Retired NBA star Gordon Hayward has officially joined the Catholic Church in a heartfelt ceremony held in Rome, marking a significant new chapter in his life just two months after hanging up his basketball shoes. On October 1, 2024, Hayward was welcomed into the Church during a special event at the Basilica of Saint Sebastian Outside the Wall, where he received the sacraments of confirmation and Holy Communion. The ceremony was officiated by Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.
Hayward’s decision to convert was not made lightly. He chose "Sebastian" as his confirmation name, honoring the patron saint of soldiers and athletes. This choice reflects his deep connection to both his athletic career and his newfound faith. The archdiocese noted that Hayward underwent a period of discernment through the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA), guided by Father Marcel Taillon, who serves as the Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese.
The ceremony was a family affair, with Hayward’s wife Robyn and two of their four children present to support him on this spiritual journey. Robyn shared her excitement on social media, expressing how special it was for her husband to be confirmed by the Archbishop in such a historic city. “It was so incredible,” she wrote, highlighting the involvement of seminarians and priests who contributed to the service.
Hayward took to his own social media accounts to share the moment with fans, posting a photo from the ceremony that included Archbishop Broglio, Father Taillon, and his OCIA sponsor, Maxwell Van Vliet. The image was accompanied by the Latin phrase “Nunc coepi,” meaning “now I have begun,” symbolizing a fresh start in his faith journey.
In a heartfelt retirement announcement made on August 1, Hayward reflected on his 14-year NBA career, which included stints with teams like the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets. He expressed gratitude for the blessings he received throughout his journey, attributing his success to his faith. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” he quoted Philippians 4:13, a verse that has inspired him since childhood.
The former basketball player’s decision to convert to Catholicism comes at a time of personal reflection and change. As he steps away from the spotlight of professional sports, Hayward has embraced a new path that intertwines his faith with his family life. His wife Robyn, who is also active on social media, included a reference to Luke 1:37 in her biography, emphasizing the belief that “with God, nothing shall be impossible.”
Hayward’s journey into the Catholic Church is a reminder of the power of faith in guiding individuals through life’s transitions. As he embarks on this new spiritual journey, many fans and fellow believers will undoubtedly support him, celebrating both his past achievements and his future endeavors in faith.
For those interested in learning more about the Catholic Church and the OCIA process, resources are available through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and local diocesan websites.