Forget angels in the outfield
Astros ‘Rally Nuns’ are ‘a point of light in a world that’s too often dark’
Whether or not there are angels in the outfield as the Astros play in the World Series, there are nuns in the stadium cheering them on.
The “Rally Nuns,” the new affectionate moniker for the Dominican Sisters of Mary Immaculate Province, have been attending since the playoffs.
That includes Sister Maria Goretti Thuy Nguyen, who also serves as an associate director with the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.
“We work and also play,” she said with a laugh. “We pray, and it’s all about faith.”
After attending her first playoff game Oct. 15, Sister Maria Goretti was away for a workshop when the next opportunity rounded the bases.
“I missed the game, and I kind of regretted it,” she said.
Going to the Astros games started serendipitously, explained Sister Maria Theresa Nguyen, the provincial, or head, of the local order of Dominican sisters.
“We’ve known Mr. Jim McIngvale for years now, since 1986, when we started the convent here,” she said. “He donated the mattresses.”
“That was me,” “Mattress Mack” said. Since then, he has always been a loyal friend.
“He says, ‘Anything you need, just let me know,’ ” Sister Maria Theresa said.
McIngvale graduated from Bishop Lynch High School, a college preparatory program in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas founded by the Dominican Order.
Sister Maria Theresa said that McIngvale is very familiar with the Dominican vision.
“Our motto is to praise, bless and preach the good news,” she said.
And she admires McIngvale’s commitment to worthy causes.
“He has a generous heart,” Sister Maria Theresa said. “He’s very faith filled.”
The day before playoffs on Oct. 15, she was with a group of sisters present to bless a new Montessori Bible study program at Gallery Furniture.
“This was his vision and his dream,” she said.
The Bible study is part of the preschool for ages 6 months to 4 years at Gallery Furniture, which is available to employees, neighbors and students at McIngvale’s other school.
Last year, McIngvale dedicated 15,000 square feet of the Gallery Furniture North Freeway location to open the Premier High School.
“I wanted to make a difference in the community,” McIngvale said.
The campus is open as an alternative when traditional schools fail. This tuition-free option also provides vocational training.
“He wants to bring people out of poverty,” Sister Maria Theresa said. “The best way to do that is through education.”
While at Gallery Furniture, she noticed that almost all of the employees were sporting Astros shirts and jerseys.
Some of the workers said, “Mack, the sisters want some T-shirts.”
McIngvale had an even better offer: “Would you like go to an Astros game? Friday or Saturday?”
“Call me tomorrow and let me know how many tickets you need,” he told her.
Sister Maria Theresa was shocked.
“That’s how it all began,” she said. “It all started with a simple gesture.”
When Sister Maria Theresa called the next day, he said, “It’s done. I have 50 tickets for you.”
She spread the word through the convent — and to other orders in Houston.
“They were all very excited,” she said. “I didn’t know we had so many Astros fans in our community.”
Sister Maria Goretti prays each day for the players and their fans.
“We show up and play hard; hopefully, we also pray hard in our daily lives,” she said. “This is not about who wins or loses. It’s about fun and coming together as a big family.”
And it’s also a reminder that faith is present in all aspects of life.
“We’re just a sign to point to Him,” Sister Maria Goretti said.
The “rally nuns” became an instant sensation.
“The Astros wanted them back,” McIngvale said. “They’re a point of light in a world that’s too often dark.”
Before the final playoff game, McIngvale called again. “I want to bring the sisters back. People love you,” he said. “You brought so much joy and hope, and that’s what we need in this secular world.”
Sister Maria Theresa shared the message with the sisters, telling them, “I know that we want to stay secluded and quiet, but it’s our time to be the hounds of the Lord.”
McIngvale also had a request — for one of the nuns to throw the first pitch.
“What does that mean?” Sister Maria Theresa asked. When McIngvale explained, she knew just what to do.
“I had a sister in mind — Mary Catherine,” Sister Maria Theresa recalled. “She’s a die-hard Astros fan.”
Then, the nuns were invited to return to the World Series.
“It all happened like that without any planning,” Sister Maria Theresa said.
McIngvale said she sent him a text before the second World Series game about how the sisters were all looking forward to going.
“That’s as good as it gets,” he said.
For the first World Series game, the sisters were joined by priests and seminarians from the archdiocese.
“It’s not just the Rally Nuns, it’s the Rally Priests, too,” Sister Maria Theresa said. “As St. Paul says, love first and everything falls into place. We keep doing the work of the
Lord, and He takes care of the rest.”
Already, she has heard a lot of comments from Astros fans who look forward to seeing the
Rally Nuns at the games.
“It’s sparked a lot of joy and smiles on their faces,” she said. “That’s what it’s all about — spreading the faith and letting them know God still exists.”