Portugal players received a unique piece made by the jewelry designer Maria João Bahia. The chaplets were blessed by D. Manuel Clemente, patriarch of Lisbon.

Hours before the official visit to the President Anibal Cavaco Silva and the departure to the United States of America, the players of the Portuguese National Team trained in Jamor and received the visit of the Portuguese Footballers' Association (SJPF).

The national coach and each of the 23 players received a chaplet designed by Maria João Bahia (in 2010 she offered a reliquary to the Pope Benedict XVI). Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Raúl Meireles received the chaplet after the ceremony, since they were doing gym work.
All the players appreciated and thanked the offer and promised to do everything to honor the colors of Portugal in the World Cup.

"The National Team is the epitome of Portuguese football and the players who represent them are our ambassadors. Directly or indirectly, they contribute to dignify the Portuguese footballers and strengthen the role of SJPF. With this simple gesture, the SJPF, on behalf of all Portuguese players, wanted to thanks to the 23 who will represent Portugal in Brazil" Joaquim Evangelista said.

D. Manuel Clemente blesses National Team.
Before being delivered to the players, the chaplets were blessed by D. Manuel Clemente, patriarch of Lisbon.

"The action of SJPF is very nice because sports is a human and very intense activity and very close to the religious attitude. In the case of those who are believers and those who have devotion to the Mother of Jesus, the chaplet stays very well. So I could not find this action to be any better”, said D. Manuel Clemente.
Asked if Portugal National Team will need divine inspiration in the World Cup, the patriarch of Lisbon - which is supporter of Torreense, a small club near Lisbon –, could not stop smiling: "We all need. We and the others against whom we will play. But we support our players. It is normal so be it”, he said.

The chaplet.
Maria João Bahia explained what inspired her to make the chaplet that SJPF offered to the players.

"Our Lady, Our Mother, Patroness of Portugal, patron of our history and the Portuguese was the source of inspiration for this work. At March 25, 1645, in a formal ceremony in Vila Viçosa, D. João IV thanked to Our Lady the restoration of Independence from Spain, and declared Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Queen of Portugal.

Since then, no more Portuguese King used the Crown Royal (that right belongs to Our Lady). It is this same crown that protects Portugal and the Portuguese, that I placed in the center of the chaplet, to protect and bless the players, coaches and other elements of the Portuguese delegation at the Brazil World Cup 2014", Maria João Bahia said.