Father Eustáquio had a great devotion to the mother of Jesus, especially Our Lady of the Abbey, an affection he developed as soon as he arrived in Brazil. Learn about the Blessed Father's story with the saint.

Upon arriving in Brazil in 1925, Father Eustáquio began living in Água Suja, now Romaria-MG, a city nationally known at the time for its devotion to Our Lady of the Abbey. His experience within the community and participation in the local faith led Father Eustáquio to develop a great devotion to the Saint.

During the patron saint's festival, the number of visitors to the city was so high that a larger structure was needed to accommodate the faithful. Therefore, Father Eustáquio proceeded with the construction of the new Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Abbey of Água Suja.

The Blessed One won the hearts of the faithful who lived there and of people who came from elsewhere. So much so that when he was transferred, the residents besieged the rectory and removed the town's cattle grids in order to prevent the Dutch priest from leaving.