Joseph Vaz (1651-1771) joined the Oratory in Goa but later undertook missionary work in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) during the Dutch occupation in a complex situation in which Catholics were a persecuted minority. Joseph, who died in 1711, was accorded the title “Apostle of Ceylon ”for the effectiveness of his ministry. In his homily at the Canonisation of the saint in 2015, Pope Francis said: “Saint Joseph knew how to offer the truth and the beauty of the Gospel in a multi-religious context, with respect, dedication, perseverance and humility. This is also the way for the followers of Jesus today. We are called to go forth with the same zeal, the same courage, of Saint Joseph, but also with his sensitivity, his reverence for others, his desire to share with them that word of grace (cf. Acts 20:32) which has the power to build them up. We are called to be missionary disciples.”
In honour of St Joseph Vaz we gather in the evening on Friday 16th:
5.30pm Fervorino (short homily on the Saint)
5.50pm Exposition & Benediction (concludes 6.10pm)
Do join us for a joyful commemoration of our Oratorian blessed!
