Remembering Salesians Killed at Araguaiana

Remembering the Salesians Killed at Araguaiana

São Marcos and Meruri communities celebrate Mass on 90th anniversary

(ANS – Araguaiana, Brazil – Nov. 22, 2024) - On Friday, November 15, Republic Day in Brazil, the São Marcos and Meruri communities celebrated a Mass in Araguaiana in the state of Mato Grosso at the tomb of the Salesian martyrs Fr. João (Johann) Fuchs and Fr. Pedro Sacilotti, in honor of the 90th anniversary of their killing, which took place on November 1, 1934.

The celebration was led by Fr. João Bosco Maciel Monteiro, vice director of the Meruri community, accompanied by other Salesians: Fr. Beatus Volkmar Tola, Fr. Angelo Cesar 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 also were murdered in a similar situation.

P. João Fuchs, P. Pedro Saciolotti
 e índios Carajá

Frs. Fuchs and Sacilotti were Salesian missionaries dedicated to the evangelization of the indigenous communities of the Mato Grosso region, particularly the Bororos and the Xavantes. 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 Frs. Fuchs and Sacilotti was rooted in the 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. Their dedication put them in situations of great risk, however, especially when confronted with economic interests that threatened the populations they protected.

On November 1, 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 Campo Grande Province