The vice-postulator of the Cause of Canonization of Blessed Father Eustáquio, Fr. Marcus Vinícius Maciel, ss.cc, celebrates 40 years of entry into the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts this Thursday, February 11th. The event is marked by the profession of temporary vows by religious, which, in the case of Father Vinícius, occurred in 1981.

The ceremony was held in the São José Operário chapel, located in the Congregation's house in Pindamonhangaba-SP. Dom Vitor Tielbeek, ss.cc, who was bishop in the diocese of Formosa-GO, was invited to preside over the celebration.

D. Vitor Tielbeek, ss.cc., presided over the celebration.

In addition to the young Vinícius Maciel, two other novices were admitted to the Congregation.The following individuals were initiated on that day: Júlio César Rhems and Alois Pfifer. The three of them participated in the first joint novitiate and the first religious profession with brothers from the two Provinces that the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts had in Brazil at the time.

Interestingly, who received Father Vin's temporary vows?Icius was the priest. Aníbal Lasafá, ss.cc., who was the provincial at the time and would later (1983) become vice-postulator of the Cause of Canonization of Father Eustáquio.

Currently, Father Marcus Vinícius is the vice-postulator. He also serves as parish priest of the Sacred Hearts Parish in Belo Horizonte, in addition to presiding over the Padre Eustáquio Daycare Center.