Mexican Catholics pray for a World Cup miracle

Published: 2006-06-12

MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- Less than an hour after Mexico won its first World Cup match, worshippers in Mexico City were praying for further success before a statue of the infant Jesus dressed in a soccer uniform. Since at least as far back as 1990, some churches in Mexico have been putting the national team's jersey on the statue, which many believe can grant miracles. Early in June, worshippers passed before the statue placed near the altar at St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish in the capital's Tacuba neighborhood. The figure is wearing the full national team uniform -- from the green jersey and white shorts right down to little tennis shoes -- and is resting a foot on a tiny soccer ball. "We're praying we'll win the World Cup," Jorge Leon said following a June 11 Mass at the parish. "That would be a miracle."

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