OLD GOA: The greatest need of the Church is fresh infusion of enthusiasm and spiritual strength, said Bishop Vianney Fernando of Kandy, Sri Lanka. He was delivering the homily at the Eucharistic celebration, to mark the sainthood of Joseph Vaz at Se Cathedral, Old Goa. Fernando said that St Joseph Vaz was declared a saint on January 14, 2015 by Pope Francis and that the declaration itself was a miracle as there were many obstacles before the day could dawn.
Reflecting on the life of St Joseph Vaz, bishop Fernando reminded the congregation that it was through St Francis Xavier that we have a great missionary from Asia today. “This coastal land has become holy and blessed through the gift of St Joseph Vaz,” he added.
The bishop of Kandy said that when the church in Sri Lanka was in turmoil and Catholics had no freedom to practice their faith, St Joseph Vaz emerged as a spiritual giant and a radiant lotus. “All the Catholics were executed and imprisoned for their faith. At that juncture, God in His goodness and mercy called a humble Indian to be a lighthouse to the persecuted Catholics. St Joseph Vaz was impelled by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and he was filled with love for God and men. Vaz was chosen and destined to be Asia’s saint,” he mentioned.
Bishop Fernando stated that Vaz mastered the Tamil language, which was useful in his ministry. He said that if the Catholic Church is vibrant in Sri Lanka today, it is because of St Joseph Vaz and this saint’s life and ministry is a challenge to all of us today.
Archbishop of Mumbai, Cardinal Oswald Gracias was the main celebrant at the Eucharistic celebration, which was widely attended. At the onset, Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao welcomed the congregation, thanking God for an Asian saint to the universal church, especially to the Archdiocese of Goa.
Present on the occasion were Allwyn Baretto, bishop of Sindhudurg diocese, Peter Machado, bishop of Belgaum and several bishops of various other dioceses. Fr Aleixo Menezes proposed the vote of thanks.
