Day of prayers, thanks for Nova Nation in Houston
HOUSTON (WPVI) -- A hotel ballroom became a house of worship Sunday morning in Houston.
"The message I got from Father Peter is we have got to believe," said Katie Reed, class of '88. "We can do this!"
Father Peter Donohue, Villanova's president, presided over Mass.
PHOTOS: Nova Nation attends Mass in Houston
"We had over 1000 hosts that we brought with us, and we were breaking them in half," said Father Peter.
And inside the halls of the team hotel, it was standing-room only as Nova Nation received communion and prayed out loud with faith and emotion running high.
"It is emotional. It's such a wonderful time for the school, it's exciting and they earned it," said Arthur Kania, Villanova Law grad. "Jay has earned it, the team has earned it, and we're just happy to be here."
Happy tears, and Wildcat pride stronger than ever.
"Then he blessed everyone this way - father, son, holy spirit, amen, with the V," said Angela Kania, Bryn Mawr.
That V served two purposes on Sunday.
"We did we did V for Villanova, and peace be with you," said Lorraine LoPresti, class of '86.
And Father Peter has quite the fan club. Some Wildcats even showed up at the Final Four with a cutout of his face!
And while he's known for his loving humor, he did have a few words for his ecstatic students back home.
"Celebrate in the right way, you hear me Villanova students," said Father Peter.
And for every student - current and former - he ended Sunday's services with the school song.
