George Matysek goes behind the scenes of Notre Dame football with Holy Cross Father Nate Wills, the team’s chaplain and author of “Pray Like a Champion Today: Sacred Stories from the Sidelines of Notre Dame Football.” Ordained in 2006, Father Wills is also an education professor at Notre Dame and a national speaker on artificial intelligence in Catholic education.
Father Wills discusses his ministry of accompanying players and coaches through both the highs and difficult moments of football, including injuries and personal struggles. He explains the century-old tradition of giving players saint medals before games, the spiritual meaning of the team’s victory walk and how Catholic traditions are welcomed by players of different faiths.
Father Wills also shares the meaning of the team’s “choose hard” philosophy and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and constant digital distractions. He offers practical reflections on prayer, attention, silence and faith, and discusses what nearly a decade with the team has taught him about simply showing up for others and living faith boldly.
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