Spain's soccer coach Luis de la Fuente presents World Cup to Virgin of the Pillar

Luis de la Fuente, the coach of the Spanish national soccer team, presented the World Cup trophy to the Virgin of the Pillar during a ceremony at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza on Oct. 19. De la Fuente personally carried the trophy to the shrine to express his devotion to the patroness of Spain.

Rafael Louzán, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), led the offering on behalf of the federation. Louzán stated that the federation presented the trophy with gratitude, humility, and emotion. He asked the Virgin to help the soccer community experience success with humility and to support others.

The ceremony was attended by Archbishop Carlos Escribano of Zaragoza and Father Juan Sebastián Teruel, dean of the metropolitan chapter. Other attendees included the president of the government of Aragon, Jorge Azcón, and the mayor of Zaragoza, Natalia Chueca. Hundreds of people gathered inside and outside the basilica to observe the event.