Welcome to the Catholic Church, Gordon Hayward! 🎉
Retired NBA player Gordon Hayward published photos of his initiation into the Catholic Church.
The 34-year-old former player for the Utah Jazz, the Boston Celtics, the Charlotte Hornets, and the Oklahoma City Thunder, retired in August 2024. He announced his initiation into the Catholic Church on Instagram with the caption, "Nunc Coepi," which is Latin for "now I begin" or "begin again."
According to a press release from the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Hayward made a Profession of Faith and received his First Holy Communion and the sacrament of confirmation during Mass on Oct. 1, 2024, at the Basilica of Saint Sebastian Outside the Walls.
Hayward chose Saint Sebastian, the patron saint of athletes, as his confirmation name.
His wife, Robyn, and their two oldest daughters were present for the occasion.
Archbishop for the Military Services, USA (AMS) Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., celebrated the Mass and administered the sacraments to Hayward. Archbishop Broglio is also the President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Father Marcel Taillon, Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, concelebrated the Mass.
Here are Gordon Hayward's photos below:
Hayward's wife, Robyn, also celebrated her husband's initiation into the Catholic Church with an Instagram post:
"Gordon joined the Catholic Church this week and why not convert in Rome?" Robyn Hayward wrote in her post. "It was so incredible. The Archbishop of the US military confirmed him into the Church. What a true blessing! So many great seminarians and priests helped with the service and made it possible!"
(Robyn has shared additional posts in the past about the faith, explaining that she was raised Catholic and practices. Their daughter received her First Holy Communion in this Instagram post.)
Social Media Responds to Gordon Hayward's Catholic Conversion
As of this writing, Gordon Hayward's Instagram post generated over 6,500 likes.
Here's how some users responded:
"Welcome home 🕊️," one user commented.
"So happy for you and your family. Congrats," Instagram user Amber Johnson added.
"Welcome, brother. May God continue to richly bless you. Praise the Lord," another user said.
"How very special for you both and your family!" Instagram user Jane Harvey also commented.
"Welcome to the Catholic Church, Gordon!" Instagram user Tina Oeding wrote.