The participants of the Aug. 3, 2025 friendly soccer match are seen at Holy Spirit field in Bowling Green. COURTESY OF FR. MARTIN MA NA LING
Second annual friendly Catholic soccer match unites players across cultures
BY WKC STAFF
Fr. Martin Ma Na Ling, the parochial vicar of St. Pius X Parish in Owensboro, recently gathered parishioners for a friendly soccer match with several other parishes. On Aug. 3, at 4:30 p.m., St. Pius X Parish members, Holy Spirit Parish members, and others gathered to play at Holy Spirit’s soccer field, totaling about 50 participants.
“It was amazing to see that all the young adults, or just people who love sports, share and build the friendship, teamwork, kindness and love as good Catholics in the Diocese of Owensboro,” said Fr. Ma Na Ling.
This is the second time he has gathered a group of like-minded parishioners for a friendly soccer match, with the first gathering taking place on June 15, 2024 at Holy Spirit.
Fr. Ma Na Ling said he finds that soccer unites people across cultural differences – whether they are Latino, from Myanmar, or white – and helps them grow closer as the Body of Christ.
Originally printed in the September 2025 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
