April 2, 2009
The gravel shifts and crunches with Father Owen Mullen's every step as he approaches the field. His stride is swift, seemingly compensating for its length, yet his pace quickens once he reaches soft green turf. The already wide smile he sports stretches. As he closes in on the unsuspecting football player, fully clad in padded gear, Father Mullen unleashes his fists of fury, ducking and jabbing like a champ. The player turns and laughs, playfully shielding the body blows. The wingspan of the priest's stature is misleading. Father Mullen has a long reach.
As a Chaplain of the University of San Diego, Father Owen Mullen does more than lead the regular weekly team Mass. He serves as the spiritual guide for athletes.
"Athletes at the collegiate level have a great opportunity to experience life," said Father Mullen, "You're going to be rejected, and you're not always going to win- how do you accept whatever comes?" Anguish within the sports world can often be great. Seemingly invincible leaders may get injured. The hardest of workers may be benched. Passionate players may burden the responsibility of a tough loss. And since guidance is most often sought in rough times, Father Mullen remains a stalwart figure, available whenever needed, for matters on and off the field.
"He's an example of a guy who has dedicated his life to the selfless service of others," said football team captain Patrick O'Neill, "He's someone I can always turn to, someone I can always talk to in confidence." Ron Caragher, Head Football Coach states, "We are very thankful for Father Mullen as he plays a vital role in the success of our program. From his inspiring homilies that he delivers in our pre-game masses to his availability as a mentor, spiritual counselor, and/or friend, his presence in our football program is valued and appreciated".
While the University of San Diego is a Catholic school, Father Mullen understands that the religious backgrounds of the athletes he works with may be diverse. Consequently, he shapes his words of wisdom around the common ground of his audience- sports and inspirational stories from scripture. The result is practical advice that his athletes can easily apply to life.
"I want to give advice that will help an individual become more successful as a person, so I try to relate with the athletes as best I can," said Father Mullen, "For example, I'll talk about football as it prepares you for life."
When Father Mullen leads a team Mass, he allows various options for the athletes in attendance. The Mass can strengthen Catholic or Christian identity for the devout. For players who may not be as religious, the Mass may serve as an informative teaching of Catholic liturgical procedure. Non-Catholics are welcome to receive the Christian blessing during communion. Players who choose to focus on the subsequent game may simply sit back and use the time for quiet meditation and reflection. Father Mullen's goal for the Mass is to give his athletes the opportunity to grow spiritually as a person.
Of course the competitive nature of sports naturally induces certain complexities regarding religion's role. After all, while it may proves tempting to request a victory from a higher power, what serves as the determining factor if both teams prayed hard?
"God doesn't take sides," remarked Father Mullen with a chuckle, "I focus the prayers on playing to the best of your ability and that there are no injuries."
While Father Mullen's message is tailor made to reach his athletes, it is his down to earth persona that allows him to get through. His desire to connect with the players rather than preach to them has earned him a cordial credibility and enduring respect. In the spring this also transitions to baseball where he has a prayer service before the team travels and Mass on Sunday's when he also makes the trip.
Rich Hill, head coach of the baseball team states that, "Father Mullen is an integral part of our mission here at USD in terms of building quality young men. He has a unique way of relating to our athletes that helps give them confidence and loosen them up, while at the same time he brings a mental toughness to the table that we really appreciate".
"My favorite part of what I do," said Father Mullen, "is getting to know the players, building relationships." Besides being team Chaplain to football and baseball, Father Mullen is also dedicated to the Naval ROTC, Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity, and USD's club lacrosse team.
Never hesitant to quip and always razor sharp in wit, the personable priest remains just one of the guys. One would be more likely to find him in the dugout or on the sideline than around the office. Just watch out for his left hook.
Story by Albert Samaha, with assistance from Justin Fontenberry, Anthony McCrady, Phil Morelli, Joey Orfini, and Godfrey Smith.
