These words concisely express the meaning of the Eucharistic celebration in the parish church of Our Lady of the Most Holy Sacrament and of the Holy Canadian Martyrs in Rome on 4 February 2024, presided over by Father Eugênio Barbosa Martins, the former Superior General who has been recently appointed a bishop by Pope Francis This beautiful celebration involved the participation of the faithful, among whom there were a large representtation of the Neocatecumenal communities, SSS religious from the communities of the General Curia (those present in Rome) and the international community of “the Canadian holy martyrs”. The superior of the community of San Claudio in Rome, Father Giancarlo Breda, was also present at the Mass that was attended by around 350 of the faithful.
Through the initiative of the Parish Pastoral Council, this Mass was an opportunity to thank the Lord for Father Eugênio’s presence for 13 years in the General House situated in the territory of the Parish. His presence was for the parish an example of collaboration, fraternal communion and prayer (through his participation in Masses, adorations, teachings, etc.). The joy and thanksgiving were enhanced by the celebration on the same day of the festal commemoration of the birth of Saint Peter-Julian Eymard.
In his homily, after recalling the latest events that have taken place in the Congregation’s onward journey, namely, the end of his mandate and the appointment of the new Superior General Father Philip Benzy Romician on the one hand, then his own next mission as the new bishop of the diocese of São Joâo da Boa Vista on the other hand, Father Eugênio commented on the biblical texts of the day (Jn15:1-8 in the proper liturgy), while also elaborating Saint Peter-Julian Eymard qualities, which are linked to the perseverance of Jacob (Gen 28:10-22); he then highlighted the way of life of the first Christian community (Acts 4:32-35), a good example of the witness of Christian life or Eucharistic life.
Finally, the beautiful image of the vineyard (Jesus) and the vinedresser (God the Father) in St John’s narrative constituted the epicentre of Father Eugênio’s teaching that he communicated to the assembly. Indeed, the collaboration of the Father with the Son, symbolized by the mystery of the Vine-Vinedresser relationship, encompasses the secret of attachment and friendship with God. This is the orientation that Saint Peter-Julian Eymard taught through his dedication to the service of the Eucharist, motivated by his pastoral and spiritual initiatives: the creation of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament and the Sister Servants of the Blessed Sacrament.
The celebration closed with a speech made by the Parish Priest of the parish, Father Nicaise Milandou Semo, to Father Eugênio and the assembly, the presentation of the new Superior General to the parishioners, and words of gratitude of the president, Monsignor Eugênio Barbosa Martins. All ended with the final blessing and refreshments in the parish garden.
Prior to this celebration, on the 21st of January, few friends and both the communities came together to thank Bishop-elect Mons. Eugenio and to assure our prayers and good wishes for his new call and mission. His qualities of simplicity, compassion, and listening were highlighted in our sharings.
And on the 24th of January, the curia community along with the house collaborators, Fr. Giulio Maccali and Ing. Franco, celebrated the 36th anniversary of his priestly ordination. The following words were inscribed in the souvenir that was presented to him as a token of love and respect.
Dear Fr. Eugenio Barbosa Martins sss
Thank you so much for your mission as Superior General for our congregation from 2011 to 2023.
You lead us on the path shown by our Holy Founder Peter Julian Eymard.
You inspired us to be faithful to our Charism.
You motivated us to live our Eucharistic Spirituality and Eucharistic Mission.
You brought us together as one Eymardian Family.
You encouraged us with your simplicity and compassion.
With grateful hearts, we thank you for the service you rendered.
We assure you of our prayers.
Father Nicaise Milandou Semo, sss
Parish Priest of the church of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament
and the Canadian Martyrs
Rome
Here is the official invitation to the Episcopal Ordination of Mgr Eugênio.
“Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet.” (Jn 13:5)
The diocese of São João da Boa Vista and the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, filled with a great sentiment of gratitude to God, has the honour of inviting you to the episcopal ordination of Mgr Eugênio Barbosa Martins, sss, and to his canonical induction as the 7th diocesan bishop of this same diocese, which Saint John XXIII called “Saint John in Brazil”.
The Solemn Eucharistic Celebration will be held on 7 April in the year of the Lord 2024, the second Sunday of Easter – Divine Mercy Sunday, at 9 am at the Community Integration Centre (CIC) of São João da Boa Vista – SP.
