Last weekend was a time of celebration for devotees of Blessed Father Eustáquio in Romaria, in the Triângulo Mineiro region. The faithful participated in masses, novenas, triduums, and processions in honor of the Blessed.

Because of the Feast of Our Lady of the Abbey of Água Suja, held in August, Father Eustáquio's Day is celebrated by devotees in the region on November 3rd, the date of the Blessed's birthday. This year, the 129th anniversary of the religious figure's birth was commemorated, and devotees who went to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Abbey and the Father Eustáquio Oratory were able to meet the Blessed's nephew. Will van den Boomen (in the blue shirt in the photo) came from the Netherlands to learn about and participate in the celebrations commemorating his uncle. Will was enchanted by the faith and devotion of the people.

Father Eustáquio van Lieshout was born in Aarle Rixtel, Netherlands, in 1890. He came from a large and very religious family. Of the nine children, in addition to Father Eustáquio, two of his sisters also followed religious vocations. His parents were Mr. Guilherme and Mrs. Elizabete.

He was baptized on the same day he was born. In 1901, he received his First Communion and was confirmed in 1904. Nearing his 15th birthday in 1905, he entered the seminary of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts