Team Herald
SANCOALE: To eradicate different types of poverty prevalent in our society today, St Joseph Vaz is an example to all of us, stated the Episcopal Vicar of South Goa, Fr Lucio Dias.
In his homily at the Eucharistic celebration to celebrate the feast of the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, St Joseph Vaz at Sancoale Fr Dias reflected on the life of the saint and said that from childhood he developed love for the poor. “During lunch time when enjoying meal, if a poor person dropped by, Joseph Vaz would share his meal with him,” he reminded.
The Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Rev Filipe Neri Ferrao was the main celebrant at the festive Mass, with three other bishops, Bishop of Port Blair, Rev Alex Dias, Bishop of Agartala, Rev Lumen Monteiro and Bishop of Sindhudurg Rev Allwyn Baretto as con-celebrants.
Fr Dias said, “During his stay in Candy, when he was imprisoned, St Joseph Vaz would receive ration from the king and he was kind enough to distribute the same to the poor. He not only expressed his concern towards the poor by good deeds, but he himself lived a life of poverty”.
Mentioning about the pastoral letter released by the Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Fr Dias said it gives a clarion call to give good news to the poor. Besides people being gripped by poverty, there are other forms of poverty.
On account of poverty, the Episcopal vicar said many youth cannot pursue their future studies and their education gets stranded. He said, “There’s poverty of feelings wherein people don’t mix with others and in turn feel humiliated. Some people are ostracised in the society and view others such as the widows and migrants as those not equal to them.”
Referring to the pastoral letter, Fr Dias informed about the creation of the ‘Good Samaritan Fund’ in every parish which would benefit those who are financially bankrupt. “We do not require degrees to assist others but a heart filled with grace and a love-filled soul is all that matters to reach out to others,” he said.
On behalf of the congregation and the faithful of the Diocese of Goa and Daman, Celso Fernandes congratulated the Archbishop, Rev Filipe Neri Ferrao for being elected as the president of CCBI and assured prayerful support to his additional responsibilities. Fr Romeo Monteiro also spoke.
Rector of St Joseph Vaz Sanctuary, Fr Manuel Dias thanked government officials, besides those who assisted during the nine-day novenas and the feast day in various capacities. The Shiroda parishioners led by Fr Albano assisted the choir.
Archbishop-Patriarch Filipe Neri Ferrao said, “I take this occasion to wish all, particularly the members of the Church of Goa a joyful and grace filled feast day. May we all draw inspiration from the exemplary life of St Joseph Vaz and become more enthusiastic in witnessing to our faith in the joyful selfless and humble service of our brothers and sisters especially those who are poor underprivileged and live on the peripheries of our society”.
Masses were held at 5 am, 6 am, 7 am, 8 am, 4 pm and 5.30 pm. A Mass at the St Joseph Vaz oratory was also celebrated at 12 pm.
Police were deployed at strategic points at the junction and near the feast site to ensure that the devotees face minimum hassles.
Thousands thronged Sancoale for the feast and later visited fair.
