USD's Fr. Martin Latiff, Chargers QB Philip Rivers Featured on ESPN

USD's Fr. Martin Latiff, Chargers QB Philip Rivers Featured on ESPN

Fr. Martin LatiffUniversity Chaplain, Father Martin Latiff, MC, appeared in an ESPN TV story on Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and his fondness for a Latin phrase, nunc coepi, or "Now, I Begin."

The University of San Diego’s commitment to upholding its foundational ideals of beauty, goodness and truth has impacted the lives of generations of Toreros. It’s also made an indelible impression in the life of one of the NFL's biggest stars.

Philip Rivers, veteran quarterback of the now Los Angeles Chargers, was spotlighted on ESPN’s NFL Sunday Countdown show on Oct. 14 where he discussed a favorite Latin phrase, nunc coepi, which translates to “Now, I begin.”

In the segment, Rivers describes having learned the phrase from a priest friend years ago. Father Martin Latiff, a priest of the Miles Christi order and a University of San Diego chaplain, offers a deeper explanation.

“The first centuries these words were used was the 1600's... some saints were trying to stress the importance of staying in the moment, not getting too concerned with the future,” said Fr. Martin in the feature story, recently shot inside USD’s Founders Chapel.

Rivers sports nunc coepi on different apparel he wears. It’s not something the quarterback barks out to confuse opposing defenses. Instead, it serves as a motto, a belief, a motivational tool that keeps him going forward.

He likes the Latin phrase so much that the story ran a clip when Rivers was giving a Commencement speech at the Catholic University of America. Said Rivers, in closing: “Don’t worry. Be thankful. And nunc coepi.”

The Miles Christi priests will be having their Annual Benefit Dinner on Nov. 3, 2018 to support their ongoing work in San Diego. Learn more or register on the Miles Christi website.

— Compiled by USD News Center

Photo of USD Chaplain, Father Martin Latiff, MC, is courtesy of ESPN.

Contact:

USD News Center
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(619) 260-4681