Given the 2018 World Cup Final which took place yesterday, to coincide with Sunday, Father Vladimir Simunovic must divide his time between leading Sunday's Eucharistic celebrations and watching the World Cup Final.
As a Croatian, Father Simunovic wants to see his country lift the World Cup for the first time. He did not want to miss the dream.
So, what he did was willing to shorten the sermon in the celebration of the Eucharist in order to watch the final game.
"I can tell you that the sermon will be very short," Simunovic said with a laugh, before the Eucharistic celebration took place.
Father Simunovic said that he was one of the most happy people when watching Croatia beat England in the semi-finals to appear in the 2018 World Cup Final.
"It's an achievement everyone wants to see, but it's hard to believe because the competition is really very difficult," he said.
Simunovic said soccer is the most popular sport in Croatia. According to the priest who is now in charge of the Parish of St. Regina, the St. Basil Catholic Church of the Ukrainian rite in Canada this Croatians are very fond of playing soccer times.
Therefore, as a Croat he hopes that Croatia can beat France to lift the World Cup trophy for the first time.
"Croatia is a small European country with four million inhabitants, and we say we have four million coaches as well," Father Simunovic said.
Father Simunovic acknowledged that France is a stronger and more favored team. "But anything can happen. Let's cheer for Croatia, "he said.
But in the final match last night, Croatia finally had to recognize the superiority of France. They also had to give up the trophy that had been coveted belonged to France after defeated by France with a score of 4-2.
What sort of reaction did Pastor Simunovic think? Will he return to extend his sermon at next week's Mass, as Croatia lose and the World Cup title is over?
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