Priest from New York's Cathedral of San Patricio blesses tennis player Alcaraz prior to the US Open
In the bustling city of New York, tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz is preparing for the upcoming US Open with a unique twist. The Spanish prodigy received a spiritual blessing at St. Patrick's Cathedral, a historic landmark in the Big Apple.
Father Luigi Portarulo, the vicar of St. Patrick's Cathedral, performed the ritual. Father Portarulo, an Italian priest sent by Pope Francis, used holy water during the ceremony. A video of the event was shared on social media by the cathedral.
Following the blessing, Alcaraz attended a small reception at the Lotte Hotel, where he was joined by fellow tennis stars such as Madison Keys, Sloane Stephens, and Taylor Fritz.
Alcaraz, who was crowned champion at the Cincinnati Masters 1000 earlier this year, expressed feeling "much better prepared" for the US Open this time around compared to his previous appearances. He attributed this confidence to his improved mental capacity to endure tough matches.
Prior to his visit to New York, Alcaraz made a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City in late 2023. There, he made a common offering of a rose to the Virgin. Four photos from this visit were later posted on his Instagram profile.
In 2025, Alcaraz was also blessed by Father Michael Collins at St. Patrick's Cathedral before the US Open. During the blessing, the tennis star was seen bowing his head and engaging in a conversation with the priest after the ritual.
As the US Open approaches, Alcaraz seems to be drawing on a combination of spiritual and physical preparation to aim for victory. His journey serves as an inspiring example of the role faith can play in the pursuit of success.
Read also:
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Trump's Policies: Tariffs, AI, Surveillance, and Possible Martial Law
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
