Credit Where Credit is Due

My lack of love for the game of soccer is surpassed only by that for those vuvuzela horns incessantly blown by fans at matches these days, suggesting the sound of a swarm of mutant giant flies. Nevertheless, here is a player whom we should most heartily applaud (from the Catholic News Agency).

Soccer player who scored winning World Cup goal promises to make pilgrimage

Madrid, Spain, Jul 14, 2010 / 06:05 pm (CNA).- Spanish soccer player Andres Iniesta, who scored the winning goal during the World Cup final in South Africa, has promised to walk the Way of St. James, which leads to Santiago de Compostela.

The Way of St. James is a pilgrimage route that for centuries brought the faithful from across Europe to the city of Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of the saint are venerated.

According to the Spanish newspaper, Marca, months before the 2010 World Cup, the members of the Spanish team sent the newspaper sealed envelopes with the promises they would keep if they won the title.

Marca opened the envelopes after Spain’s historic victory on Sunday and found that Iniesta, along with Fernando Torres and Carlos Marchena said they would walk the Way of St. James.

Iniesta also revealed his promise in an interview prior to the World Cup. Speaking on Spanish television he said he would make the pilgrimage “somehow…I’ll do it however I have to!” His teammate Sergio Busquets, who was with him, made the same promise.

¡Bravo, Iniesta! That surely must please our Lord and also serves as a welcome counter to the less-than-savory off-game activities of some of your peers.