Every year hundreds of Catholic seminarians studying for the priesthood participate in an annual basketball tournament. This year 450 seminarians from 18 institutions across the U.S. gathered for the sixth annual De Sales Invitational.
The courts at Saint Francis de Sales Seminary in St. Francis, Wisconsin, were buzzing from Feb. 13–15. The weekend, defined by high-stakes competition and clerical fraternity, culminated in a thrilling home-court victory for the Saint Francis de Sales Shoremen.
A Growing Tradition
What began in 2021 as a modest six-team tournament has blossomed into a premier national event. Conceived by a former seminarian who has since been ordained, the invitational now operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with invitations dispatched every September.
This year's field included prestigious institutions such as:
St. Joseph Seminary College
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
Saint Paul Seminary
Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary
Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary
The Road to the Championship
The tournament structure ensures every team gets their time on the hardwood. Following two rounds of pool play, teams are seeded into a single-elimination playoff bracket.
In a cinematic finish, the Saint Francis de Sales Shoremen faced off against St. Meinrad Seminary for the title. The Shoremen ultimately edged out their opponents with a narrow 56-54 win in overtime, much to the delight of the local Milwaukee faithful.
Beyond the Box Score: Faith and Fraternity
The tournament also served as a significant moment for the local community and vocations. The arena was packed with Catholic families, approximately 50 priests, and several visiting bishops.
Looking Ahead
The invitational continues to serve as a source of renewal and encouragement for those on the path to the priesthood. By blending reverent worship with competitive athletics, the event fosters a unique sense of national solidarity among the next generation of Church leaders.
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