The media coverage of the tragic death of NBA basketball legend, Kobe Bryant, his daughter, Gianna and seven others has been overwhelming especially the commentary about him not only by people in sports, but others whose lives he touched and touched his both directly and indirectly. In the aftermath of the helicopter crash which killed all who were aboard, my brother sent me a link which talked about the fact that Kobe has been a Catholic his whole life. I then received a link that indicated that on that Sunday morning, he and his daughter had participated in Mass at his home parish. In a time in which sports events and tournaments take place EVERY day of the week including Sunday, it is good to know (and I hope everyone finds this out) that Kobe Bryant put God first on the Lord's Day by going to Mass first before getting on the helicopter which crashed only two hours after he and his daughter had received Holy Communion. Given the emphasis in the media on the importance of fatherhood for him, it is truly sad to realize that he will not be around to raise all his daughters (especially in their Catholic faith).
This past week the Catholic Schools in the United States is celebrating "Catholic Schools Week." I am sure many of you, like I was blessed to receive a Catholic school education for some or many years. I have found out as of yet if Kobe Bryant's oldest two daughters are receiving a Catholic School education. I sure hope so. It was an important factor firstly in my faith life and then in my academic performance during and long after I left St. John's Elementary School in Hot Springs.
I say the most important ingredient in my faith life and growth was having a dad and mom who taught me the Catholic faith by word and by example. I truly cherish my early years of going to Mass on Sundays, as I often had my father wake me to go to 6:00 a.m. Mass with him. While I share my faith story growing up with you at this time and other times, with thanks to God for it, I hope the faith story of Kobe Bryant and his family will be heard by many families who will be inspired to put God first in their lives, with so many blessings that come with it, including comfort, consolation and hope especially in dealing with the loss of loved ones especially in difficult circumstances.
This past week the Catholic Schools in the United States is celebrating "Catholic Schools Week." I am sure many of you, like I was blessed to receive a Catholic school education for some or many years. I have found out as of yet if Kobe Bryant's oldest two daughters are receiving a Catholic School education. I sure hope so. It was an important factor firstly in my faith life and then in my academic performance during and long after I left St. John's Elementary School in Hot Springs.
I say the most important ingredient in my faith life and growth was having a dad and mom who taught me the Catholic faith by word and by example. I truly cherish my early years of going to Mass on Sundays, as I often had my father wake me to go to 6:00 a.m. Mass with him. While I share my faith story growing up with you at this time and other times, with thanks to God for it, I hope the faith story of Kobe Bryant and his family will be heard by many families who will be inspired to put God first in their lives, with so many blessings that come with it, including comfort, consolation and hope especially in dealing with the loss of loved ones especially in difficult circumstances.