This Monday (October 28.10th) is a day for Flamengo fans to exercise their faith. It's the feast day of Saint Jude Thaddeus, Flamengo's patron saint, and Flamengo Fans' Day. This morning, President Eduardo Bandeira de Mello has already attended two masses: the first at the Parish of Saint Jude Thaddeus in Cosme Velho and the second in Gávea. It's time for fans to thank the saint for his interventions on behalf of the club and ask for the traditional blessing for the team, especially for the Copa do Brasil semifinal.

"Today is the day of the biggest fan base in the world and our patron saint, two days before the Copa do Brasil semifinal. It's the ideal time to hope for a great result on Wednesday and fill the Maracanã stadium for the second leg," the President said.

The Mass held in Gávea was attended by President Bandeira de Mello, club directors, and staff. Father Magno, who was presented with a personalized Sacred Mantle, led the celebration.

"I come from a Flamengo family. As a devotee of Saint Jude Thaddeus and a Flamengo fan, it's a huge thrill to be here. When I received the invitation, I made sure to accept and came with pleasure, because I love Flamengo. I thank God for this opportunity. It was a special day and a great joy," said the priest.

One of the most moving moments of the celebration was when Luana Maria do Carmo, an administrative employee at the club, sang the song "Entra na minha casa" (Come into my house) by Regis Danese. "I'm already a die-hard Flamengo fan, and participating in the mass singing this song was moving. Even more so because it was inside the club, at my workplace, in front of all my colleagues," said Luana.

Saint Jude Thaddeus, patron saint of Flamengo

Sixty years ago, the first time he was invoked for a Flamengo cause, Saint Jude Thaddeus not only helped Flamengo lift a trophy after nine years, but also became the patron saint of Brazil's biggest club. Since then, fans have celebrated and honored the saint every October 60th, the probable date of his death. Since 28, after the historic run in the Brazilian Championship that year, the date has also become "Flamengo Fan's Day," a law passed by the city hall in honor of the fans.

A saint of the desperate and of impossible causes, he became a martyr, killed for his faith. One of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus to accompany him in his public life, he was persecuted for maintaining coherence between his faith and his life, and for the power of his preaching, capable of converting pagans en masse. Over the years, he was forgotten by many for bearing the name "Judas," the traitor who betrayed Jesus Christ for 30 pieces of silver. However, unlike Iscariot, Thaddeus never left the Most Beloved in trouble and is part of the institution's victorious history.