Flamengo players receive Father Lindolfo's blessing before facing Santos

Fred Huber

From GLOBOESPORTE.COM

Priest blesses Flamengo's shirts

Flamengo players visited the church of Saint Jude Thaddeus, the team's patron saint, in Cosme Velho, in Rio de Janeiro's south zone, on Thursday afternoon. The ceremony lasted no more than 20 minutes, but the players were able to pray and ask for protection during the final rounds of the Brasileirão. The request the Saint heard most often, of course, was for a helping hand for the team to secure its coveted spot in the 2008 Copa Libertadores. The jerseys that will be worn in the match against Santos on Sunday were blessed by Father Lindolfo Lisboa.

Striker Obina, who was one of the most harassed by Flamengo fans, remembers that the players' trips to the church of São Judas Tadeu usually bring good luck to the team.

"Every time we come to this church, it works out. I hope history repeats itself this time," he says.

GLOBOESPORTE.COM\ Players and coach Joel Santana attend mass at the patron saint's church\

Ibson, who has been one of the most "blessed" players on the team on the field, remembers that praying helps, but considers that work is essential to achieve positive results.

- We've prayed a lot and now it's time to work to get a victory against Santos - he says.

Captain Fabio Luciano shares the same view. He believes that hard work will be the key to Flamengo achieving its goals.

- There's no point in asking if you don't work. God helps those who wake up early - he reminds.

President Márcio Braga had a commitment during the ceremony, but he still went to the venue. He arrived after the players had already left for Gávea to train. He said he couldn't miss visiting the club's "great benefactor," Saint Jude Thaddeus.