CHARLOTTE, North Carolina. (October 5, 2020) — Author Patrick Novecosky was a guest on Carolina Catholic Media’s Faith & Sport with host Dr. John Acquaviva today, talking about Pope St. John Paul II and the impact he had on sports throughout his 26-year pontificate.
During the 18-minute segment, Acquaviva asked Novecosky about how John Paul elevated sports and taught how sports was a bridge to the spiritual life. Novecosky related how as a young man, a young Father Karol Wojtyła enjoyed hiking and skiing. In fact, during his pontificate, he would sneak out of the Vatican to go skiing. In one instance, he was recognized by a young boy. The pope’s aides then immediately whisked him away.
John Paul leaned on St. Paul’s sports analogies as well. During his final visit to the United States in 1999, the pope was presented with a hockey stick. “Today, this impressive stadium has become another kind of training ground — not for hockey or soccer or basketball, but for that training that will help you to live your faith in Jesus more decisively,” he told them.
CLICK HERE to listen to the entire interview. (17 minutes 57 seconds)
You can purchase Novecosky’s book on Amazon here and an author-signed copy here.
