Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rio de Janeiro (Agenzia Fides) - On the evening of December 8, in the Penha district, in the north of Rio de Janeiro, 43-year-old architect Steve Maguerith Chaves do Nascimento was shot in the head while he was parking his car near the church of Nossa Senhora da Cabeça to go to mass.
Steve Maguerith Chaves do Nascimento, husband and father of a 6-year-old daughter, was an active member of the parish of Nossa Senhora da Cabeça, where he was particularly committed to preaching the Gospel and carrying out charitable works in the community. The murder occurred at 6:58 p.m., two minutes before the 7 p.m. mass that the architect usually attended.
As reported by the local press, the police are working to reconstruct what happened and the reasons for the murder. The analysis of the images captured by the parish's security cameras provided the first clues to the dynamics of the events.
The video footage shows that two men on a motorcycle approached the car. When the man realized what was about to happen, he tried to flee, but the killer fired a shot that hit him in the head and killed him instantly.
The parish priest Eufrázio Morais, who heard the shot, reports: "He was one of our parishioners. His family is very committed, they are active members of the parish. He attended mass every Sunday at 7 p.m." According to the priest's report to the local media, violence and robberies are a constant occurrence in the area where the church is located. It is not uncommon for believers to be robbed on their way to church.
What happened, continued Father Morais, "is not uncommon. We are like hostages. Unfortunately, violence is common here. We suffer greatly from it. Unfortunately, it happens again and again. And the police are almost completely absent."
Yesterday, Steve Marghuerit Chaves do Nascimento was buried in the parish where he was killed and where he served, in the presence of the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro, Antônio Catelan. In a statement, the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro expressed its regret for the loss of this parishioner: "It is with deep regret that the Archdiocese of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro reaches out to the family, the parish priest and all the parishioners of the parish of 'Nossa Senhora da Cabeça' following the loss of Steve Maguerith Chaves do Nascimento. In this time of mourning, we wish to express our sincere condolences and support. Steve was an active presence in our community, to which he always contributed with love and dedication. May the memories of his life and contributions inspire us to follow Jesus Christ."
"May God comfort the hearts of the bereaved and give peace to their souls. Let us remain united in prayer and seek the strength needed to overcome this difficult time. The Archdiocese stands by everyone in this time of grief. May the divine light illuminate Steve's path on his new journey," the statement concludes. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 11/12/2024)
