by Rita Damato
At a recent meeting at the Vatican, Pope Francis praised the social aspects of bocce and emphasized that, unlike other sports dominated by billionaire stars, bocce allows “normal people” to excel. “It is a sport that I associate with a certain type of sociality, of social friendship,” he said.
The Holy Father recalled the sport’s popularity in rural villages and its tendency to foster a sense of community. In 2021, when we were coming down from the COVID-19 pandemic, and people still feared socializing and being with crowds, the St. Bernard Bocce League was formed. There was no direct contact, and the court was outside, so it was safe, and people were able to socialize and get to know each other better.
It gradually grew into something we hoped for but did not expect to this extent. That first year, we had 24 teams. Now, we have 44. Most players know each other and cordially say hello or wave to each other. It is amazing to see how friendships have been formed among the players and how our bocce league has fostered a sense of community. Even nonplayers enjoy the evenings, coming by to cheer on their teams. Some also bring their families.
Our teams consist of men, women, couples, and young people. There are retirees, businessmen and women, lawyers, doctors, plumbers, firemen, police officers, physical therapists, contractors, electricians, teachers, architects, car repair agents, waitresses, deacons, scientists, realtors, high school and college students, and others. There are mothers and fathers, grandparents, husbands and wives, partners and friends.
Everyone’s respect and kindness are something great to witness!
“Build it, and they will come.” This quote, mostly known from the movie “Field of Dreams,” were the words God spoke to Noah when he was concerned about how he would corral two of each animal onto the Ark.
Msgr. Joseph Grimaldi, our pastor then, had a vision for St. Bernard’s. These words gave us hope. We built it, and they came. And we are all happy about it!
Rita Damato is the Director of Development at St. Bernard Clairvaux in Bergen Beach.