Churches in Mexico have been responding to the craze of “got, got, need” of young World Cup fans completing their sticker books, by holding swap events to promote sharing and solidarity.
Collecting Panini stickers of the tournament’s players has become a well-established tradition around the world. But rising costs and economic challenges have made the task of accumulating all 980 stickers for this tournament more difficult.
“We noticed that people were not buying as many stickers because of their high cost, especially when purchasing them in large quantities,” Gerardo Alvarado, digital ministry lead at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, told Crux Now.
Gatherings at the church, in Ciudad Juarez, on Sundays have provided an opportunity for fellowship. Alvarado has also created a sticker book of parish members, as a way to promote a feast for the patron saint.
Jovenes con Xto (Youth with Christ) have also arranged swap events in Mexico. Saint Augustine Parish, in Jonacatepec, has shared pictures on social media of children sharing stickers and filling up their albums.