Since arriving in Brazil in 1925, Father Eustáquio dedicated his life to Brazilians, especially the poor and suffering. His words of comfort and his prayers brought solace to the most needy. That is why the Blessed One was so sought after wherever he went.

Already in Romaria, the first city where Father Eustáquio effectively developed his missionary work, thousands of faithful sought out the Dutch priest so that he could pray for the sick and bless water, which would be taken to bedridden people who were unable to go to the priest.

When the Blessed One moved to Poá-SP, the demand grew even more. Everyone wanted a word from the priest who prayed with so much love and zeal for the convalescents.

In a letter Father Eustáquio sent to his family while he was still living in the city of São Paulo, he spoke about the missionary work he was carrying out and how he needed everyone's prayers.

Read an excerpt below:

“Tell everyone that, thank God, we are still well, that we are overwhelmed with work, and that we need many, many prayers. We are experiencing unusual times here: every day thousands of sick people come to visit me, and I receive hundreds of letters asking for a prayer. God has granted me many graces to share with my neighbor.”

Until his death in 1943 in Belo Horizonte, Father Eustáquio continued his missionary work of prayer for the poor and sick, leaving us with a beautiful prayer:

“"Oh Jesus, by the blood you shed, and by the tears of your Most Holy Mother, grant sight to the blind, walking to the paralyzed, health to the sick, and peace to all who suffer and are in pain, amen!"”