Almería perform their traditional floral offering to the Patroness Saint of Almeria ‘Virgen del Mar’
The behind closed doors act -due to the coronavirus pandemic- took place at ‘Virgen Del Mar’ Shrine Church with the presence of some club representatives
Almería performed their traditional floral offering to the Patroness of Almeria ‘Virgen del Mar’. Unlike in previous years and because of the coronavirus pandemic, the kind act was rather different this time, but the truth is that it did not lose its meaning at all. In fact, the act was held behind closed doors, without public appeal and with just some club representatives attending, as agreed by the ‘Virgen del Mar’ Brotherhood, the parish priests and the Andalusian football club.
Father Francisco Panero was the host, proving to be a great football fan and knowing perfectly all the transfers that are going on within the squad ... which are not a few. As a matter of fact, he was talking with the coaches and players minutes before the mass. Along with him, directors of the ‘Virgen del Mar’ Brotherhood.
The UD Almeria first-team, Almeria Women and Almeria Academy coaches and captains represented the red and white club: José Gomes, Fernando Martínez, César de la Hoz; Nandinho, Tomas; Carlos Hinojo and Andrea were accompanied by the president of Almeria Foundation, Lorena García, by some former directors of the club (Manolo García, Onofre Díaz and Luis Guillén), and by the president of the Almeria Supporters Federation, Mónica Ruiz, and her vice presidents Baldomero Titos and Soledad Pozo.
Father Francisco Panero expressed ‘the joy of welcoming UD Almería to this temple today’, and stressed, addressing players and coaches that ‘you represent an exciting club’. He also specified that ‘you have to take care of yourselves, have not only a healthy body, but also a healthy mind and soul. Above all, you have to be a team, a group united in work, in effort, in sacrifice, in suffering… Together you will achieve what we all want, which is to be capable to celebrate promotion to the top-flight. The ‘Virgen del Mar’ blesses you and encourages you.’
After these kindhearted words, each team and Almeria Supporters Federation deposited some bouquets of flowers before the ‘Virgen del Mar’ sculpture as well as a red and white striped shirt on behalf of the club.