A file photo of two Jesuit deacons Alendro da Costa (left) and Velenson Gomes (right) along with Filomena Giese (centre) during the feast of St Joseph Vaz in January this year, at the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, San Francisco Bay Area in California-US. The two deacons were subsequently ordained in Goa later in the year.
CALIFORNIA
The appeal to elevate St Joseph Vaz as a Patron Saint for South Asia is a significant movement within the Catholic Church, particularly in light of the upcoming Jubilee Year in 2025. This initiative, spearheaded by our Joseph Naik Vaz Institute, aims to honour St Joseph Vaz for his remarkable contributions to the Church and humanity, particularly during times of crisis.
The Jubilee Year and its significance
Pope Francis has declared 2025 as a Jubilee Year, a time marked by special rituals, visits to sacred sites, and the granting of indulgences. This period is also expected to feature notable canonisations and recognitions of saints who have made substantial contributions to the Church and society. The Joseph Naik Vaz Institute sees this as an opportune moment to elevate St Joseph Vaz's status within the Church, advocating for his recognition as a Patron Saint due to his historical significance and humanitarian efforts.
Historical Context: St Joseph Vaz
St Joseph Vaz, canonized in January 2015 after over three centuries of devotion, is celebrated as one of the greatest missionaries in South Asian history. His work primarily focused on aiding those afflicted by smallpox and supporting the Catholic community and re-building the Church during periods of persecution. The canonisation process involved significant collaboration between bishops and laypeople, highlighting a unified effort that was instrumental in achieving this recognition.
Journey Towards Patron Saint
The push for St Joseph Vaz's designation as a Patron Saint began in earnest in 2021 when we at the Joseph Naik Vaz Institute initiated a petition to recognise him for his contributions during health crises, notably smallpox and later in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. This petition sought to align with contemporary issues faced by medical first responders.
Expansion of the Petition
Initially focused on his role during the smallpox epidemic, the petition was broadened to encompass various aspects of St Joseph Vaz's contributions after realising that other saints had been recognised for multiple roles at their canonisations. This included efforts to gain support from bishops in Sri Lanka and India, as well as consultations with key figures involved in his canonisation.
The rules for patron saint shared by the Dicastery of Divine Cult in 2024 do not mention jurisdiction. In other words, a religious institute or lay group can choose a patron saint from any part of the world.
A religious institute requires episcopal approval of the bishops they're under, not of where the saint was born or died. Lay, non-religious and international groups can go through the Holy See to gain approval of their choice of Patron Saint.
Vatican Response and Progress
In August 2023, communication from the Dicastery for the Causes of the Saints confirmed receipt of the Petition, and said it was forwarding it to the Dicastery of Divine Cult for further evaluation.
In September 2023, the Vatican Secretariat of State wrote that it was also sending the Petition to the Dicastery of Divine Cult.
These acknowledgements are a crucial step towards achieving formal recognition.
Clarifying Misconceptions
In promoting St Joseph Vaz's cause, it is essential to dispel myths surrounding the process of establishing Patron Saints.
INCLUSIVITY: Patron Saints can be designated for both religious and non-religious organisations.
BISHOP'S ROLE: While bishops play a role in religious institutes' petitions, lay organisations can seek direct approval from the Holy See.
MULTIPLE CONTRIBUTIONS: Saints can be recognised for various contributions across different fields.
Role of Laity and Bishops
The Success of this initiative hinges on collaboration between laity and bishops across South Asia. The Joseph Naik Vaz Institute emphasises that unity among these groups is vital for advancing this cause. The Institute has called upon communities in regions like Goa and Mangalore, as well as Sri Lanka, to engage their bishops in discussions about supporting this initiative.
The appeal encourages local communities to rally behind this cause by signing petitions and advocating for their bishops' support. The goal is not only to honour St Joseph Vaz but also to inspire a sense of shared purpose among Catholics across South Asia.
Historic Opportunity
The movement to establish St Joseph Vaz as a Patron Saint presents a unique opportunity for South Asian Catholics to celebrate their heritage while contributing to the broader narrative of the Church's mission. With preliminary approval from the Vatican and growing support from both clergy and laity, there is hope that this initiative will culminate in formal recognition during the Jubilee Year.
This endeavour not only seeks to honour St Joseph Vaz but also aims to foster unity within the Church community across South Asia, reinforcing faith through collective action and devotion. A description of the contributions we have chosen for St. Joseph Vaz as Patron Saint are on our change.org link (https://chng.it/9dngXnkBS9).
(The writer is the President-founder of the Joseph Naik Vaz Institute, California, founded in 1980 to keep alive the memory of then Ven Fn Joseph Vaz, Apostle of Sri Lanka and Kanara, India, and to work for his Beatification and Canonisation.)
