As the Super Bowl approaches, students may be more interested in the game than their studies. However, teachers can use this excitement to their advantage by introducing lessons on saints and their ties to Super Bowl victories.
For example, the New Orleans Saints’ 2010 Super Bowl win was attributed to their beloved Saint, St. Jude Thaddeus.
Known as the patron saint of impossible causes, the team’s fans and players turned to St. Jude for a miracle when they struggled in the early part of the season. The team even held a St. Jude procession in the Superdome before the game to honor their saint.
Similarly, the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2020 Super Bowl win can be related to their connection to St. Sebastian, the patron saint of athletes. The team’s Catholic chaplain had gifted each player with a St. Sebastian medal before the season, and the players wore them throughout the Super Bowl. The team also held a mass the morning of the game at a local Catholic church.
These lessons can be incorporated into any subject, from religion to history to sports. Students can research the saints and their stories, analyze the impact of faith on sports teams, and even create their own team rituals based on a patron saint.
Teaching students about the Saints’ Super Bowl victories not only engages them in their lessons, but also helps them understand the significance of faith and its impact on various aspects of life, sports included. It also adds a unique touch to Super Bowl Sunday, as students can now watch the game with a newfound appreciation for the connection between the saints and sports.
