On All Saints Day in 1968, the New Orleans Saints were born, and not without the blessing of the local Catholic Church. Fearing that naming the team the "Saints" would be viewed as sacriligious, but with the desire to do so as the announcement would come on all Saints Day, the owner went to then Archbishop Philip M. Hannan for permission. Not only was permission granted, but Archbishop Hannan became an original "Who Dat" - a long-time fan that still attends the Saints home games.
Today, the New Orleans Saints, with fans toting signs that say "Believe", are heading to the Super Bowl as a symbol of hope and faith in a city that seems to never lose those virtues no matter what is thrown its way. The team is a symbol of the city's resurrection from Katrina and a symbol of New Orleans unity as one community.
At the inaugural Saints and Sinners Dinner, Archbishop Hannan presented the "Prayer for the Saints", a litany unlike anyone had heard before, but one that has lived on in the memories of those present at the dinner. Today, the people of New Orleans are blessed to have seen the Saints overcome the Lions and Vikings and many more, and this prayer lives on.
Download a PDF copy of Archbishop Hannan's "Prayer for the Saints" from 1968
here. Please feel free to use as you see fit.
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