St. Joseph Vaz: First Saint of Srilanka and Yet another for India!
16th January, 2015
Just two days ago we celebrated the feast of a Blessed of Indian Origin, Bl. Martyr Devasagayam. That very day, the Lord deigned to raise to the altars another saint of Indian origin, but an apostle to Srilanka - St. Joseph Vaz,fondly known also as: Juze Vaz. Born in Benaolim, Goa, the Oratorian Priest decided to go as a missionary to a Dutch-Calvinists-controlled Srilanka,in 1687 and he stayed on there, until he succumbed to sickness and breathed his last on 16th January, 1711. He was canonised 2 days ago (14th January, 2015) in Srilanka by the Holy Father Pope Francis.
Joseph Vaz teaches us the following three qualities: unity within the Church, ardent sense of evangelisation and a great commitment to social justice. All these three have a great significance, especially today!