The solemn feast of St Joseph Vaz, Patron of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, was celebrated on 16 January 2026 at the site of the Old Church of Our Lady of Health, Rua Escravo de Maria, Sancoale, Goa, in southwest India.
St Joseph Vaz (1651–1711), Goa’s first canonised saint, was a zealous missionary, apostle of Sri Lanka, and a tireless shepherd of souls. Leaving behind comfort and security, he dedicated his life to proclaiming the Gospel, especially among persecuted Catholics. Disguised as a labourer, he travelled extensively across Sri Lanka, ministering to the faithful in secret, administering the sacraments, and reviving Christian communities at great personal risk. Known for his deep humility, austere life, and profound devotion to the Eucharist and Mother Mary, St Joseph Vaz embodied selfless service and unwavering faith. His life and mission continue to inspire generations to live the Gospel with courage, compassion, and missionary zeal.
In heartfelt testimonies shared with Radio Veritas Asia, devotees from across Goa, spoke how the life, mission, and intercession of St Joseph Vaz continue to touch and transform lives. These personal witness accounts reflect the enduring legacy of the Goan saint and the deep faith he inspires among the faithful.
Living the faith
Manusha Jacques from Divar traces her devotion to St Joseph Vaz to her first visit to Sancoale during the annual walking pilgrimage. It was there that she began to learn more about the saint’s life and mission. Deeply moved by his witness, she found herself drawn to his virtues and gradually sought to imbibe them in her own life. For Manusha, the saint’s life has become a concrete guide for everyday Christian living. “After knowing his life and mission, I was truly impressed; St Joseph Vaz’s example inspires me to live my Catholic faith more sincerely and faithfully.”
Constant Spiritual Guide
Daniel F. de Souza of Vasco speaks of his deep and enduring devotion to St Joseph Vaz, a faith that has grown stronger since the saint’s canonisation in 2015. For over three decades, St Joseph Vaz has been a constant spiritual guide in his life. Witnessing elderly and infirm devotees being brought to the novena services at Sancoale deeply moves him and reaffirms his belief in the power of faith. For Daniel, the ever-growing crowds at the shrine are a sign that devotion to this Goan saint continues to flourish. He firmly believes that St Joseph Vaz will keep inspiring lives rooted in humility, service, and sacrifice.
Profound Devotion to Mother Mary
Inspired by the founder of her Congregation, Fr Faustino D’Souza, who actively promoted the cause of St Joseph Vaz, Sr Livia Nunes gradually developed a deep personal devotion to the Goan saint. Reflecting on his selfless missionary journey and profound devotion to Mother Mary, she found a guiding light for her own religious vocation. His life of compassion, humility, and unwavering faith continues to shape her daily commitment to serve others with love. As a religious sister, she sees in St Joseph Vaz not only a saint from Goan soil but a living model of consecrated life. “His life inspires me to live my religious calling with deeper faith, compassion, and Marian devotion.”
Devotion that Shapes Life
Effy Dourado of Sancoale speaks of a devotion to St Joseph Vaz that has been passed down through generations. Rooted in the faith of her parents and grandparents, devotion to the Goan saint has shaped her family life, with Effy and her siblings actively serving as volunteers at the sanctuary and the Old Church. Her faith is strengthened by personal experiences of grace, including healing from a serious illness in her youth and protection during a severe fall in Sri Lanka. “I truly experienced the closeness and grace of St Joseph Vaz in my life.”
Faith and Perseverance
Priscilla D’Melo, 79, from Old Goa, has been a devoted pilgrim to Sancoale for many years, even before the beatification of St Joseph Vaz. Her deep faith in the Goan saint was strengthened through a personal experience of healing, which she attributes to his intercession after suffering due to wrong medication. Inspired by the life and virtues of St Joseph Vaz, she continues to draw strength from his example of faith and perseverance. Adding a deeply personal dimension to her devotion, Priscilla celebrates her birthday on 16 January, the feast day of St Joseph Vaz. “For me, his presence has always been a source of healing and grace.”
Legacy of Faith
Francis de Tuem, a well-known Konkani singer from Goa, has released a devotional song on St Joseph Vaz on YouTube with the intention of spreading greater devotion to the Goan saint. Moved by testimonies shared by devotees—especially childless couples who experienced the grace of parenthood through the intercession of St Joseph Vaz—he sought to give musical expression to their faith and gratitude. Through this song, Francis hopes to inspire trust in God and draw more people closer to the life, mission, and intercessory power of St Joseph Vaz, whose legacy of faith continues to touch lives in profound and personal ways.
