St. Joseph Vaz

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Saint Details

St. Joseph Vaz was a Jesuit missionary from India who dedicated his life to spreading Christianity in Sri Lanka during the 17th century. Despite facing significant opposition from the Dutch Protestant rulers, he worked tirelessly to revive the Catholic faith, establish missions, and serve the people, even learning their languages. He was canonized in 2015, and his feast day is celebrated on January 16th.

St. Joseph Vaz was born on April 21, 1651, in Benaulim, Goa, India, into a devout Catholic family. He entered the seminary and joined the Society of Jesus, taking up the missionary vocation. His missionary journey led him to Sri Lanka in 1687, a country under Dutch Protestant control where Catholicism was severely persecuted. The Dutch, who had replaced the Portuguese colonial rulers, actively sought to eliminate Catholicism in Sri Lanka.

Despite the dangers and restrictions, St. Joseph Vaz was resolute in his mission. He faced many challenges, including the prohibition of public worship, the threat of persecution, and the constant danger of arrest. However, he continued to work quietly and secretly to revive the faith in Sri Lanka, establishing clandestine missions across the island. His ability to communicate in Tamil and Sinhala allowed him to connect deeply with the local people. His work was also marked by his dedication to local customs and traditions, integrating himself into the cultural fabric of the people he served.

He is especially remembered for his commitment to the pastoral care of the people, organizing secret masses, baptisms, and other sacraments. His devotion to the poor and marginalized, as well as his selfless service to the spiritual and material well-being of the people, earned him great respect. His missionary work covered the regions of Colombo, Jaffna, Kandy, and other parts of Sri Lanka.

St. Joseph Vaz's life exemplified his deep faith and unwavering commitment to the Catholic mission. He worked tirelessly to provide spiritual guidance to the people and to build the foundations of the Church in Sri Lanka, laying the groundwork for future generations of Catholics. His perseverance in the face of adversity and his love for the people left a lasting impact on Sri Lanka and the Church.

He died on January 16, 1711, in Kandy, Sri Lanka. His tomb became a place of pilgrimage, and after his death, he was remembered for his holiness and dedication. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the Catholic faith, St. Joseph Vaz was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1995 and canonized by Pope Francis in 2015. He remains the first saint of Sri Lanka and is a revered figure in both Sri Lankan and Indian Catholic communities.

His feast day is celebrated on January 16, the anniversary of his death. He is remembered as a martyr of faith who fought tirelessly for the survival and growth of Catholicism in a land where it was under threat. Through his intercession, many people continue to seek spiritual help, and his legacy lives on in the Catholic Church today.

Feast Day

16-1-2015

Birth Date

21-4-1651

Died Date

16-1-1711

Canonised Date

14-1-2015

Kandy, Sri Lanka

St. Joseph Vaz, Faithful missionary of Christ, Guide us to serve with love and humility. Pray that we may spread God's light And remain steadfast in faith. Amen.
ST. JOSEPH VAZ

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ST. JOSEPH VAZ

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Credits & Acknowledgments

Anudina Visudhar (Malayalam) – Life of Saints for Everyday
by Msgr. Thomas Moothedan, M.A., D.D.
Saint Companions for Each Day
by A. J. M. Mausolfe & J. K. Mausolfe
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