Father Jim Sichko took a commemorative bottle of bourbon signed by Mark Stoops to Pope Francis. (Photo by Twitter)
Father Jim Sichko, a Papal Missionary of Mercy, considers Kentucky football coach Mark Stoops a friend even though he’s interacted with him only a few times.
“Never have socialized with him and have never been to a game,” Sichko said. “I have been grateful to coach Stoops and (UK associate coach) Vince Marrow for every time they see me, they always make time to greet me. Personally, I am a ‘no one’ in the world, especially sports, but they make me feel as if I am one of their best friends. As I often share, #smallthingsmatter.”
Sichko saw Stoops May 15 at Jeff Ruby’s when he was picking up a to-go order and the UK coach “gifted” him with a signed commemorative bottle of Old Wm. Tarr Manchester bourbon celebrating last season’s Citrus Bowl win over Iowa.
“Unbeknownst to Coach, I was traveling to Rome the next day for a private gathering with Pope Francis,” Sichko said. “When he gave me the bottle, I asked him to autograph it for me and then personalized it to ‘Pope Francis.’”
“He thought I was crazy — and I am. He couldn’t find his blue sharpie, then remembered he had one in his backpack in the trunk of his car and the rest is history!”
How did Pope Francis react to the gift from the Sichko, one of 100 missionaries of mercy in the U.S. and one of only 1,000 in the world?
“The Holy Father loved it! This is about the fifth bottle of Bourbon I have brought Pope Francis,” Sichko said. “I told Pope Francis that this bourbon would help his knee better than any tequila. The previous day the Pope said he could use some tequila for the bum knee as he was joking with some pilgrims from Mexico.”
Sichko said not to worry about the bourbon being put to good use.
“He shares with guests and other people. They know when I come I will have bourbon for him,” Sichko said.
The Kentucky missionary is known for his random acts of kindness. He recently covered funeral expenses for a 10-year-old boy killed in a shooting and never seems to slow down.
“I receive energy from giving and doing good for others plus watching their expressions. Though I do things ‘out of the box’ — sometimes it’s good to get people outside of their comfort zones,” he said.
But Sichko also hopes the gift might help Kentucky football find a new comfort zone.
“This gift solidified Stoops and his team going to Atlanta (for the SEC Championship game for the first time,” Sichko said.
One Response
"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." Proverbs 20:1
"Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts" Proverbs 31:6 This is what the Holy Bible says.
Well, I’ll also add this about the liquor some seem to be so proud of here in Kentucky, UK will not be at their best if Rodriquez is out as a starter, which it sounds like he will be. He is arguably the best RB in the SEC. Strong drink is one big reason he will not be playing too, and yet we glorify the bourbon bottle, and make it look like it is such a prize. If you are going to punish CR for drinking, then don’t pass out liquor bottles Coach. There are a few of us still around that are very much opposed to whiskey and strong drink. We will let you know about it too.
Not very impressed at all by our Coach passing out a bottle of booze. Not to even mention the pain and loss on our roads and highways caused by such mind altering filth.