Spain’s soccer coach presents World Cup to Virgin of the Pillar
Luis de la Fuente, the Spanish national soccer team coach, brought the World Cup trophy to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza and presented it to the Virgin Mary during an Oct. 19 ceremony.
The coach was accompanied by Rafael Louzán, president of the Royal Spanish Football (Soccer) Federation (RFEF, by its Spanish acronym) and other representatives from the Spanish soccer scene.
“It is a tremendously moving experience. You all know of my devotion to the Virgin of the Pillar, and I feel very happy and proud to be here with all of you,” said De la Fuente following the offering of the trophy, as reported by la Iglesia en Aragón (The Church in Aragon) website.
The national team coach, who personally carried the trophy for much of the visit, also spoke about what it meant to him to return to the shrine. “Above all, it was an emotional experience, an indelible memory that I will carry with me forever,” he remarked.
Hundreds of people followed the ceremony both inside and outside the basilica. Among those in attendance were Archbishop Carlos Escribano of Zaragoza, and Father Juan Sebastián Teruel, dean of the metropolitan chapter of the cathedral.
‘With gratitude, humility, and emotion’
The offering of the cup to the Virgin was led by Louzán, who addressed her on behalf of the federation.
“Today we come to your feet, on behalf of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, to offer you this World Cup with gratitude, with humility, and with emotion,” he stated, as reported by the official RFEF website.
In his remarks, the president of the RFEF recalled the bond connecting the Virgin of the Pillar to the history and faith of Hispanic peoples, “who also find a shared passion in football.”
Louzán also prayed that the Virgin might accompany those who are part of the Spanish football community, helping them to experience their wins with humility and to show solidarity toward others.
“Help us to make football a school of camaraderie, effort, and solidarity — a place where we learn to reach out a helping hand and to place the good of the team above our own self-interest,” he added.
Before concluding, he once again entrusted the trophy to the Virgin: “Our Mother, receive this cup and the affection with which we offer it to you. May we, under your guidance, find the strength to continue working together and to bear the name of Spain with pride and responsibility. Long live the Virgin of the Pillar.”
Archbishop’s remarks
Escribano also spoke, highlighting what in his view enabled the national team to achieve its goals.
“Teamwork, conviction, faith, and leadership have shown us everything we can accomplish,” he stated.
The prelate noted that Spain already holds two world titles and expressed his hope for further victories: “There are already two stars, and hopefully there will be many more in the future much like the ones you see in the Virgin’s chapel.”
The president of Aragon’s petition
Jorge Azcón, president of the Aragon autonomous regional government, asked Louzán to deliver some special gifts to the entire team: ribbons that represent the approximately 14 inches height of the statue of the Virgin of the Pillar for every member of the Spanish national team.
“I believe, my dear president, that you must commit to me to ensure they reach each and every one of them,” he said.
The World Cup returns to Zaragoza
The visit took place three months after thousands of people in Zaragoza celebrated Spain’s World Cup victory.
Before heading to the basilica, the delegation took part in an official event at city hall. The mayor of Zaragoza, Natalia Chueca, recalled the joy the city experienced during the tournament.
The delegation’s itinerary also included a visit to the construction site of the new La Romareda stadium. Zaragoza is preparing for the 2030 World Cup, for which the sports venue is expected to have a capacity of over 40,000 spectators.
This story was first published by EWTN News Español, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
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