IMAGE: CNS photo/Elsa, Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports
By
CHICAGO
(CNS) — When civic leaders make friendly bets on which team will win a big championship
with their counterparts in another city, one winner enjoys a feast, while the
loser eats some humble pie.
But
when bishops in the World Series’ home cities placed their wager on the winner of
the Fall Classic, it turns out that while only one team could win, poor people in
both cities also will win.
Cardinal-designate
Blase J. Cupich of Chicago said that, in celebration of the Chicago Cubs ending
a 108-year World Series championship drought, he would make good on his
end of the bet and provide enough Chicago deep dish pizzas and baked goods to
feed more than 100 guests of the Bishop William M. Cosgrove Center in
Cleveland.
“Both
teams put up a great effort, both cities very much wanted this victory, and
today Chicago is giving thanks for this blessing,” said Archbishop Cupich in a
Nov. 4 statement. “Our city is celebrating with our Cubs, and we want to
include our friends in Cleveland.”
For his
part, Bishop Richard G. Lennon of Cleveland said a Cleveland-style meal of pierogi,
kielbasa, sauerkraut and green beans would be on its way to feed more than 100 people
at the evening supper program for the homeless sponsored by Catholic Charities
of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
“Although
we hoped the Indians would come out on top, we humbly accept our defeat and
congratulate our friends to the west in Chicago,” said Bishop Lennon in a Nov.
4 statement. “We are thankful for the pizzas and dessert, and hope Chicago
enjoys a taste of Cleveland on us. We’ll be back next year!”
The
Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in 10 innings Nov. 2 in the climactic Game
7 of the World Series, which featured a game-tying home run in the bottom of
the eighth inning by Cleveland’s Rajai Davis, only to see the tied contest
delayed by rain after nine innings were played. The Cubs scored twice in the
top of the 10th inning. Davis singled in a run with two out in the bottom of
the inning, but Cleveland could draw no closer.
The
Cosgrove Center in Cleveland provides guests with access to such fundamental
services as hot meals, shower facilities, mail distribution, and many other
forms of assistance. In addition, the center offers referrals to employment and
training programs, health and mental health screenings, Veteran Administration
benefit help and aid with obtaining housing subsidies.
Catholic
Charities’ evening supper program for the homeless feeds approximately 135
individuals at each meal. It is just one of 150 programs, at 153 locations, run
by Catholic Charities Chicago, assisting more than 1 million persons each year.
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