On Sunday, January 26, 2020 famed basketball star and practicing Catholic Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash alongside his 13 year old daughter Gianna and seven others.
Catholic Twitter immediately took to the site to express condolences and remember their brother in Christ.
I'm not a basketball fan. But I always felt a bond with @kobebryant because I knew that he shared in the Eucharist and loved the Catholic faith. We'll now share in the banquet of the Lord together in another way. Praying for his soul and for those he loved.
— Father Dan Beeman (@inthelineofmel) January 27, 2020
As a Catholic, I always admired the open display @kobebryant had for his faith. He attended Mass at St. Joseph’s in downtown San Antonio whenever in town. St. Joseph, Patron Saint of departing souls, pray for Kobe, and us all. https://t.co/bYuJB2uGoo
— Vickie Vix (@TheVickieVix) January 26, 2020
Kobe Bryant speaking about a dark period in his life said: “The one thing that really helped me during that process — I’m Catholic, I grew up Catholic, my kids are Catholic — I was talking to a priest…”
— Fr. Rajeev Valiyaveettil Philip (@FrJeeves) January 26, 2020
May his soul, rest in eternal peace!#RIPKobeBryant pic.twitter.com/eeTmgk3zla
The Time I Met Kobe Bryant in Daily Mass: “Like All of Us, He Came to Pray” https://t.co/OPnbJr5Yaz #Catholic #KobeByrant
— ChurchPOP (@Church_POP) January 26, 2020
Catholics believe the Resurrected Jesus is real & present in the Eucharist we receive at Mass
— Fr Jim Chern (@FatherJimChern) January 27, 2020
Thinking & praying for @kobebryant all those lost & all those grieving their loss tonight at Mass & praying that Kobe who shared this belief has met & been embraced by Jesus #RIPKobe
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.https://t.co/mlYIC4d6Cv
— Catholic Sports (@SportsCatholic) January 27, 2020
The Catholic faith of Kobe Bryant, a parishioner in @OrangeDiocese. #OCCatholic https://t.co/9bIJzousfp
— Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange (@OrangeDiocese) January 27, 2020
Kobe was Catholic and had come into our @paulineculver center years ago. May he and his daughter rest in the peace of Christ #KobeBryant #RIPKobe #peaceinchrist
— Sr Nancy Usselmann (@snancy) January 27, 2020
I first heard of Kobe Bryant when I was in 8th grade in 98-99 and my class named our (big, fluffy, white) hamster Kobe for him. That got me into basketball (and the Lakers since their color is purple). He was stunning to watch. Prayers for him, his daughter, and family #RIPMamba
— Theresa Zoe Williams (@TheresaZoe) January 26, 2020
So very sad to hear the news of #KobeBryant’s tragic death this morning. I am praying for him and his family. May he rest in peace and may our Blessed Mother Mary bring comfort to his loved ones. #KobeBryantRIP pic.twitter.com/QYMRL7RvCL
— Abp. José H. Gomez (@ArchbishopGomez) January 26, 2020
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
