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TOLEDO, Spain - What does LMU, Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa have in common other than religion? A Southern California retired dentist who uses his "new knee" to run circles around those who have the fortune to know him. The LMU Sports Network got a first hand look at that energy as they followed the 79-year old Dick McBride, '57, around the ancient city of Toledo, Spain.

After 12 years of marriage in the mid-1970s, he and his wife Barbara, became involved in Worldwide Marriage Encounter, a Catholic marriage renewal program for the enhancement of the Sacrament of Marriage and encouraging conjugal spirituality. They would go on to become leaders of the organization, gaining audience of Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa in the process.

"Barbara was a bulldog. She wouldn't let go. Before he was Pope we got to know him through an initiative to bring Marriage Encounter to his church in Poland" said McBride, whose wife Barbara passed away in June of 2013 after more than 50 years of marriage. "Wouldn't you know it he would become Pope. We had the chance to meet him in October, and Barbara grabbed his hand and asked him when he was going to embrace Marriage Encounter. Wouldn't you know it, in March we got a letter informing us that his church in Poland had adopted Marriage Encounter.

"The experience would take us all over the world and meet some of the most amazing people," concluded McBride. He and his wife toured 28 countries together.

For most who know the McBrides, they would include them into that amazing category. The couple would have five children, two graduating from LMU. The family has grown with 12 grandchildren, each writing their grandfather a letter to be opened - one each day - on his trip. "I have been tremendously loved in my life, more than ever this past year. I am forever grateful."

And that love has spread to the Lions as the former golf and basketball player of the Lions has been a loyal season ticket holder since the 1980s. This May, he was told by his children he was going on this trip. Never having been to Spain, he now can claim 29 countries, and he is living up every second. And the Lions are better for it.

Spain 2014
Aug 11 • Day 1: Miles of Experience - Ayodeji Egbeyemi | Day 1 Photo Gallery
Aug. 12 • Day 2: A Whole New Experience - Devin Wyatt | Day 2 Photo Gallery
Aug. 13 • Day 3: Forever an Energetic Lion - Alum Dick McBride | Day 3 Photo Gallery
Aug. 14 • Day 4: Playing in Another Country - Marin Mornar | Game #1
Aug. 15 • Day 5: Ocean Jumping - Joshua Spiers
Aug. 16 • Day 6: Back in Spain - Petr Herman & Simon Krajcovic | Game #2
Aug. 17 • Day 7: Big Package in Itty-Bitty Living Spaces - Patson Siame
Aug. 18 • Day 8: All Over the Map - David Humphries | Game #3
Aug. 19 • Day 9: Leading Experience - Evan Payne
Aug. 20 • Day 10: Final Competition - Godwin Okonji | Game #4
Aug. 21 • Day 11: Across the Globe - Matt Hayes
Aug. 22 • Day 12: A Departure - Chase Flint