Parish worker Steve Maguerith Chaves do Nascimento, a member of the parish of Nossa Senhora da Cabeça, was shot dead on the evening of December 8. The 43-year-old architect was a husband and a father of a young girl. He was an active member of the parish, where he was a valuable member who was committed to preaching and doing charitable works for the community.

“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”

said Eufrázio Morais, parish priest of Nossa Senhora da Cabeça. The priest added that the area where the church is located is dangerous. Parishioners going to the church and getting robbed is not a rare sight.

By analyzing the footage of the church security camera about the incident, the police are trying to reconstruct the attack. The camera image shows Steve Maguerith Chaves do Nascimento arriving at the parking lot nearby the church by car. Then two men on a motorcycle approach him but realising his situation,  he tried to flee. That’s when the men fired a shot, hitting him in the head.

His funeral was held on December 10 in the presence of Antônio Catelan, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro. The Archdiocese released a statement, expressing their sadness over the loss of Steve Maguerith Chaves do Nascimento and their support for his family and his community.

Source: Agenzia Fides