Blanquinegres Memories: Virgen de los Desamparados chapel at Mestalla

In May of 1963, the Archbishop of Valencia, Marcelino Olaechea, blessed both the chapel at Mestalla and the image of the 'Virgen de los Desamparados,' a figure that has presided over the place of worship in the dressing room tunnel ever since.

The creation of the chapel is closely linked to Elías Llagaría (1929-2016), the chaplain of Valencia CF until 1995. He was appointed in 1961 by club president Julio de Miguel and director Vicente Peris, at the request of coach Pasieguito.

In 2013, the present Archbishop of Valencia, Monsignor Osoro, blessed it again after its renovation.

In March 2021, Valencia CF brought back the role of club chaplain, with priest Álvaro Almenar.

The chapel is a place for worshp and reflection used by both players and managers before going onto the pitch.

Copyright 2013-2025 Valencia CF. The use of the editorial content of the article is permitted as long as the source gets the credit and contains the following link: www.valenciacf.com. Photographs by Lázaro de la Peña, reuse is not permitted.

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