On the morning of May 4, Alberto Toutin sscc and Fernando Cordero sscc visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Abadia, accompanied by Alexandre de Campos sscc and Almir Jordan, coordinator of the Secular Branch in Patrocínio. Romaria is a small town closely linked to the life of Blessed Eustáquio and the Congregation.
Blessed Eustáquio van Lieshout lived in what was then called Água Suja, now Romaria, between 1925 and 1935, where he carried out intense pastoral work at the Shrine of Nossa Senhora da Abadia. He was known for his closeness to the poor and the sick, for promoting pilgrimages, and for encouraging the construction of the new shrine, turning the town into an important center of faith in the Triângulo Mineiro region. His dedication and reputation for holiness deeply marked the population, who remembered him as a humble, charitable, and greatly beloved priest.
After visiting and praying at the shrine, they met Anita Miranda, accompanied by her daughter. Anita had met Father Eustáquio when she was four years old: “I remember that many people were crying. That frightened me, and I have never forgotten it.” Anita, now 94 years old, recalls the deep sorrow of the town when Blessed Eustáquio left for a new mission. She has never forgotten it.
They also visited the museum and the garden of medicinal plants that Fr. Eustáquio used in his healing ministry. They later had lunch at the rectory with one of the priests and the staff who work at the shrine.
In the afternoon, a community meeting took place with Élcio and Alexandre, the SSCC brothers serving in Patrocínio. The community has recently been reduced from three to two brothers, resulting in a heavier workload for the two religious, who are handling it with dedication and mutual understanding. The Congregation is highly appreciated in the city. They must continue reflecting on how to be an sscc parish, taking into account what the Diocese expects. During the meeting, they also spoke about the option for youth and the need for evaluation in pastoral activity.
The visit concluded with a meeting with the parish pastoral council of Saint Damien of Molokai Parish, where participants shared how their different ministries nourish their life of faith through parish unity, the support of the priests, prayer, and being a living community.
The eight areas that make up the pastoral plan help with organization and are attractive (youth, prayer, administration, liturgy, the Word, charity, and family). In a parish with more than 50 groups, organizing into areas helps coordination, as does having a representative from each community. It was also highlighted how the SSCC brothers may change, but the Congregation provides stability regardless of which SSCC brother is present. It is an outgoing parish with a strong communications ministry made up of 25 members distinguished by their dedication and creativity. They also discussed the presence in the rural communities of the parish and the awakening of vocations, in which everyone must be involved. At the end of the meeting, Alberto encouraged everyone to “continue walking together.”
05/05/2026