TEAM HERALD
CORTALIM: Recalling the heroic deeds of the Apostle of Sri Lanka Blessed Joseph Vaz, who led the way in saving the dying faith of Sri Lankan Catholics, Sri Lankan Priest Fr Linius stated that Goans priests played an important role in saving Catholics in the island nation.
In his homily, Fr Linius, the senior-most of the 25 Lankan priests who participated in the 363rd birth anniversary celebrations of Blessed Vaz at Sancoale Sanctuary, said that European missionaries were banned from entering the Island nation by Dutch Calvinist.
“Due to the persecution from the Dutch Calvinist, the European missionaries were helpless in saving the Catholic faith. But it was due to the courage shown by Vaz, who not only managed to enter the island nation but also began his missionary works in disguise to help rebuild the church. The fragrance of Fr Vaz still lives on in the heart of Lankan Catholics,” Fr Linius said.
“After Blessed Vaz was given the freedom to practice his religion in Kandy by the King, many Goan priests ~ Fr Jose Carvalho, Fr Jose Menezes, Fr Jacob Gonsalves, Fr Jose Almeida worked with Blessed Vaz and died in the Island nation to rebuild the Catholic faith,” added Fr Linius.
Fr Linius, who hails from Kandy where Blessed Vaz was buried, said that research is going on to locate his tomb. The devotees were also called upon to encourage vocations among their children by emulating the values and life of Blessed Joseph Vaz and also to pray for his canonisation.
On the occasion, a souvenir on Blessed Joseph Vaz edited by the Assistant Parish Priest Fr Ronaldo was also released.
