Before establishing himself in the parish that would become a landmark of faith in Belo Horizonte, the Parish of the Sacred Hearts, Father Eustáquio visited the Carmelite Monastery of Our Lady of Aparecida, accompanied by Father Gil. This visit had a special purpose: to ask for the prayers of the Carmelite sisters for the success of his new mission.

Father Vinicius prays before the relics of Saint Thérèse during a visit to the Carmelite monastery.

Last week the Carmelite convent received a visit from the relics of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, and on that occasion, the vice-postulator of the Cause of Canonization of Blessed Father Eustace, Father Vinícius Maciel, SSCC, celebrated one of the masses in preparation for receiving the relics. Furthermore, on the 19th, Father Vinícius also venerated the relics in the convent chapel.

The current moment of unity between priests of the Sacred Hearts and Carmelite sisters dates back decades earlier when the Dutch religious arrived in Belo Horizonte. According to historical records of the Carmelite convent and the testimony of Sister Gemma of the Eucharist to the Tribunal of the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of Father Eustáquio, the first visit of the priests was made by Father Eustáquio himself and took place on October 5, 1941.

Serving as a Chaplain

Carmelite Chapel in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Between April and June 1942, Father Eustace served as chaplain of the Carmelite convent. During this period, he celebrated Mass for the nuns, heard their confessions, and, on special occasions, entered the cloister to administer communion to the sick sisters. This close interaction not only strengthened the spirituality of the sisters but also deepened Father Eustace's own devotion.

In a significant gesture of spiritual unity, Father Eustace created a card containing the signatures of all the Carmelite nuns. This card was later placed in the cornerstone of the church, now the Sanctuary of Health and Peace, symbolizing the spiritual foundation upon which the parish would be built. This act reinforced the importance of the prayers and support of the Carmelite sisters in Father Eustace's mission.

Historical Testimony

On June 25, 1964, Sister Gemma of the Eucharist gave a testimony to the Tribunal for the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of Father Eustace, highlighting the importance of the relationship between the priest and the Carmelite Order. Her testimony emphasized Father Eustace's dedication and affection for the sisters and his deep connection to Carmelite spirituality.