Celebrating the 180th anniversary of the Nossa Senhora do Patrocínio Parish, the community of Patrocínio experienced unforgettable moments last weekend. On Friday, the Santa Luzia Church reopened its doors after revitalization. The program began with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and the inauguration of the bust of Blessed Father Eustáquio in the square in front of the church. The work was a request made by councilwoman Marcilene Jacinto. Immediately afterwards, to the sound of the “Abel Ferreira” band, devotees were able to explore the interior of the temple. There was also a performance by the Coral do Cerrado choir from Uberaba.
On Saturday, a procession through the city streets carried the Relics of Father Eustáquio to the churchyard. On that occasion, the vice-postulator of the Cause of Canonization of Father Eustáquio, Fr. Marcus Vinícius Maciel, SSCC, handed over to the Bishop of the Diocese of Patos de Minas, Dom Frei Cláudio Nori Sturm, OFM, a reliquary containing a piece of the Blessed's bone and part of the ornamentation used on the religious's coffin. Following this, a solemn mass was celebrated by the bishop for the dedication of the church.
The city's mayor, Deiró Marra, expressed his joy and satisfaction on his social media accounts regarding the recording and preservation of this historic moment: “"Father Eustáquio, who resided among us, was Chaplain in this church, filling our land with pride. He is a symbol of human holiness, with his examples of faith and charity. Congratulations to the Parish of Our Lady of Patronage for the magnificent work.".

Father Eustáquio in Patrocínio

News of miraculous healings drew many people to Father Eustáquio's location in Poá, São Paulo. Authorities requested the transfer of the kind priest due to the disturbances he was causing in the small town, which had received thousands of faithful. At that time, Father Eustáquio was banned from all major centers in Brazil. His refuge became the convent of the priests in Patrocínio, Minas Gerais, at the then-D. Lustosa Gymnasium, starting on October 13, 1941. The chapel of Santa Luzia was his field of work, but with serious restrictions. He could only attend to people and give blessings in the confessional, where he would spend seven to eight hours a day. Without complaint, Father Eustáquio accepted all the conditions. In Patrocínio, he experienced renewed vigor. But he remained there for only four months, from October 1941 to February 1942. He himself wrote in December 1941:

[blockquote footer=”Father Eustáquio”]“I went to the retreat and had the joy of being able to intensely tend to my own soul and especially recommend the intentions that so many people ask of me. Thanks be to God, every day I witness some conversions. People who for years and years lived far from God and the Church, I see returning to the arms of our Divine Master. How much the Heart of Jesus must overflow with true joy! And I feel no less happy with so many spiritual resurrections. Winning souls, alleviating pain and suffering, that is my great ideal, inspired by God!”[/blockquote]