Father Marcus Vinicius Maciel, vice-postulator of the Cause of Canonization of Blessed Father Eustáquio, participated this past weekend in the National Congress of the CRB (Conference of Religious of Brazil). The event celebrated the institution's 70th anniversary and brought together approximately 800 religious men and women from across the country in Fortaleza (CE).

The meeting took place between May 30th and June 2nd. The chosen theme for in-depth discussion was "Memory, Mysticism, Prophecy, and Hope." The event concluded with a Mass presided over by the auxiliary bishop of Brasília (DF) and secretary-general of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB), Bishop Ricardo Hoepers.

In his homily, he highlighted that the grateful remembrance made during the meeting allowed them to "remember the wonders of God's action in the history of the CRB"; that the "revived mysticism" gave encouragement and strengthened faith; and that the "recovered prophecy propelled us towards the beauty of the folly of the cross.".

For him, what emerged most strongly from the meeting was "the need for all consecrated religious men and women to join hands in this spirit of inter-congregation, and return to their communities with their charisms strengthened for the good of the whole Church, the mystical Body of Christ.".

CONGRESS HIGHLIGHTS

The meeting began with a Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by the Archbishop of Fortaleza and president of the Episcopal Commission for Culture and Education of the CNBB (National Conference of Bishops of Brazil), Dom Gregório Paixão, and concelebrated by 21 priests from different states of the country. The ceremony was broadcast live on the Padre Eustáquio Channel.. The holy mass also marked the beginning of the event, which included a message from Pope Francis for the religious men and women serving the Church in Brazil.

Also during the opening ceremony, there was a presentation of carpets made by the 20 regional chapters of the National CRB, which narrated the history of the conference, portraying the diversity and reality of the institution.

The first day of the 70th Anniversary Congress also included the screening of a documentary featuring former presidents of the Conference of Religious, as well as music, photos, and videos showcasing the seven decades of "mysticism, prophecy, and hope.".

On the second day, the religious group made a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Saint Francis of Assisi in Canindé. On this day, the The Holy Mass was also broadcast live on the Padre Eustáquio Channel., on YouTube.

On the third day, the prophecy was highlighted with a celebratory moment honoring those who gave their lives for the cause of the Gospel. Those remembered included: Sister Dorothy, Sister Genoveva, Bishop Pedro Casaldáliga, Bishop Tomás Balduíno, Father Ezequiel Ramin, Chico Mendes, Father Josimo Morales, Archbishop Oscar Romero, among others.

The third day also provided an opportunity for participants to interact in fifteen thematic workshops. There was also a press conference with the president of the CRB, Sister Eliane Cordeiro; Bishop Ângelo Mezzari; and the executive secretary of the Latin American Confederation of Religious (CLAR), Sister Daniela Cannavina. The day ended with a festive and cultural celebration.

At the end of the third day of celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the Conference of Religious of Brazil (CRB), the atmosphere was filled with joy and culture. The festivities were marked by the special presence of Zé Vicente, a singer and composer who brought his music and poetry to the event, providing a moment of reflection and emotion for all those present.

The presence of Zé Vicente, with his voice and songs, brought a special energy to the celebration, transforming the event into an unforgettable moment of communion and gratitude.

**with information from CNBB and CRB Nacional