Chile: Celebrating the World Cup with prayer, fun and games

To support the Catholic faithful, parishes, and schools that are organizing events for living the World Cup in their families and communities, the website of the Chilean Bishops' Conference offers a range of materials and resources from their own creation and from other institutions and the local churches in other countries. On the site is the official prayer of the World Cup 2010, the relationship between faith and sport, the values of soccer, the Christian experience of the fans, words from the Popes speaking about soccer... are among the issues that this "special" offers as an aid in living these days filled with passion for soccer in a Christian manner.

As "the first leader of this Federation," Bishop Alejandro Goic (Bishop of Rancagua and President of the Bishops' Conference) wore a red cap, typical of Chile's fans, and made the inaugural “click,” becoming the first visitor to this online special. Among the interviews offered on this site is also that of Bishop Gaspar Quintana, Bishop of Copiapo, who is also a soccer coach. There are also testimonies from Father Rodrigo Tupper, Vicar of Pastoral/Social Ministry and Workers in Santiago, and Father Raul Feres.

Using soccer terminology (“Kick-Off,” “The Best Moves"...), various sections offer visitors the documents of the Magisterium of the Church, articles and reviews, interviews, videos, and audio tracks. Also included is a sheet for meetings of community for the World Cup, and there is a space where the parishes and schools can tell how they live the day of the world tournament.

Links: http://www.iglesia.cl