For an hour the morning of Feb. 4, a few New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles fans put aside their differences at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis.
Five Super Bowl visitors, including two Patriots fans and an Eagles fan, brought the bread and wine to the altar during the 11:30 a.m. Mass. Nadia Weber, a hospitality volunteer for the Basilica, thought of it when she saw some Massgoers wearing Patriots and Eagles attire. She chose fans of each team.
“It was just a blessing to be chosen as we walked in,” said Michael Satter, a Patriots fan from Burnsville who attended with a friend from Boston. “I thought that was a pretty cool experience.”
Eagles fan Molly Mita of Philadelphia also carried a paten at Mass. She said she chose to attend the Basilica because of her connection with Mary.
“I pray the rosary; I grew up praying the rosary. My dad and mom both are very devout to Our Lady,” Mita said.
Eagles fans and Philadelphia residents Al and Denise Moffa also felt a connection attending Mass at the Basilica.
“We came to a beautiful Mass,” Al said. “It’s good to travel and meet other good Catholics.”
