Sunderland at Wembley: Priest creates special prayer to help Black Cats in Checkatrade Trophy bid

Father Marc Lyden-Smith is encouraging Sunderland Football Club fans to come to St Mary's RC Church and light a candle to support their team

Club chaplain Father Marc Lyden-Smith has created the invocation ahead of tomorrow’s final as the Black Cats take on Portsmouth.

Like many fans, he will be heading down to London by train today before taking his seat in the stands to cheer on the Lads.

Lengthy train queues warning to Sunderland fans heading to Checkatrade Trophy fi...

He made headlines the world over after previously presenting Pope Francis with his own Sunderland strip with Papa Francesco printed on it, and also serves as Sunderland University’s chaplain in addition to his club role.

He is looking forward to tomorrow’s match and hopes he and fellow Sunderland fans will be heading home safe, happy, and with a victory to savour.

Related: Sunderland at Wembley: You show your support in red and white ahead of Checkatrade Trophy finalHe said: “I can’t wait, I’m very excited and full of hope of seeing Sunderland lifting silverware.

Sunderland take on Portsmouth at Wembley.

“And I really think we can do this.

“The people of this great city really deserve this.

“I know I’m biased, but I truly believe we have the best fans in the world.

“Playing in the third tier of English football and still, we get huge crowds thronging the stadium of light with hope in their hearts, with passion in their bellies and pure loyalty and commitment in their souls.

Thousands of Sunderland fans will watch their side play against Portsmouth at Wembley Stadium in the final of the Checkatrade Trophy.

“We, the fans, deserve this.

“And so does Jack Ross and the boss.

“We have a squad that are clearly more united than ever - a team that really ‘gets it.’

“A team that so obviously buy into the history and ethos of this historic club.

“And I’m so proud to be a part of this city and to follow this club, whatever happens during the match.

“Let’s pray for our club, our travelling fans, and fan base around the globe, because we are a global club.”

THE WEMBLEY PRAYER

Dear God,

Thank you for this day.

It is such a privilege and a blessing for us to be in a cup final in such a special place.

Please fill our players with energy and passion as they push themselves to do well.

Help Sunderland to compete with fairness in their hearts and minds and give us the grace to accept whatever may come.

Protect our players health and bodies as they challenge, tackle and run today.

Watch over all those present, the spectators young and old, and our nearest and dearest families.

May everyone who has travelled to Wembley all return home to Sunderland safe and happy.

May this game celebrate sport, and be enjoyable for everyone.

Amen.