The France-South Africa Match Ball blessed

The Archbishop Panafieu of MARSEILLE, celebrated today, 12 June at 12h00, a “Mass for the Nations” in the “Notre Dame de La Garde” basilica in MARSEILLE for the opening of the World Cup in this city. The church bells rang out in honour of the FRANCE-SOUTH AFRICA (Group C) match, played in the Stade Vélodrome. Archbishop Panafieu blessed the match ball in presence of Jean-Claude Gaudin, Mayor of MARSEILLE.

About 50 SOUTH AFRICA supporters were also present, however they had problems keeping their multi-coloured hats on due to the MARSEILLE “mistral”!

The ceremony ended with doves being released to symbolise a message of peace and fraternity in the world.