Priests too play football but not just in the courtyards of their churches or in their recreation centres. A European championship with priests-only teams will be played this year (it’s its second year) at Zagreb, Croatia, from February 6th for two weeks. This was announced by some Spanish and Portuguese church media that are following their teams in their last preparations. Over a dozen teams from as many countries, such Romania, England, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Portugal and Spain, will play in the championship. Seven teams took part in last year’s championship called "Champions Clerum" and held in Austria, which was won by Croatia, the organiser of this year’s championship. Portugal for instance will send 12 priests who will be playing for the first time. "My main vocation is of course the one to priesthood – states father Emanuel Bernardo, parish priest of Canedo (Santa Maria da Feira) to the Catholic agency, Ecclesia -. But I like to play football in my spare time. And I think it’s a way to make people feel the Church is within the world". Mgr.Jorge Ortiga, president of the Portuguese Bishops Conference, met the priests-footballers to wish them good luck. And someone wishes some bishops will play too in the future. (to be continued)
