The Roman Catholic Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, has recently shared the uplifting news that former NBA star Gordon Hayward has become a member of the Catholic Church.
The 34-year-old only retired from professional basketball two months ago, but he seemed to already have a new mission in mind by heading to Rome on October 1 for the life-changing ceremony.
Hayward, who enjoyed a successful 14-year career in the NBA with teams such as the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets, celebrated his entry into the Church at the historic Basilica of St. Sebastian Outside the Walls.
Archbishop Timothy Broglio presided over the ceremony, during which 6ft 7in basketball player received the sacraments of confirmation and his First Holy Communion, which is common when an already baptized Christian joins the Church as an adult.
Hayward’s wife, Robyn, along with two of their four children, was present, to lend support to Hayward as he took this meaningful step in his spiritual journey.
A fitting confirmation name
According to a statement from the archdiocese, as reported by Beliefnet, Hayward made a very fitting choice for a confirmation name, choosing “Sebastian,” the patron saint of athletes and soldiers, who famously avoided death by arrows and is popular among many sportsmen and women.
“Mr. Hayward chose ‘Sebastian’ after a time of prayerful discernment through the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA),” the archdiocese explained. And Fr. Marcel Taillon, the Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese, was a key figure in helping guide Hayward through this life-changing process.
Hayward shared his joyful news on social media, with a selection of photos with Archbishop Broglio, Father Taillon, his OCIA sponsor Maxwell Van Vliet, and two seminarians from the Archdiocese.
“Now I have begun”
His caption included the Latin phrase Nunc coepi, meaning “now I have begun,” symbolizing the start of his new life as a Catholic. It’s a phrase also used by quarterback Philip Rivers, who states it is his family motto.