London, Aug 5 (ANI): Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini, a devout Catholic, is said to have simply smiled and looked skywards after winning the 2011-12 English Premier League title, as if acknowledging an act of divine intervention.
Now, the Sunday Mirror reveals that Mancini had a good reason to thank God, and a priest from Newcastle, for that historic victory that came after 44 years.
According to the tabloid, the Italian coach had a small relic of St Therese of Lisieux in his pocket, which was given to him prior to his team's penultimate match against Newcastle United by St Mary's Cathedral priest Father Marc Lyden-Smith.
According to The Sunday Mirror, Mancini visited the cathedral for a Vigil Mass on the evening before City's vital match at St James' Park on Sunday, May 6, which they won 2-0 to keep up the pressure on reigning champions Manchester United, who were favourites to take the title.
Father Lyden-Smith said: "I spoke with Roberto after Mass and agreed to loan him my relic of this great saint for the match, not in any superstitious way, but to call upon the communion of saints in his prayers during the match, praying for players to use their God-given gifts and talents."
"Roberto kept the relic in his pocket for the match, and also Manchester City's last game of the season, the thriller that saw Roberto's team win the title in the last seconds of the season and be crowned champions," he added.
Father Lyden-Smith said: "Roberto then returned my relic of St Therese in the post. Perhaps the 'Little Flower', as St Therese is known, had a hand in the glory of the Premier League title race last season. Who knows?"
Mancini and some of his players also chose to attend a 7.30 a.m. Mass at Manchester's Holy Name Catholic Church before their last match.
According to Father Ray Matus, Mancini spent an extra 15 minutes praying as others in the congregation waited outside for his autograph.
"He seemed quite calm and focused on winning," Father Matus said. (ANI)
|
|
Comments:
