Today we celebrate the feast day of Saint Benedict, one of the most venerated saints in the Catholic Church. And, amidst these celebrations, it is interesting to recall a remarkable episode involving Father Eustáquio, who was at the monastery dedicated to the Saint in Rio de Janeiro in June 1941.

Fresh from Poá, São Paulo, Father Eustáquio arrived at the Monastery of São Bento in Rio de Janeiro. He stayed there and celebrated Mass with the monks. However, the Blessed's presence did not go unnoticed. The crowds, moved by faith and admiration for the Dutch priest, began to search for him incessantly.

Saint Benedict Monastery in Rio de Janeiro

The situation became untenable. According to the testimony of Father Guido Logger, given to the Tribunal for the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of Father Eustáquio in Belo Horizonte on April 9, 1963, the Cardinal Archbishop ordered Father Eustáquio to leave Rio de Janeiro to avoid sensationalism and exploitation by the press.

“I heard reports in our community that the Cardinal Archbishop had advised, I mean, had ordered, that Father Eustáquio leave Rio at eleven o'clock at night, in order to avoid sensationalism and exploitation by the press. At that hour of the night, even without having finished his breviary, Father Eustáquio retired to the Monastery of São Bento. The following morning he left Rio.”