The delegation of 26 people arrived this Tuesday in Aarle Rixtel, the Dutch city where Blessed Father Eustace was born. The Brazilians, including three priests and a brother from the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts, were received by the Blessed's nephews, the city's mayor, and devotees of Father Eustace.

The bus carrying the Brazilian delegation arrived at the city's main church around noon local time, 7 am Brasília time. In front of the church, the Brazilians were greeted with a celebration and an honor known as a flag salute, usually presented on extremely important occasions.

Welcomed by the mayor of Aarle Rixtel, Frank van der Meijden, and Father Eustace's nephews, Will van den Boomen and Jam van den Boomen, the Brazilians witnessed the brotherhood's reception, with visitors dressed in traditional local clothing. Afterwards, the group went to the Church of St. Michael, where Eustace was baptized. There, they saw the baptismal font, which is preserved to this day.

Before arriving at the house where Father Eustáquio was born, the pilgrims stopped at the Dokter Timmerslaan Cemetery to visit the van Lieshout family tomb, where the remains of Eustáquio's father, Guilherme Lieshout, are located. Following this, they arrived at the house where the Blessed was born. There, the Brazilians took photos, prayed, and were moved by their presence.

Father Vinícius Maciel, SSCC, vice-postulator of the Cause of Canonization, emphasized to a Dutch TV crew that accompanied the arrival of the Brazilians the importance of this place for the devotees. “This visit and warm welcome express a deep friendship between Brazil and the Netherlands. We are very moved to be here, together with your nephews and compatriots.”

Next, a lunch was offered by the local authorities. The city's mayor and the Blessed's family also presented gifts to the group before they departed from Aarle Rixtel. The event had a great impact on the city and was the subject of reports in several local media outlets, including Omroep PeelRand TV (SEE THE REPORT HERE) and the news website mooilaarbeek.nl (READ THE ARTICLE HERE).