One night when Diego's sisters received their 'baptism'. 'That was our ritual,' Ana recounted. Then it was Rita's turn, who put on the Newell's jersey that Maradona wore in 1993. On the screens, they showed videos of former players, current players, and life companions of Diego leaving their greetings in the lead-up to a new birthday. After ten at night, the most anticipated and exciting moment arrived when those who had signed up received the 'baptism' and became part of the Maradonian 'religion'. 'We fulfilled the ritual and we also went to Mom's after the victory and were there when Diego spoke to her.' The Maradonian Church gathered at the bar Lo del Diego, in the La Boca neighborhood, with over 100 fans to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Diego Armando Maradona's birth. This year, among the guests were three of Diego's five sisters. Rita, Ana, and Claudia were the guests of honor and even were 'baptized' by church members. The festivities began around nine at night in a packed venue. Ten seconds before, the countdown began, and at midnight they were welcomed 'to a new Maradonian Christmas'. There were faithful from Mexico, who traveled exclusively for the event, from other parts of the country, and from several neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. Minutes before midnight, the leaders of the Church thanked those present and emphasized the relevance of this phenomenon of love for Diego, which has now lasted for over two decades. The first to go was Ana, and dressed in the Boca jersey that Diego wore upon his return, she once again mocked a Peter Shilton played by a Diego fan and was baptized. The baptism consists of recreating the goal with the hand that Diego scored against England in the 86 Mexico World Cup. A night full of emotion and memory. 'It was one of the most exciting days of our lives,' Kitty said before performing the move for her baptism. Cali was the last to go through the ritual, and although she was very young in '86, she said she had always been Diego's favorite. 'We watched that game at home with my husband, and as soon as it was over, we went to Mom's house. He was always looking out for us,' she said. A family union, of brothers, which, as they told, never had a crack, never had a controversy. 'He took care of me, he was always there, I had a very happy childhood, and he was responsible.' Applause and songs crowned the first baptisms, which in turn led to others.
