San Antonio – In their simple convent, where rows of chairs are arranged in front of a television and a crucifix, the 23 nuns of the Salesian Sisters of Mary Immaculate Province briefly put aside their pleas for the sick and the poor to pray for the San Antonio Spurs.
With players’ names pinned to white smocks beneath their habits, the sisters faithfully gather at game time in the convent’s community room, yelling “Make that basket!” and “C’mon!”
“We pray for them to win, but we also pray for them to continue their sportsmanship,” said Sister Sandra Neaves, head of the order.
“We make a lot of noise in that room,” laughed Sister Angelina Gomez.
The Spurs have embraced the nuns, hoping to harness the power of prayer during their try at a fourth NBA championship.
“Having them in our corner can never hurt,” Spurs spokesman Tom James said.
