During the Eucharistic celebration, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Rev Filipe Neri Ferrao urged the congregation to follow the example of St Joseph Vaz and be instruments of mercy in the family, community and society.
Reflecting on the words of St Paul, who considered proclamation of God’s word not as a pride, but duty, the Archbishop said that St Joseph Vaz is a model for every Christian family. He reminded that St Joseph was the protector of families as he was a priest from a model family.
Focusing on the theme ‘St Joseph Vaz, protector of families, instrument of God’s mercy’, Ferrao stated that the parents of the Goan saint laid the foundation of God’s love and service to neighbours in his heart. “Practically all virtues like mercy, forgiveness were seen in this ideal family. Devotion towards Mass, Rosary, Sacrament of reconciliation grew in this family of prayer,” he added.
Rev Ferrao also informed that St Joseph was a protector of families, especially those addicted to alcohol, and he imparted Christian values to those who lived an immodest life. He said, “In our families, prayer needs to be given prime importance. Through the Eucharist, let us make our families like the family of Nazareth.”
With Pope Francis declaring this year as the Year of Mercy, Ferrao said that St Joseph Vaz experienced God’s mercy through the sacrament of confession and he is a model of mercy. “During four years of priestly ministry in Karwar and Mangalore and 24 years in Sri Lanka, not only through confession, but through his life St Joseph Vaz was a model of mercy to the suffering and the weak,” he added.
On the occasion, ‘Bhavarthachi Yatra,’ a book based on St Joseph Vaz penned by writer Daniel F D’Souza was released by Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao.
