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Alberto Toutin sscc and Fernando Cordero arrived on May 1 in Patrocínio to continue the canonical visitation in Brazil. They took part in the celebration of the community of Dourados, one of the eight rural chapels that make up the Parish of Saint Damien of Molokai, which also has six other chapels in the city. Patrocínio ranks first among the municipalities that produce the most coffee in Brazil.
On May 2, the visitors spoke personally with the two brothers who make up the SSCC Patrocínio community: Élcio Rubens Mota and Alexandre de Campos Leite (parish priest). They also met with Luiz Antonio da Silva. In the afternoon, before the Eucharist in the parish church, they visited the site of the future church of Blessed Father Eustaquio, in the presence of the architect, Mr. Cerli, and his wife, who actively participate in the life of the parish community. This church will be inspired by the Sanctuary of Health and Peace in Belo Horizonte, featuring on its façade the details indicated by Father Eustaquio himself: three doors (symbol of the Trinity), the seven sacraments, and the twelve apostles. The architect explained the different aspects of the project through the plans that have already been designed. Alberto expressed gratitude for all the work being done and encouraged everyone to continue moving forward with the construction.
On May 3, in the morning, they celebrated the Eucharist at the Church of Our Lady of Fatima. In the afternoon, they met at the SSCC community with Cláudio Nori Sturm, bishop of the Diocese of Patos de Minas, who emphasized the importance of the contribution of religious life in his Diocese, where there are several women’s congregations but only two men’s congregations: the Capuchins and the Sacred Hearts.
During the conversation, they discussed the diocesan pastoral plan, which outlines the synodal journey of the entire universal Church. He highlighted the importance of listening to young people and the need to continue forming leaders. They also spoke about the future parish of Blessed Eustaquio in Patrocínio and the strong devotion in the city to the Dutch missionary, as well as the pilgrimages made to Romaria to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Abadia. He also emphasized the deeply missionary figure of Saint Damien of Molokai. There was also time to discuss the Christian reinitiation of adults and training in artificial intelligence. The visitors expressed their gratitude for the Bishop’s visit and for such a rich time of conversation.
Afterwards, they met with the Secular Branch group of Patrocínio, who shared how the community functions and their commitment in different services. The visitors encouraged them to visit other groups of the Secular Branch. They especially value the ELARS gatherings in Latin America and the virtual meetings. They place special importance on silent adoration and formation.
To conclude the Sunday afternoon, Alberto and Fernando met with the young people of the Parish of Saint Damien of Molokai, specifically with the EJC and EAC groups (Encounter of Young People and Adolescents with Christ). The young people shared testimonies about how, through these encounters, they have drawn closer in a different way to Christ, Mary, their friends, and the Gospel, with a deep spirit of gratitude and joy. They also spoke about what they would change in the Church and how to attract other young people to it. The meeting concluded with songs and youthful dances.
05/04/2026