Born in Benaulim, Goa, Father Joseph Vaz arrived in Ceylon during the Dutch occupation, when the Dutch were imposing Calvinism as the official religion after taking over from the Portuguese.
He traveled throughout the island bringing the Eucharist and the sacraments to clandestine groups of Catholics.
Later in his mission, he found shelter in the Kingdom of Kandy where he was able to work freely.
By the time of his death, Father Joseph Vaz had managed to rebuild the Catholic Church on the Ceylon island.
As a result of his labors, Saint Joseph Vaz is known as the Apostle of Ceylon.
On 21 January 1995, he was beatified by Pope John Paul II in Colombo.
He was canonized on 14 January 2015 by Pope Francis in an open-air Mass ceremony at the Galle Face Green in Colombo
“In Saint Joseph we see a powerful sign of God’s goodness and love for the people of Sri Lanka.
But we also see in him a challenge to persevere in the paths of the Gospel,
To grow in holiness ourselves, and to testify to the Gospel message of reconciliation to which he dedicated his life.”
(Taken from the Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis, in the Canonization of Saint Joseph Vaz, Colombo, 14th Jan, 2015)
Feast Mass Details:
Saturday January 18, 2020 6.45 pm
St Matthew’s Parish
16079 88 Ave, Surrey, BC V4N 1G3
