The Pittsburgh Steelers is a habit one fan refuses to break.

In fact, Sister Damian Fleischman’s devotion to the Super Bowl
winners got her special MVP recognition – “Most Valuable
Pray-er.”

Fleischman received a hand-blown glass replica of the Vince
Lombardi Trophy during a ceremony at the L.E. Smith Glass Co. in
Mount Pleasant late last month.

“I am so humbled,” the Benedictine nun said.

Fleischman, who is the project coordinator for Catholic
Charities and lives at St. Joseph Monastery in St. Marys, was born
in Pittsburgh and has been a Steeler fan all of her life.

“My mom was an avid fan all her life,” she said, adding her
mother’s love of sports included playing semi-professional
basketball.

Fleischman’s journey to become an MVP started when she e-mailed
the company after seeing a news report on the trophies. She asked
if they had second runs or irregular trophies for sale.

This, however, wouldn’t do for company officials.

“This was a special thing,” said William Kelman, president and
chief executive officer of the company. “People like this who give
their entire life, it’s nice to be able to give back.”

This came as a surprise to Fleischman.

“I did not expect this response,” she said. “I had no idea what
to expect.”

She received a trophy that is one of 100 made; they sell for
$3,000 each and weigh about 20 pounds. And that was just the
beginning.

“I never expected a day of celebration like we had,” she
said.

Fleischman’s day in the spotlight also included a tour of the
factory and introduction to L.C. Greenwood, the former Steelers
defensive end.

“I met, hugged and spent the whole time with L.C.,” she said.
“He is the kindest, most interesting gentleman.”

Greenwood had dinner with Fleischman and conducted interviews
with her.

During one interview, Greenwood marveled at the nun’s commitment
to the team.

“I didn’t think they had time for that,” he said.

But Fleischman has time for anything Steelers. Her office in St.
Marys is full of Steeler memorabilia. She added she has remained
faithful to the Steelers – and all Pittsburgh teams – regardless of
whether they have a winning season or not.

“All Pittsburgh teams are my favorites during all seasons,” she
said.

Fleischman has been able to share her enthusiasm with
others.

“The sisters were interested it the whole story,” she said. “I
have had the opportunity to go to Silver Creek Terrace to tell the
story and show the residents the trophy due to the interest of
Sister Mary David, who is employed there.”

Silver Creek is a retirement home in St. Marys.

The trophy wasn’t the only thing Fleischman received.

A man from Chicago heard she was a fan and sent her a prototype
football -ðone of 25 – that were sent out prior to the company
actually making the 10,000 for Super Bowl XL

Fleischman describes her entire experience as heavenly.

“I was overwhelmed, humbled and happy,” she said. “I never have
had this experience before, and I have had some unusual events
occur.”