The day all Goans have been waiting for will dawn on Wednesday, 14th January. A son of the soil, a 16th century cleric Blessed Joseph Vaz, will be canonized by Pope Francis from Galle Face Green stadium, at Colombo, Sri Lanka.
It was on 17th September of last year, when Vatican Information Services (VIS) published the decrees of the congregation for the causes of saints. The pontiff approved the votes of ordinary session of the cardinal and bishop fathers in favour of the canonization of Blessed Joseph Vaz, Indian priest of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri, founder of the Oratory of the Holy Cross of Miracles in Goa (1651-1711).
On the following morning, the sons and daughters of Goa woke up to the peeling of bells as news flashed on local newspapers and television channels and they thanked and praised God for this great gift.
It is heartening to see that many Goans in Goa and across the country and abroad have gone in faith for this pilgrimage to Sri Lanka to see their Goan son being declared a saint by Pope Francis. Many prominent bishops, priests and the faithful, led by our Archbishop Patriarch, Filipe Neri from Goa, and others like Oswald Cardinal Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, Archbishop of Delhi Anil Couto and Bishop Allwyn Barreto of Sindhudurg making their presence.
Whilst for all of us who could not make for this joyous occasion, let us thank God by attending mass in our respective churches and chapels and pray earnestly for this gift and seek the intercession of St. Joseph Vaz, a first saint of Goa.
Let us also see this ceremony which will be shown live on EWTN at 7.45 am and repeated again 6.30 pm and be present in spirit along with our bishops, priests and all faithful who will be taking part in this solemn and sacred ceremony.
St. Joseph Vaz, bless Goa and our country from all evil and grant us peace and tranquility, also bless Sri Lanka where you toiled to evangelize to preach the gospel as per this year’s theme: St. Joseph Vaz – faith builds communion, strengthen families, inspire to renew society.
