Even though I’m currently working at the national shrine of Our Lady in Walsingham, Norfolk, and nearer Carrow Road than Elland Road, I still keenly follow Leeds United’s results! Whilst we’re all glad that Leeds is back in the division where it belongs, it wasn’t always so! About 6 years ago, when I was dean of Leeds Cathedral, I remember
Stix contacting me on behalf of the then owner, Massimo Cellino, asking me to bless the pitch. I met Stix on the ‘sacred turf’ one quiet day, and blessed the pitch, and also prayed for the players and staff.
They took a photo of the occasion ‘just for their records’.
The next I knew it was on Sky Sports! I did this two years running, and on the second occasion blessed the training ground and facilities at Thorp Arch, too. Now although Leeds didn’t reach the dizzy heights of the Premiership straight away, I like to think that their eventual rise was helped along. In any case, the matches I attended soon after each blessing resulted in wins for Leeds!
Stix, you’ve done a great job at Elland Road, you’ve been a friend to many, and you can justly be proud of the promotion that rightly came Leeds’ way. Many happy returns! I hope you have a great celebration.
Sincerely
Fr Philip
Rt Rev Mgr Canon Philip Moger
Rector, Basilica & National Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham