'Vatican' cricketers prepare for 'Light of Faith' tour to UK

(Vatican Radio) For many sports fans, summer time means the cricket season is in full swing with test matches, league tournaments and one day internationals captivating audiences in countries around the world. And although it’s unlikely to become Italy’s most popular sport any time soon, cricket has also been making the news here in the Vatican, where a team known as St Peter’s Cricket Club is preparing to take on a Church of England XI in Canterbury on September 19th.

Made up of mainly seminarians from the sub-continent who’re training for the priesthood here in Rome, the Club was set up last year under the auspices of the Pontifical Council for Culture’s sports section.  As well as playing against the Anglican side in Canterbury, the Vatican team’s first tour will take in several other matches, including one in Brighton and another against members of the Royal Household in Windsor Castle.

Deacon Pratheesh Thomas from India is studying for the priesthood here in Rome and he’s also been selected to take part in St Peter’s ‘Light of Faith’ tour to England. Philippa Hitchen caught up with him to find out how he’s preparing for the big event…..

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