Prominent among them included Archbishop-Patriarch Filipe Neri Ferrao, Goan Bishop of Sindhudurg Allwyn Barreto, Vicar-General Fr Jose Remedios Fernandes, Archbishop Ferrao’s secretary Fr J Loiola Pereira and Fr Simon Fernandes, Professor at Rachol Seminary and President of the Diocesan Committee for Cause of Canonization of Blessed Joseph Vaz. (Related reports on Pg2)
Most of the Goan pilgrims are proceeding to Sri Lanka in different groups over the next two days and arrangements have been made through travel operators in the State.
Speaking to Herald at the Dabolim Airport shortly before their departure to Sri Lanka, the pilgrims were ecstatic to witness a historic event, when Pope Francis canonizes Joseph Vaz as Goa’s first ever saint on January 14.
“It is a joyous moment for us as a Goan son of the soil is attaining sainthood. We have been waiting for this moment for a very long time and God has finally answered our prayers and granted sainthood to our very own Blessed Joseph Vaz,” said Philip D’Mello of Mapusa.
“Besides attending the Canonization ceremony, our group will also visit different places where St Joseph Vaz preached and served the needy of Sri Lanka. We will return to Goa to attend the feast of St Joseph Vaz at Sancoale on January 16,” D’Mello added.
Meanwhile, South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar said he would be attending a Mass at Sancoale on January 14, which coincides with the canonization of Goa’s saint.
Speaking to Herald at Vasco, Sawaikar said: “It is a joyous moment for all Goans as Goa will be getting her first saint. I will attend the Mass at Sancoale on January 14, the day Blessed Joseph Vaz will be declared as Saint in Sri Lanka by Pope Francis,” said Sawaikar.
“I partake in the joyous moment in the canonisation of St Joseph Vaz along with all my fellow Goans and share in their happiness,” added Sawaikar.
