A little-known fact from the history of Blessed Father Eustáquio connects the Missionary of Health and Peace to one of the most remarkable chapters in Brazilian football.

When Father Eustáquio disembarked in Brazil in 1925, he received a welcome he would certainly never forget. The port of Rio de Janeiro was packed with a crowd. Thousands of people thronged the docks, while hundreds of small, decorated boats approached the steamer. Bands played music and the people celebrated enthusiastically.

But the great tribute was not intended for the missionaries arriving in the country. The players of [the organization/organization] were also traveling on the same ship. Club Athletico Paulistano, a team that had just completed the first tour of Europe by a Brazilian club.

The campaign was historic. Paulistano won nine out of ten games played in countries like France and Switzerland, enchanting European audiences with their football. The highlight of the tour was the 7-2 thrashing of the French national team. The performance was so impressive that the European press began calling the Brazilian players... “"The Kings of Football"”.

Amidst the grand celebration at the port, his traveling companions joked with Father Eustáquio:

“"Look here; these people think they've come to honor their players, but they're mistaken; they've come to greet our Congregation."”

In his simple and good-humored way, Father Eustáquio replied:

“"Yes, I never imagined that the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts would be received with such festivity; it must be a harbinger of wonderful things to come."”

The phrase, later recorded in Congregational reports, ultimately proved prophetic.

Upon arriving in Brazil, the missionaries were welcomed in Petrópolis (RJ). While the Provincial Superior and Father Gil analyzed the invitations received for missionary work, Father Eustáquio awaited the unfolding of the mission. Shortly afterward, the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts decided to accept responsibility for the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Abbey, in Água Suja — present-day Romaria (MG).

It was there that Father Eustáquio's missionary journey in Brazilian lands began. Over the years, his dedication to the sick, the poor, and evangelization would win the hearts of thousands of people, transforming him into one of the most beloved religious figures in the country.

One hundred years after his arrival in Brazil, the curious coincidence between Father Eustáquio's landing and the return of the "Kings of Football" continues to attract attention. While the athletes were greeted by the applause of a nation passionate about the sport, the young missionary discreetly began a mission that would leave deep marks on the history of Brazilian faith.

A story that confirms what he himself sensed that day: God had in store for the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts and the future Blessed Father Eustace "wonderful things".