The celebration was led by Fr João Bosco Maciel Monteiro, Vice-Rector of the Meruri community, accompanied by other Salesians Fr Beatus Volkmar Tola, Fr Ângelo César Cenerino and Fr Douglas Chrystiano Silva Souza. During the Mass, prayers were also said in memory of Fr Rudolf Lunkenbein, a Salesian missionary, and the indigenous Simão Bororo, who were also murdered in similar situations.
Fr João Fuchs and Fr Pedro Sacilotti were Salesian missionaries dedicated to the evangelisation of the indigenous communities of the Mato Grosso region, particularly the Bororo and the Xavante. They worked in a period of intense challenges, facing not only cultural and geographical barriers, but also hostilities arising from defending the indigenous peoples against invaders of their lands and exploiters.
The mission of Fr Fuchs and Fr Sacilotti was rooted in the Salesian charism of St John Bosco, focusing on education and promoting the welfare of the most vulnerable populations. They worked to integrate the Christian faith with local values and traditions, promoting the respect and dignity of indigenous communities. However, their dedication put them in situations of great risk, especially when confronted with economic interests that threatened the populations they protected.
On 1 November 1934, both missionaries were assassinated near Rio das Mortes, while defending the rights of indigenous communities against land invaders. Their killing was regarded as the ultimate sacrifice of their lives for their faith and the cause of justice. They have been remembered ever since as examples of dedication and missionary courage.
Source: Salesians in BCG Province
