Rain Doesn’t Dampen Basil Bowl Spirits

It was promising all along to be another fun annual Father & Son event at St. Michael’s College School in Toronto, Ontario, with no shortage of games and activities on campus, and no end to the intoxicating aromas and succulent delicacies drawing crowds to the barbecue zone. But it rained, and it was cold. No matter, they came anyway!

In fact, they came from as far away as Detroit Catholic Central High School, both Varsity and Junior Varsity lacrosse teams and coaches, to play their brothers at St. Michael’s on Saturday, May 6, in the seventh Basil Bowl of this spring sport. Everyone – fathers, sons, SMCS-CC lacrosse brothers, and volunteers – gathered together to begin the day’s festivities with the Eucharist. All four lacrosse teams, along with their coaches, school administrators, and Basilian Fathers, then enjoyed a Greek lunch together, all the while yearning for the sunnier and warmer climes of the Peloponnese in the midst of a damp and chilly Toronto afternoon.

Soon, it came time to face off on the lacrosse field. After a united pre-game prayer for all the brothers on both teams, the fast and energetic game exploded into action, with goals following closely upon goals. CC Shamrocks and SMCS Blue Gaels did their usual thing: they lifted spirits and raised voices to fever pitch among parents and fans, and brought the soggy but memorable Basil Bowl match to its jubilant conclusion, with CC brothers cheering on their St. Mike’s brothers who hoisted the trophy of the Basilian GDK Game, a vintage lacrosse stick.

All four teams have since returned to school and to class, understanding a little better and appreciating much deeper the goodness, discipline, and knowledge in which their collective and united brotherhood is growing up, wherever their schools and classes may be located.