Prayer by Fr. Brian O. McDermott, SJ, on the occasion of the launching of the new heavyweight shell named for the Georgetown Jesuit Community
Gracious God,
On this beautiful spring morning, here on the banks of swift Potomac’s lovely waters, we gather in your presence.
We gather first to bless you for the goodness of your creation, for gifts of health, of bodily fitness, for a spirit of healthy competitiveness, for the opportunity to be scholar-athletes at Georgetown, and for all the good things that come from being members of the Georgetown crew.
We ask that you look favorably on this new racing shell, named “Jesuit Community” and especially on all those who row in it. Keep them safe, deepen their sense of team spirit, help them grow in concern and care for each other.
Please bless the Newcombe family for their wonderful generosity in offering this shell to the Georgetown crew.
And bless Georgetown University, that it may always be a home for Wisdom, a place of compassion as well as deep learning, a community that continually seeks to serve you and those whom you have special regard for, the poor and marginalized in our world.
We ask all this, dear God, in the power of your gracious Spirit.
Amen.
