TORONTO
A group of Goans in Toronto celebrated the feast of St Joseph Vaz with fervour at a special Mass on January 18. Fr Darren Dias celebrated the Mass at the St Josephine Bakhita Church in Mississauga, Ontario, and a sizeable congregation participated in the Mass.
Thanks to the efforts of Suzie Pereira and her team of dedicated volunteers, a special Mass was organised to commemorate St Joseph Vaz. The celebration featured Fr Darren’s endearing homily about the Saint’s life and a specially assembled 'Goan Choir' that delivered a beautiful rendering of Konkani and English hymns during the Eucharistic celebration.
This heartfelt tribute through ‘worship and song’ reflects the enduring admiration and affection Goans worldwide have for their beloved saint. The presence of so many people in the church was a true reflection of how the people of Goa revere Goa’s only saint.
St Joseph Vaz, a 17th-century Catholic priest from Goa, India, is revered as the patron of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, and patron saint of Sri Lanka. His selfless dedication to spreading Christianity and serving the people of Sri Lanka during a time of persecution has made him a beloved figure in the island nation.
Born on April 21, 1651, in Benaulim, Goa, Joseph Vaz was ordained as a priest in 1676. He arrived in Sri Lanka in 1687, during the Dutch colonial period, when Catholicism was banned and Catholics were persecuted. Undeterred by the danger, Vaz travelled throughout the island, often in disguise, to minister to the faithful and convert others to Christianity.
Vaz's missionary work was marked by extraordinary courage, compassion, and humility. He established several Catholic churches and schools, and his preaching and healing abilities earned him the respect and admiration of both Catholics and non-Catholics.
The people of Goa hold St Joseph Vaz in high esteem, rivalling their devotion to St Francis Xavier, affectionately known as 'Goencho Saib'. This deep reverence extends beyond Goa's borders, as Goans in the diaspora proudly celebrate the life and legacy of St Joseph Vaz, fondly referring to him as "the only Saint from Goa."
Pope John Paul II beatified Joseph Vaz on January 21, 1995, and Pope Francis canonized him as a saint on January 14, 2015. His feast day is celebrated on January 16. Today, the life and legacy of St Joseph Vaz serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, perseverance, and compassion.
