It’s much more than just a hoop and a prayer for Notre Dame and Villanova chaplains in Rome

The Rev. Pete McCormick, chaplain for the University of Notre Dame, and the Rev. Rob Hagan, chaplain for Villanova University, will observe a college basketball season-opener in Rome this Sunday.

McCormick, who is known for leading postgame masses during Notre Dame football games, described the upcoming matchup against Villanova as an opportunity to combine his clerical duties with his interest in basketball. The game takes place in Italy.