Vianney Super Kings Win Priests’ Cricket Tournament in Udupi Vianney Capitals finish runners-up
Udupi: In a unique initiative, priests of the Udupi Diocese, who spend their days serving at the altar, set aside their pastoral duties and took to the cricket field after Sunday’s Holy Mass to participate in the Vianney Cup Cricket Tournament at the St Mary’s English Medium School ground in Kannarpady.
The tournament was organised with the support and cooperation of Most Rev. Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza, Bishop of the Udupi Catholic Diocese. Five teams — Vianney Titans, Vianney Challengers, Vianney Capitals, Vianney Warriors and Vianney Super Kings — competed in the knockout tournament, with around 60 priests and deacons taking part.
In the four-over tournament, Vianney Super Kings emerged as champions, while Vianney Capitals finished as runners-up.
Deacon Stephen D’Souza of Pambur Church was named Player of the Match, while Fr Jojo of Holy Cross Seminary, Katpady, was adjudged Player of the Tournament.
Priests from various religious congregations also joined the tournament alongside priests of the Udupi Diocese. Representatives of the Holy Cross, Carmelites, Salesians of Don Bosco and Capuchin orders participated in the event.
The tournament was inaugurated by Monsignor Francis F. Lewis, senior priest of the diocese, who extended his best wishes to all the participants.
Diocesan Chancellor Rev. Fr Stephen D’Souza; retired priest Fr Alphonse D’Lima; Public Relations Officer Rev. Fr Denis D’Sa; Shirva Zone Parish Priest Rev. Fr Charles Menezes; and priests from various churches under the diocese were present on the occasion.
The tournament provided an opportunity for priests and deacons to come together in a spirit of fellowship, camaraderie and healthy competition.