Amazing; absolutely amazing! New Orleans is shining tonight and it just may be her finest hour. The celebration she is hosting right now is more than just a parade or a celebration of the Saints winning their 1st Super Bowl. It is a resounding statement that she is back and her people are strong and no body, and I mean nobody, can celebrate like New Orleans.
The Saints are being honored for their world championship with a Mardi Gras parade that quite frankly is making all past Super Bowl parades look kind of lame. This thing has energy; this thing is fun. But amazingly, there is something more spectacular going on in New Orleans.
Tonight, black and white, Asian and Hispanic, old and young, rich and poor are standing shoulder to shoulder in a crowd that will probably rival any past Mardi Gras celebration and are doing so with joy and pride. A football team, one that we have loved to hate at times in the past, has taught us remarkable lessons about ourselves. Lessons of hope and perseverance and can do and yes, we are winners! New Orleans can learn from our Saints that hard work pays off, never giving up is the way to go and raising your arms as champions is WHO we are!
I believe that this great feeling that comes to us from the Super Bowl championship will last for quite some time. Let's pray that coupled with the recent elections in New Orleans and the continued recovery this Saints victory will give all of us that big extra we need to embrace our championship status.
New Orleans: tonight you look wonderful; this is your finest hour as a city. And so what if it comes from the victory of a truly heroic and decent and wonderful football team we know as the Saints. Four and a half years ago when I, like so many of you, pondered the future of New Orleans; when we doubted its' survivability, I never thought I could say this: you kinda feel sorry tonight for the rest of America; there not in New Orleans tonight.
Thank you New Orleans Saints for the victory and for bringing a city, region and state to this moment of sheer ecstasy.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Still celebrating Saints; and she is a marvelous one!
St. Josephine Bakhita - February 8
Today is the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita! She was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000 and is the only canonized saint from Sudan. The following comes from the Catholic Online site:
St. Josephine Bakhita was born in Sudan in 1869. This African flower, who knew the anguish of kidnapping and slavery, bloomed marvelously in Italy, in response to God's grace, with the Daughters of Charity, where everyone still calls her "Mother Moretta" (our Black Mother").
Bakhita was not the name she received from her parents at birth. The fright and the terrible experience she went through made her forget the name her parents gave her. Bakhita, which means "fortunate", was the name given to her by her kidnappers.
Sold in the markets of El Obeid and Khartoum, she experienced the physical and moral humiliations and sufferings of slavery. In the Sudanese capital, Bakhita was bought by an Italian consul, Callisto Legnani. For the first time since the day she was kidnapped, she realized with pleasant surprise that no one used the lash when giving her orders; instead, she was treated with love and cordiality. In the consul's residence Bakhita experienced peace, warmth and moments of joy, eventhough veiled with nostalgia for her own family whom, perhaps, she had lost forever.
The political situation forced the consul to leave for Italy. Bakhita asked and obtained permission to go with him and a friend of his, a certain Mr. Augusto Michieli. On their arrival in Genoa, Mr. Legnani, at the request of Mr. Michieli's wife, agreed to leave Bakhita with them. She followed the new "family", which settled in Zianigo, near Mirano Veneto.
When their daughter Mimmina was born, Bakhita became her babysitter and friend. The acquisition and management of a large hotel in Suakin on the Red Sea forced Mrs. Michieli to move to Suakin to help her husband. Meanwhile, on the advice of their administrator, Mimmina and Bhakita were entrusted to the Canossian Sisters of the Institute of Catechumens in Venice.
It was there that that Bakhita came to know about God, whom "she had experienced in her heart without knowing who he was" since she was a child. "Seeing the sun, the moon and the stras, I said to myself: who could be the Master of these beautiful things? And I felt a great desire to see him, to know him and to pay him homage...".
After several months in the catechumenate, Bakhita received the sacraments of Christian initiation and was given a new name, Josephine. It was 9 January 1890. She did not know how to express her joy that day. Her big and expressive eyes sparkled, revealing deep emotions. From then on, she was often seen kissing the baptismal font and saying: "Here, I became a daughter of God!".
When Mrs. Michieli returned from Africa to take her daughter and Bakhita, the latter, with unusual firmness and courage, expressed her desire to remain with the Canosian Sisters and to serve that God who had shown her so many proofs of his love. The young African, who by then had come of age, enjoyed the freedom of choice which Italian law garanteed.
Bakhita remained in the catechumenate where she experienced the call to be a religious and to give herself to the Lord in the Institute of St. Magdalene of Canossa. On 8 December 1896 Josephine Bakhita was consecrated forever to God, whom she called by the sweet name of "the Master!". For the next 50 years this humble Daughter of Charity, a true witness to the love of God, lived in the Schio community, involved in various services: cooking, sewing, embroidery and attending to the door.
When she was on duty at the door, she would gently lay her hands on the heads of the children who daily attended the Canossian schools and caress them. Her amicable voice, which had the infection and rhythm of music of her country, was pleasing to the little ones, comforting to the poor and suffering and encouraging to those who knocked at the institute's door.
Her humility, simplicity and constant smile won the hearts of all the citizens. Her sisters in the community esteemed her for her constant sweet nature, exquisite goodness and deep desire to make the Lord known. "Be good, love the Lord, pray for those who not know him. What a great grace it is to know God!", she said.
As she grew older she expereinced long, painful years of sicjkness. Mother Bakhita continued to witness to faith, goodness and Christian hope. To those who visited her and asked how she was, she would respond with a smile: "As the Master desires". During her agony, she relived the terrible days of her slavery and more than once begged the nurse who assisted her: "Please, loosen the chains...they are heavy!".
Last Words
It was Blessed Mary who freed her from pain. Her last words were: Our Lady! Our Lady!", and her final smile testified to her encounter with the Lord's Mother.
Mother Bakhita breathed her last on 8 February 1947 at the Canossian convent in Schio, surrounded by the sisters. A crowd quickly gathered at the convent to have a last look at their "Mother Moretta" and ask for her protection from heaven. The fame of her sanctity has spread to all the continents and many receive graces through her intercession.
Josephine Bakhita was beatified on 17 May 1992, and Canonized on 1 October 2000.
Source: http://salesianity.blogspot.com/
Today is the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita! She was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000 and is the only canonized saint from Sudan. The following comes from the Catholic Online site:
St. Josephine Bakhita was born in Sudan in 1869. This African flower, who knew the anguish of kidnapping and slavery, bloomed marvelously in Italy, in response to God's grace, with the Daughters of Charity, where everyone still calls her "Mother Moretta" (our Black Mother").
Bakhita was not the name she received from her parents at birth. The fright and the terrible experience she went through made her forget the name her parents gave her. Bakhita, which means "fortunate", was the name given to her by her kidnappers.
Sold in the markets of El Obeid and Khartoum, she experienced the physical and moral humiliations and sufferings of slavery. In the Sudanese capital, Bakhita was bought by an Italian consul, Callisto Legnani. For the first time since the day she was kidnapped, she realized with pleasant surprise that no one used the lash when giving her orders; instead, she was treated with love and cordiality. In the consul's residence Bakhita experienced peace, warmth and moments of joy, eventhough veiled with nostalgia for her own family whom, perhaps, she had lost forever.
The political situation forced the consul to leave for Italy. Bakhita asked and obtained permission to go with him and a friend of his, a certain Mr. Augusto Michieli. On their arrival in Genoa, Mr. Legnani, at the request of Mr. Michieli's wife, agreed to leave Bakhita with them. She followed the new "family", which settled in Zianigo, near Mirano Veneto.
When their daughter Mimmina was born, Bakhita became her babysitter and friend. The acquisition and management of a large hotel in Suakin on the Red Sea forced Mrs. Michieli to move to Suakin to help her husband. Meanwhile, on the advice of their administrator, Mimmina and Bhakita were entrusted to the Canossian Sisters of the Institute of Catechumens in Venice.
It was there that that Bakhita came to know about God, whom "she had experienced in her heart without knowing who he was" since she was a child. "Seeing the sun, the moon and the stras, I said to myself: who could be the Master of these beautiful things? And I felt a great desire to see him, to know him and to pay him homage...".
After several months in the catechumenate, Bakhita received the sacraments of Christian initiation and was given a new name, Josephine. It was 9 January 1890. She did not know how to express her joy that day. Her big and expressive eyes sparkled, revealing deep emotions. From then on, she was often seen kissing the baptismal font and saying: "Here, I became a daughter of God!".
When Mrs. Michieli returned from Africa to take her daughter and Bakhita, the latter, with unusual firmness and courage, expressed her desire to remain with the Canosian Sisters and to serve that God who had shown her so many proofs of his love. The young African, who by then had come of age, enjoyed the freedom of choice which Italian law garanteed.
Bakhita remained in the catechumenate where she experienced the call to be a religious and to give herself to the Lord in the Institute of St. Magdalene of Canossa. On 8 December 1896 Josephine Bakhita was consecrated forever to God, whom she called by the sweet name of "the Master!". For the next 50 years this humble Daughter of Charity, a true witness to the love of God, lived in the Schio community, involved in various services: cooking, sewing, embroidery and attending to the door.
When she was on duty at the door, she would gently lay her hands on the heads of the children who daily attended the Canossian schools and caress them. Her amicable voice, which had the infection and rhythm of music of her country, was pleasing to the little ones, comforting to the poor and suffering and encouraging to those who knocked at the institute's door.
Her humility, simplicity and constant smile won the hearts of all the citizens. Her sisters in the community esteemed her for her constant sweet nature, exquisite goodness and deep desire to make the Lord known. "Be good, love the Lord, pray for those who not know him. What a great grace it is to know God!", she said.
As she grew older she expereinced long, painful years of sicjkness. Mother Bakhita continued to witness to faith, goodness and Christian hope. To those who visited her and asked how she was, she would respond with a smile: "As the Master desires". During her agony, she relived the terrible days of her slavery and more than once begged the nurse who assisted her: "Please, loosen the chains...they are heavy!".
Last Words
It was Blessed Mary who freed her from pain. Her last words were: Our Lady! Our Lady!", and her final smile testified to her encounter with the Lord's Mother.
Mother Bakhita breathed her last on 8 February 1947 at the Canossian convent in Schio, surrounded by the sisters. A crowd quickly gathered at the convent to have a last look at their "Mother Moretta" and ask for her protection from heaven. The fame of her sanctity has spread to all the continents and many receive graces through her intercession.
Josephine Bakhita was beatified on 17 May 1992, and Canonized on 1 October 2000.
Source: http://salesianity.blogspot.com/
Saints not only beat Colts but smash M*A*S*H*
The New Orleans Saints continue to post most impressive victories. After handling the Colts last night to win the Super Bowl, and in convincing fashion, they are now being credited with beating the ever popular MASH TV program for the most watched TV program in the history of television.
Since 1983, the greatest viewed TV show was the finale of MASH, one of the greatest series of all times. I vividly still remember watching that finale. It was brilliant; it was emotional and the end of MASH felt like a great loss for her fans. It is an amazing testament to the staying power of MASH that this record has endured 27 years.
Alan Alda, the star of the show who played the role of Hawkeye Pierce, took notice of the record breaking TV viewership of last night's game and credits the Saints. In other words, 106.5 million viewers were not tuning in to see Indianapolis. Alda believes it was the Saints and the feel good story of a city on the mend that pumped up viewership.
Alda said, "I'm happy for New Orleans and I hope it gives even more to cheer about to a city I love." Notice; he mentions New Orleans and New Orleans alone.
Is it possible we could say, move over Dallas; the real "America's team" is the New Orleans Saints? I think so.
So another record is added to the record breaking year of the NFL Super Bowl World Champions; the New Orleans Saints.
By the way, a big victory parade is tomorrow in the heart of New Orleans. Unlike other bland victory parades across the country, this will be a grand Mardi Gras celebration of floats and throws and bands and a route that stretches about 5 + miles through the C.B.D.
I think I'll get off the computer now and go watch the Super Bowl again. I just love the ending!
Since 1983, the greatest viewed TV show was the finale of MASH, one of the greatest series of all times. I vividly still remember watching that finale. It was brilliant; it was emotional and the end of MASH felt like a great loss for her fans. It is an amazing testament to the staying power of MASH that this record has endured 27 years.
Alan Alda, the star of the show who played the role of Hawkeye Pierce, took notice of the record breaking TV viewership of last night's game and credits the Saints. In other words, 106.5 million viewers were not tuning in to see Indianapolis. Alda believes it was the Saints and the feel good story of a city on the mend that pumped up viewership.
Alda said, "I'm happy for New Orleans and I hope it gives even more to cheer about to a city I love." Notice; he mentions New Orleans and New Orleans alone.
Is it possible we could say, move over Dallas; the real "America's team" is the New Orleans Saints? I think so.
So another record is added to the record breaking year of the NFL Super Bowl World Champions; the New Orleans Saints.
By the way, a big victory parade is tomorrow in the heart of New Orleans. Unlike other bland victory parades across the country, this will be a grand Mardi Gras celebration of floats and throws and bands and a route that stretches about 5 + miles through the C.B.D.
I think I'll get off the computer now and go watch the Super Bowl again. I just love the ending!
The Rosary of the Seven Sorrows of Mary; the 4th Mystery
The fourth mystery of the seven Sorrows Rosary is Mary meets Jesus on the way to Calvary, based on Luke 23:27-31.
Mary witnessed Jesus carrying the heavy cross alone-the cross on which he was to be crucified. She was not surprised because she knew about the approaching death of our Lord, her Lord. Noting how her son was already weakened by the numerous hard blows given by the soldiers' clubs, she was filled with anguish at his pain. He fell, exhausted, unable to raise himself. At that moment, Mary's eyes, so full of tender love and compassion, met her son's eyes, which were pained and covered in blood. Their hearts seemed to be sharing the load; every pain he felt, she felt as well. They knew they had to believe and trust in God and dedicate their suffering to Him. All they could do was put everything in God's hands.
Beloved Mother, so stricken with grief, help us to bear our own suffering with courage and love so that we may relieve your sorrowful heart and that of Jesus. In doing so, may we give glory to God who gave you and Jesus to humanity. Grant us the grace of loving God in everything. Have mercy on the sinners of the whole world.
Mary witnessed Jesus carrying the heavy cross alone-the cross on which he was to be crucified. She was not surprised because she knew about the approaching death of our Lord, her Lord. Noting how her son was already weakened by the numerous hard blows given by the soldiers' clubs, she was filled with anguish at his pain. He fell, exhausted, unable to raise himself. At that moment, Mary's eyes, so full of tender love and compassion, met her son's eyes, which were pained and covered in blood. Their hearts seemed to be sharing the load; every pain he felt, she felt as well. They knew they had to believe and trust in God and dedicate their suffering to Him. All they could do was put everything in God's hands.
Beloved Mother, so stricken with grief, help us to bear our own suffering with courage and love so that we may relieve your sorrowful heart and that of Jesus. In doing so, may we give glory to God who gave you and Jesus to humanity. Grant us the grace of loving God in everything. Have mercy on the sinners of the whole world.
The Rosary of the Seven Sorrows of Mary; the Third Mystery
The Third Mystery of this beautiful devotion is the loss of Jesus in the Temple; based on Luke 2:41-52.
Jesus is the only begotten son of God but he is also the son of Mary. The Blessed Virgin loved Jesus more than herself because he is her son and her God. When Mary lost Jesus on their way back from Jerusalem, the world became so big and lonely that she believed she couldn't go on living without him, so great was her sorrow.
As the Holy Mother looked anxiously for her beloved boy, deep pain welled in her heart. She blamed herself, asking why she didn't take greater care of him. But it was not her fault; Jesus no longer needed her protection as before. What really hurt Maary was that her son decided to stay behind without her consent. Jesus had pleased her in everything so far; he would never displease his parents. She knew that he always did what was necessary so she never suspected him of being disobedient.
Beloved Mother, teach us to accept all our sufferings because of our sins and to atone for the sins of the whole world.
Jesus is the only begotten son of God but he is also the son of Mary. The Blessed Virgin loved Jesus more than herself because he is her son and her God. When Mary lost Jesus on their way back from Jerusalem, the world became so big and lonely that she believed she couldn't go on living without him, so great was her sorrow.
As the Holy Mother looked anxiously for her beloved boy, deep pain welled in her heart. She blamed herself, asking why she didn't take greater care of him. But it was not her fault; Jesus no longer needed her protection as before. What really hurt Maary was that her son decided to stay behind without her consent. Jesus had pleased her in everything so far; he would never displease his parents. She knew that he always did what was necessary so she never suspected him of being disobedient.
Beloved Mother, teach us to accept all our sufferings because of our sins and to atone for the sins of the whole world.
Persevering in Faith; truly believing! Geaux Saints
You know how big this must be when I can't sleep at 3:45 in the morning. You know how big this must be when I still have not decided if I'm going to work or not. You know how big this must be when I'm thinking about taking off to New Orleans Tuesday to watch the Saints parade.
When the moment came, I was remarkably calm. When it was official I was more emotional and overwhelming content than jumping up and down crazy. I prefered a quiet night watching the game with my wife over all party invitations. And when it was over, I simply wanted to soak up the local TV coverage of the party in New Orleans.
The game itself was pretty damn exciting although after spotting a 10 point lead to the Colts I grew nervous. After a season of knowing the Saints could overcome deficits, I was wary of giving Peyton Manning a big lead. But here they come. FG's by the hero of the NFC championship, Garrett Hartley was straight and true on 3 of 3 attempts. The defense started getting the Colts out of sync and all of a sudden Sean Payton is dialing up the gutsy onsides kick. Pierre Thomas is running wild for a skillful TD and then we have Jeremy Schockey realizing Super Bowl redemption with a TD pass from Drew Brees. And then another gutsy call; a 2 point converion that, after further review, was good thanks to an incredible effort by Lance Moore. And oh by the way; the Saints are sporting a 7 point lead with 5 minutes to go.
Here comes the Colts. But the defense has done it all year and tonight will be no different. The great Peyton Manning fired a bullet but Saint hero Tracey Porter stepped in front, made a clean interception and was off to the races. What made the pick-6 even more sweeter was DL Wil Smith blocking Manning who fell to his knees. With 3 minutes left, it's Saints up by 14. And from there, the Colts could do little but get close but ran out of downs and time allowing the Saints offense to cap the game in the victory formation.
I managed to stay awake until 12:30 a.m. as I watched the coverage of the bedlam in New Orleans. It was a celebration fit for a city and a people who have overcome Katrina, overcome our shortfalls and have remained loyal to their football team. Make no mistake, the Saints are owned by the Benson family, but they belong to the people of New Orleans, the region, Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.
Many fans, no matter what, have been loyal through terrible seasons and terrible coaches. They persevered in faith and always believed. Many of us, who truly love the Saints, have expressed doubts; kind of a defense mechanism to endure lean years. When the Saints lost to Tampa Bay this year; I even declared them overrated for a 13 win team. On that Sunday afternoon, I sincerely believed that. I worried that maybe they were in a year end swoon that might not allow them to advance far in the playoffs. I WAS WRONG.
The Saints crushed the Cardinals and survived the Vikings. And the Super Bowl hype began, with very few NFL experts willing to go against Peyton Manning and the Colts. The betting line never moved toward the Saints. But all of that matters little now. The Saints have won the Super Bowl. For all we have endured, for all that may or may not happen going forward, forever and ever, we can say that the New Orleans Saints are the World Champions of NFL football by virtue of winning the 44th edition of the Super Bowl.
I'm so glad to have witnessed this day for myself but more importantly for those who love the Saints in ways I could never describe to the rest of the world. And for the city who deserves such happiness. And for a team and ownership who found a way to stay here after Katrina and build a winner; a Super Bowl winner.
It may take some time, but we will float back to earth soon. We will continue to tackle all the tough issues that are uniquely ours. We will buckle down at work and school and try hard to move into these months ahead that give us little to no football.
But early this morning, on a dark and cold February 8th, 2010, with little to no hope of any meaningful sleep in the next few hours, I'm so content and happy to just say thank you Saints.
The New Orleans Saints are the best football team in the land; and the City of New Orleans is happy and satisfied and coming back. And we as a people are full of pride tonight in the heroic athletic accomplishments of the Saints.
I hope you share my joy and at least can feel good for the great people of New Orleans, Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.
Smile on from Heaven Mom, Uncle Tiny, Uncle Jimmy and all you faithful Saints fans who watched the Saints with the Saints from above. We're ecstatic down here as we declare: Super Bowl champs New Orleans Saints!!! Who Dat; We Dat!
When the moment came, I was remarkably calm. When it was official I was more emotional and overwhelming content than jumping up and down crazy. I prefered a quiet night watching the game with my wife over all party invitations. And when it was over, I simply wanted to soak up the local TV coverage of the party in New Orleans.
The game itself was pretty damn exciting although after spotting a 10 point lead to the Colts I grew nervous. After a season of knowing the Saints could overcome deficits, I was wary of giving Peyton Manning a big lead. But here they come. FG's by the hero of the NFC championship, Garrett Hartley was straight and true on 3 of 3 attempts. The defense started getting the Colts out of sync and all of a sudden Sean Payton is dialing up the gutsy onsides kick. Pierre Thomas is running wild for a skillful TD and then we have Jeremy Schockey realizing Super Bowl redemption with a TD pass from Drew Brees. And then another gutsy call; a 2 point converion that, after further review, was good thanks to an incredible effort by Lance Moore. And oh by the way; the Saints are sporting a 7 point lead with 5 minutes to go.
Here comes the Colts. But the defense has done it all year and tonight will be no different. The great Peyton Manning fired a bullet but Saint hero Tracey Porter stepped in front, made a clean interception and was off to the races. What made the pick-6 even more sweeter was DL Wil Smith blocking Manning who fell to his knees. With 3 minutes left, it's Saints up by 14. And from there, the Colts could do little but get close but ran out of downs and time allowing the Saints offense to cap the game in the victory formation.
I managed to stay awake until 12:30 a.m. as I watched the coverage of the bedlam in New Orleans. It was a celebration fit for a city and a people who have overcome Katrina, overcome our shortfalls and have remained loyal to their football team. Make no mistake, the Saints are owned by the Benson family, but they belong to the people of New Orleans, the region, Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.
Many fans, no matter what, have been loyal through terrible seasons and terrible coaches. They persevered in faith and always believed. Many of us, who truly love the Saints, have expressed doubts; kind of a defense mechanism to endure lean years. When the Saints lost to Tampa Bay this year; I even declared them overrated for a 13 win team. On that Sunday afternoon, I sincerely believed that. I worried that maybe they were in a year end swoon that might not allow them to advance far in the playoffs. I WAS WRONG.
The Saints crushed the Cardinals and survived the Vikings. And the Super Bowl hype began, with very few NFL experts willing to go against Peyton Manning and the Colts. The betting line never moved toward the Saints. But all of that matters little now. The Saints have won the Super Bowl. For all we have endured, for all that may or may not happen going forward, forever and ever, we can say that the New Orleans Saints are the World Champions of NFL football by virtue of winning the 44th edition of the Super Bowl.
I'm so glad to have witnessed this day for myself but more importantly for those who love the Saints in ways I could never describe to the rest of the world. And for the city who deserves such happiness. And for a team and ownership who found a way to stay here after Katrina and build a winner; a Super Bowl winner.
It may take some time, but we will float back to earth soon. We will continue to tackle all the tough issues that are uniquely ours. We will buckle down at work and school and try hard to move into these months ahead that give us little to no football.
But early this morning, on a dark and cold February 8th, 2010, with little to no hope of any meaningful sleep in the next few hours, I'm so content and happy to just say thank you Saints.
The New Orleans Saints are the best football team in the land; and the City of New Orleans is happy and satisfied and coming back. And we as a people are full of pride tonight in the heroic athletic accomplishments of the Saints.
I hope you share my joy and at least can feel good for the great people of New Orleans, Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.
Smile on from Heaven Mom, Uncle Tiny, Uncle Jimmy and all you faithful Saints fans who watched the Saints with the Saints from above. We're ecstatic down here as we declare: Super Bowl champs New Orleans Saints!!! Who Dat; We Dat!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Editorial says it all: Thank you Saints
By Editorial page staff, The Times-Picayune
February 07, 2010, 10:15PM
Years from now, when the memories of Sunday begin to fade, New Orleans Saints fans will still remember where they were when cornerback Tracy Porter intercepted Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and returned the ball 70 yards for the decisive touchdown of Super Bowl XLIV.
MICHAEL DeMOCKER / THE TIMES-PICAYUNELarry Rolling of Covington, the sign man, and other Saints fans celebrate Sunday's win. As the score flashed 31-17 and the game clock ticked away, Who Dat chants began to fall like a shower over Sun Life Stadium in Miami and fans across metro New Orleans screamed, hugged and cried -- free at last from 43 years of frustrations.
The Saints, our lovable underdogs, are world champions.
New Orleans native Peyton Manning and the Colts played their hearts out. But they were no match for a squad that through this miraculous season carried the aura of a team of destiny. Fans across our metro area, the state and the nation can't express how proud we are of quarterback Drew Brees, the Super Bowl's most valuable player, and the rest of the team.
But this is especially gratifying for Southeast Louisiana residents. Sunday's game was about much more than Xs and Os for us, because since Hurricane Katrina the Saints are much more than just a football team -- they are a civic cause. The storm transformed our region into a metaphor for despair and tragedy in the eyes of the world, but the Saints gave us reason for optimism. They embodied our resilience and our unity. That's priceless for a region still in recovery.
"For the first time in almost four years, I finally feel whole again," wrote fan Latoya Melancon, speaking for all of us.
Coach Sean Payton said it best as he hoisted the Vince Lombardi trophy: "Everybody back in New Orleans gets a piece of this trophy."
Building an NFL championship team is a gargantuan undertaking. It requires vision and resources, the right mix of talent, serendipity and a dedication to be the best. Thirty-two franchises try every year, as the Saints had done unsuccessfully for more than four decades. But those past failures, monumental at times, are forever redeemed by last night's triumph.
Owner Tom Benson, owner/executive vice president Rita Benson LeBlanc, general manager Mickey Loomis, Coach Payton and everyone in the Saints organization deserve congratulations and heartfelt thanks.
Metro residents resolved to rebuild better after the storm and we remain a work in progress. But the Saints' success at reinventing themselves shows we can do it.
"Louisiana . . . and New Orleans is back," Mr. Benson said last night. "And it's showed the whole world."
Yes it has.
February 07, 2010, 10:15PM
Years from now, when the memories of Sunday begin to fade, New Orleans Saints fans will still remember where they were when cornerback Tracy Porter intercepted Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and returned the ball 70 yards for the decisive touchdown of Super Bowl XLIV.
MICHAEL DeMOCKER / THE TIMES-PICAYUNELarry Rolling of Covington, the sign man, and other Saints fans celebrate Sunday's win. As the score flashed 31-17 and the game clock ticked away, Who Dat chants began to fall like a shower over Sun Life Stadium in Miami and fans across metro New Orleans screamed, hugged and cried -- free at last from 43 years of frustrations.
The Saints, our lovable underdogs, are world champions.
New Orleans native Peyton Manning and the Colts played their hearts out. But they were no match for a squad that through this miraculous season carried the aura of a team of destiny. Fans across our metro area, the state and the nation can't express how proud we are of quarterback Drew Brees, the Super Bowl's most valuable player, and the rest of the team.
But this is especially gratifying for Southeast Louisiana residents. Sunday's game was about much more than Xs and Os for us, because since Hurricane Katrina the Saints are much more than just a football team -- they are a civic cause. The storm transformed our region into a metaphor for despair and tragedy in the eyes of the world, but the Saints gave us reason for optimism. They embodied our resilience and our unity. That's priceless for a region still in recovery.
"For the first time in almost four years, I finally feel whole again," wrote fan Latoya Melancon, speaking for all of us.
Coach Sean Payton said it best as he hoisted the Vince Lombardi trophy: "Everybody back in New Orleans gets a piece of this trophy."
Building an NFL championship team is a gargantuan undertaking. It requires vision and resources, the right mix of talent, serendipity and a dedication to be the best. Thirty-two franchises try every year, as the Saints had done unsuccessfully for more than four decades. But those past failures, monumental at times, are forever redeemed by last night's triumph.
Owner Tom Benson, owner/executive vice president Rita Benson LeBlanc, general manager Mickey Loomis, Coach Payton and everyone in the Saints organization deserve congratulations and heartfelt thanks.
Metro residents resolved to rebuild better after the storm and we remain a work in progress. But the Saints' success at reinventing themselves shows we can do it.
"Louisiana . . . and New Orleans is back," Mr. Benson said last night. "And it's showed the whole world."
Yes it has.
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