Anyone visiting the Quintas da Serra neighborhood in the city of Caeté, in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, right at the foot of the Sanctuary of the Patron Saint of Minas Gerais, is surprised by the magnitude and beauty of a temple being built on private property. The site is the residence and workshop of the sacred art craftsman Joel Matias, known throughout the region for the beauty of his works sculpted in different materials, and will serve as a point of pilgrimage for the faithful in honor of Blessed Father Eustáquio, who is on the path to becoming a saint.

It all began after a promise made by the lawyer and former mayor of Caeté, Ademir Carvalho, who received a blessing through the intercession of Father Eustáquio. “My son Jair contracted spotted fever after participating in a horseback riding event in Caeté. He fell into a deep coma, and it was difficult to diagnose the disease. Then, someone told me to pray to Father Eustáquio, who died from this disease, which is transmitted by ticks. I went to the church where his tomb is in Belo Horizonte and prayed for my son. When I arrived at the hospital, I saw my son come out of the coma and progressively improve until he recovered. At that point, I made a promise to build a shrine in honor of Father Eustáquio.”, said Ademir.

Based on this fact, Ademir sought out Joel, who had long harbored a devotion to the Dutch priest who died in Belo Horizonte with a reputation for holiness, and together they spearheaded the audacious project that has been underway for about a year.

“The oratory will be named after Our Lady of the Annunciation and Blessed Father Eustace. The title of Our Lady was chosen because of the relic from the house of the Virgin Mary that the Sanctuary received some time ago. As for Blessed Father Eustace, it was chosen because of my devotion and also that of Ademir, who was one of the inspirers of the work.”, "said Joel.".

The oratory, which will have seating for 80 people, is Gothic in style and strongly inspired by aspects of Catholic theology, from the dimensions and shapes of the altars to the design of the finishes. An image of the Blessed One has already been donated by a devotee and will soon be installed above the entrance to the oratory. There is no date yet for the inauguration of the site, which should also serve as a place for religious meetings and training. And if authorized by ecclesiastical authorities, the oratory may also host wedding and baptism celebrations. Faithful and devotees who wish to do so may also make donations.

Article by João Eduardo S. Mariana, published in the newspaper Opinião (Caeté-MG)