Silenced by Prayer Before Judge Won the Championship
Bro. Jim Williams, OSFS, at the Philadelphia Catholic League Championship game.
Father Judge Basketball Team - 2025 Catholic League Champions!
On February 23, 2025, the Father Judge High School basketball team won the Philadelphia Catholic League Championship. This was the first time since 1998 that the Crusaders took the title.
This win was special as both Judges coaches were members of that winning team 27 years ago. What was magical at the beginning of the game was the silence that rose across the University of Pennsylvania’s Palestra arena when it was time to pray. Over 5,000 students, parents, coaches, and players all paused to hear Bro. Jim Williams, OSFS, led them in prayer:
As we prepare to offer today’s prayer, we ask all in attendance to share in a moment of silence, as we remember two gentlemen we have lost this past year… Charlie Greenberg of Father Judge, who served as a teacher, basketball coach, and school administrator, and Tom McKenna assistant coach at Roman Catholic and friend to many in the Philadelphia Catholic League basketball community.
Let us also continue to pray for Pope Francis, who is seriously ill.
Bow your head for God’s blessing.
Dear God,
We thank you for the opportunity that you have given us here tonight.
Please bless these teams with continued passion and respect for this wonderful sport as they try their hardest to be their best.
May the Lord continue to bless all here tonight, and grant the teams strength to play at the best of their ability. As they inspire others with their efforts tonight, as they play in the great cathedral of basketball, the Palestra, may they be appreciative of the chance to shine as they inspire others with their efforts.
Bless each one of us, especially the coaches, officials, parents, players, and all those responsible for this moment. Keep us under the protection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and help us be aware of His presence.
Always through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Congratulations, Crusaders!
For more coverage of the game, see Fox 29’s coverage here.
