This is great!

Fr. Robert Hagan, chaplain and associate athletic director at Villanova talks about the philosophy Villanova takes in shaping the young men who play on their basketball team, on the “collective strength” they have, “not just as individuals.”

Fr. Hagan talks about the challenges facing these young men who are stars at the high school level, but come to college and have to learn that they’re just one of many star talents, and that it’s not all about them. In the case of player Donte DiVincenzo, who was the star of the championship game against Michigan, Fr. Hagan speaks of his “journey through humility” and “being a part of something bigger than just himself.”

Fr. Hagan says that Coach Wright emphasizes, not just the importance of playing basketball, but of life after basketball, and the many lives these young men will effect in the years after the glory days of Villanova basketball are behind them. He quotes St. Augustine, who said, “Do not be content with what you are, if you want to become what you are not yet. Where you’ve grown pleased with yourself, there you shall remain.”

How refreshing it is to see a Catholic priest interviewed on television about the success of the basketball program at this Catholic university, and the truly Catholic and humanist approach the coaches and the chaplain take in forming these young men. How wonderful, too, to hear St. Augustine quoted on national television!

Cheers to the Villanova Wildcats for their championship season. And, cheers to the men and women who obviously care more about who these young men are and what they have to offer beyond the basketball court.

Be Christ for all. Bring Christ to all. See Christ in all.