Juazeiro do Norte, Brazil – March 2025 – On Monday, March 24th, the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel in Juazeiro do Norte (CE) was filled with people who came to celebrate the Eucharist. They were there to honour the 181st anniversary of the birth of Fr. Cícero Romão Batista, the Servant of God. It was a very emotional moment for everyone who attended. Faithful from near and far joined in prayer to honor the life and work of this remarkable priest, a symbol of faith and popular devotion, who was posthumously declared a Salesian Cooperator on February 3, 2024, by Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime.

The celebration was presided over by Fr. Francisco Ataíde, SDB, Rector of the Salesian presence in Juazeiro do Norte. In his homily, Fr. Ataíde reflected on Fr. Cícero’s unwavering faith, trust in God, and deep gratitude—qualities that shaped his journey as a priest and community leader. “Fr. Cícero was a man whose faith touched the hearts of many. He is an example of how trust in God can strengthen us in the face of adversity,” Fr. Ataíde stated.

At the end of the celebration, the congregation proceeded to Fr. Cícero’s tomb at the Capela do Socorro, where they gathered in prayer in honor of this great servant of God.