Between July 31st and August 2nd, the Vice-Postulation of the Cause of Canonization of Blessed Father Eustáquio held the first edition of the project "Paths of Father Eustáquio – Cause of Canonization on Mission," an initiative that aims to bring the history, spirituality, and devotion to the Missionary of Health and Peace to the cities marked by his presence and work.

The mission was led by the vice-postulator of the Cause of Canonization, Father Vinícius Maciel, SS.CC., accompanied by the Cause of Canonization team, and covered the municipalities of Patrocínio, Estrela do Sul, Romaria, and Cascalho Rico, in Minas Gerais.

In addition to the lectures, celebrations, and moments of spirituality, one gesture marked the entire pilgrimage. In each city visited, participants were invited to sign pages that will later form a Book of Gratitude to the Dutch people, in recognition of the great gift given to Brazil: Blessed Father Eustáquio. The material will be sent to the Netherlands as an expression of gratitude from Brazilian devotees.

Sponsorship: commemorating 100 years since the first visit

The mission began in Patrocínio. In the afternoon, the team visited the Dom Lustosa School, where they were received by the director, Wender Rodrigo Ferreira. There, they visited the building where Father Eustáquio lived between October 13, 1941, and February 2, 1942, preserving the memory of an important period of his priestly mission.

In the evening, a gathering was held at the Berlaar Nossa Senhora do Patrocínio School, bringing together devotees and community members to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Father Eustáquio's first visit to the region.

The lecture was led by Father Vinícius Maciel, who highlighted the continued relevance of the testimony of the Missionary of Health and Peace and the importance of spreading his story so that more and more people may learn about his life and ask for his intercession.

On that occasion, the Cause for Canonization presented the community with a traveling oratory, which will now visit families and communities in the region, strengthening devotion to the Blessed. The team also brought devotional objects related to the history of Father Eustáquio, arousing great interest among the participants.

Southern Star: Strengthening the mission of devotees

At the end of the meeting, those present signed the pages that will be included in the Book of Thanks to the Netherlands.

The following day, the mission continued to Estrela do Sul, where it was welcomed by the Friends of Father Eustáquio of Estrela do Sul group, responsible for organizing the meeting.

After a time of fellowship and a shared coffee, the participants were able to venerate important relics connected to the Blessed: the Holy Face, painted by Father Eustáquio himself, and the box containing personal objects used by him during his priestly life.

Next, Leandro Castro, a researcher at the Padre Eustáquio Museum, gave a lecture on the history of the Blessed and his missionary work in the Triângulo Mineiro region.

One of the most significant moments was the presentation of a first-degree relic to the Friends of Father Eustáquio group, carried out by Father Vinícius Maciel. The relic will be used in missionary visits and moments of prayer, further strengthening devotion to the Blessed.

Also participating in the meeting were members of a prayer group from Araguari (MG), who received a pilgrim chapel of Blessed Father Eustáquio, intended for future pilgrimages and prayer meetings in the city.

The activities concluded with the celebration of Holy Mass at the Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima.

Pilgrimage: a return to the beginning of the mission in Brazil

In Romaria (MG), formerly Água Suja, the place where Father Eustáquio began his mission in Brazilian lands.

The team visited the miraculous image of Our Lady of the Abbey and participated in a meeting with people who research and have written about the life of the Blessed, promoting a rich moment of sharing about his story.

That evening, Father Vinícius Maciel concelebrated Holy Mass and presented a relic of Blessed Father Eustáquio to the Parish of Our Lady of the Abbey of Patrimônio, in Uberlândia, expanding the presence of devotion to the Missionary of Health and Peace in the Archdiocese.

Cascalho Rico: procession, enthronement, and strengthening of devotion.

The mission concluded in Cascalho Rico, formerly Rio das Pedras, a town served by Father Eustáquio during his ministry in Romaria. The welcome was marked by a procession with the image of the Blessed, bringing together the faithful in a public demonstration of devotion.

Following that, Father Vinícius gave a talk about the life, mission, and canonization process of the Missionary of Health and Peace.

The highlight of the program was the Holy Mass, followed by the enthronement of the image of Blessed Father Eustáquio and a relic on the side altar of the São João Batista Parish Church, perpetuating the presence of the Blessed in the community and strengthening the devotion of the faithful.