The Edmundite Missions held its first-ever “Blessing of the Saints” event for the Selma High School football team on Thursday at the Mission Center.

The Saints were welcomed by the Edmundite employees, Selma City Councilwomen Miah Jackson and Jannie Thomas, City Council President Corey Bowie and City Attorney and Probate Judge-elect Jimmy Nunn.

The entire team received game day polos and jackets from the Missions, who treated the team to a meal of pasta, meatballs, green beans and garden salad, which was served by Selma Police Department officers.

The Saints, who plays at Dallas County in a jamboree on Friday, shared their appreciation.

“It motivates me to go out and play well,” Saints safety James West said. “We’ve never had anything done like this before.”

“It event makes me feel special that they did this for our team,” Saints running back Aaron Huntington said.

Selma High assistant head coach De’Andre Wilson praised the Edmundite’s hospitality toward the Saints.

“It’s great that they provided us with meals, shirts, and jackets,” Wilson said. “It’s a nice atmosphere and great experiences for the kids. It’s a great look for us. It’s a team bonding environment.”

During the season, the Missions will provide meals for the team every Thursday and Friday, healthy snacks at halftime, nutrition education and mentorship. Pasta and protein will be on the Thursday menu, with fish being served every Friday.

The Missions also hope to find mentors in their New Possibilities Youth Program. The mentors selected will receive a stipend. After completing the mentorship program, they are eligible for possible scholarships.

“We want to do whatever we can to ensure our Saints are prepared for success on and off the field,’’ Missions President and C.E.O. Chad McEachern said.

“The Missions remains dedicated to showing these young men that most importantly they are special and loved,” McEachern continued. “With education and hard work, there are new possibilities beyond what they may have seen in their lives. We also want them to know they are not alone as they pursue success.”