The 375th birth anniversary of St. Joseph Vaz was observed on April 21 at his sanctuary in Sancoale, a village in the state of Goa, on the west coast of India, drawing clergy and lay faithful for a commemorative Mass and reflection on his missionary legacy.
St. Joseph Vaz, a Goan priest known for his mission in Sri Lanka, is widely regarded as a key figure in the development of the Catholic Church in the region.
The Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Peter Britto, Fr. Kenneth Teles, and Fr. Christopher.
In his homily, Fr. Teles referred to the day’s liturgical readings, including the witness of St. Stephen, and spoke about faith under persecution, forgiveness, and commitment to religious tradition.
He said that like St. Stephen, St. Joseph Vaz demonstrated a willingness to profess his faith despite opposition. He also highlighted the theme of forgiveness, noting parallels between Christ’s words on the cross and St. Stephen’s final prayer. Referring to the conversion of St. Paul, he pointed to the importance of conviction and continuity in faith.
The homily also outlined key aspects of St. Joseph Vaz’s missionary work in Sri Lanka. Fr. Teles described his approach as rooted in cultural adaptation, service across religious boundaries, and pastoral work carried out under restrictive conditions.
St. Joseph Vaz lived and worked among local communities, learning languages and adapting to local customs. He provided assistance during periods of illness and hardship, serving people regardless of religious background.
Historical accounts note that he initially faced suspicion from Vimaladharmasurya II, ruler of the Kingdom of Kandy, and was at one point detained. His later release and ability to continue his ministry were linked to his work among the sick and marginalized, which drew recognition from local authorities.
Operating during a period of Dutch control, St. Joseph Vaz carried out pastoral work discreetly, organizing communities and establishing places of worship across the island.
His spirituality included a personal act of consecration known as the “Letter of Bondage,” through which he entrusted his mission to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
At the end of the celebration, prayers were offered for the continued relevance of his example in present-day contexts. The gathering concluded with a brief community observance marking the anniversary.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
