“The world today doesn’t need shining superstars; it needs servants with humble and zealous hearts,” said Auxiliary Bishop Simiao Fernandes during the solemn feast mass of St Joseph Vaz yesterday.
The annual Feast of St Joseph Vaz, patron saint of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, was solemnly celebrated on 16 January at the Old Church Facade of the Our Lady of Health Church, Rua Escravo de Maria, Sancoale.
The feast drew devotees from across Goa and beyond, who gathered to participate in the celebrations and pay homage.
Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, Bishop of Agartala Lumen Monteiro, Bishop Emeritus of Bombay Archdiocese Allwyn D’Silva, and Bishop Emeritus of Port Blair Alex Dias celebrated the solemn feast mass at 10 am, presided over by the Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman, Most Rev Simiao Fernandes.
ABOUT THE HOMILY
In his homily, Bishop Simiao emphasised the theme of service. Reflecting on the day’s Scriptures, he urged the congregation to learn from the example of Prophet Jeremiah and to speak out against the injustices present in society today. Highlighting the Gospel, he noted how it calls us to live in communion with one another. He further explained that St Paul encourages us to serve one another without discrimination, fostering unity and solidarity among all.
While reflecting on the theme of service, Bishop Simiao highlighted three key characteristics of Jesus’ ministry: being available to the people, serving with humility, and embracing all by reaching out to the needy without discrimination. He reminded the congregation that St Joseph Vaz embodied the same qualities and urged everyone to follow his example.
Bishop Simiao recounted how St Joseph Vaz dedicated himself to serving the poor, ministered to the sick when others avoided them, administered sacraments under the most challenging circumstances, and devoted his life to the service of both the church and people of all faiths.
LIFE OF THE SAINT
St Joseph Vaz, born in Benaulim with his paternal home in Sancoale, Goa, is the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. Also known as the ‘Apostle of Sri Lanka,’ he was canonised in 2015.
The celebrations highlight his holy life as a child and young priest in Sancoale, his ministry in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, and, most notably, his work in Sri Lanka, where he brought the Eucharist and sacraments to the faithful during a time of intense persecution, leaving a lasting legacy.
“The greatest miracle of St Joseph Vaz is the continued existence of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka,” recalled Fr Rocklin D’Costa, Parish Priest of Nagoa, Bardez, quoting a Sri Lankan priest who shared this with Pope Francis. He shared this during his homily at the 8.45 am mass.
ON THE FEAST DAY
At the start of the feast mass, Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao warmly welcomed the bishops, priests, and faithful gathered for the special occasion. Fr Keneth Teles delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to church authorities, clergy, parishioners, well-wishers, and police and government officials for their support.
The feast is observed with great devotion, attracting large crowds and inspiring spiritual fervour, with celebrations extending to neighbouring regions, especially Sri Lanka. This year, around 100,000 people participated in the novenas and feast day activities, with approximately 20,000 attending the masses on the feast day. The celebrations were also broadcast live through the Diocesan Centre for Social Communications Media (DCSCM), Goa, as well as several local television channels.
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