero.
Fotógrafo: CRISTINA CABRERA JARRO | FC
Los capitanes de los seminaristas, desde la izquierda, Gabriel Campos, Samuele D'Angelo y el diácono Gustavo Santos se preparan para levantar su trofeo. Los seminaristas de la Arquidiócesis derrotaron a los sacerdotes 3-0 en el partido inaugural de fútbol de la Copa del Arzobispo, jugado el 3 de febrero de 2023 en la Universidad St. Thomas, en Miami Gardens.
El P. Rodríguez tuvo otra oportunidad unos minutos más tarde, durante un tumulto frente a la portería de los seminaristas, pero el portero Emanuel Magallanes, del Seminario Misionero Arquidiocesano Redemptoris Mater, de Hialeah, atrapó la pelota de forma milagrosa.
Los seminaristas marcaron de nuevo en los minutos 12 y 29 del segundo tiempo, para sellar la victoria. Todos los seminaristas que anotaron son de Redemptoris Mater: el co-capitán Samuele D’Angelo (también nombrado jugador más valioso), el diácono Saúl Araujo y Carlos Escamilla.
Entre los jugadores más destacados del equipo de los sacerdotes se encontraron el P. Fritzner Bellonce, párroco de la iglesia Holy Family, en North Miami, cuya rapidez defensiva impidió que los seminaristas marcaran más goles. También consiguió que el árbitro le sacara la única tarjeta amarilla del partido, tras una entrada desesperado fuera de la línea de penalti.
Si la Copa del Arzobispo se vuelve a realizar el año que viene, el equipo de los sacerdotes tiene motivos para la esperanza, ya que tres diáconos del equipo de los seminaristas se espera que sean ordenados este mes de mayo, lo que reforzaría las filas de los sacerdotes.
La practicante Emily Chaffins colaboró en este reportaje.
Fotógrafo: CRISTINA CABRERA JARRO | FC
Los seminaristas celebran después de ganar la primera Copa del Arzobispo. Los seminaristas de la Arquidiócesis derrotaron a los sacerdotes 3-0 en el partido inaugural de fútbol de la Copa del Arzobispo, jugado el 3 de febrero de 2023, en la Universidad St. Thomas, en Miami Gardens.
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