Goa Honors St. Joseph Vaz with Grand Feast Celebrations

Goa, January 16, 2025: Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, presided over the Eucharistic celebration on January 16, the feast day of St. Joseph Vaz, Patron of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, celebrated at the site of the old Church of Our Lady of Health, Rua Escravo de Maria, Sancoale. St. Joseph Vaz wrote a letter of Bondage to Mother Mary at this church on 5th August 1677. St. Joseph Vaz is a Goan saint, canonized on 14th January 2015 by Pope Francis. 

Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman Bishop Alex Dias, (Bishop-Emeritus of Port Blair), Archbishop Joseph Cardinal Coutts, (Archbishop-Emeritus of Karachi), Fr. Jose Remedios Fernandes, (Vicar General of the Archdiocese), Fr. Bonnie Mendes (Karachi Archdiocese), Fr. Anthony Figueiredo (Assisi Diocese), Fr. Valerian Vaz, (Rector of the Seminary of Our Lady, Saligao), Fr. Kenneth Teles, (Parish Priest of Our Lady of Health Church, Sancoale, and Rector of St Joseph Vaz Sanctuary), Deacon Sheldon D’souza, Deacon Jason Travasso and 56 priests concelebrated.

 Bishop Simião, in his homily, emphasized fostering gratitude, humility, and love within families through prayer and reading Scripture, inspired by St. Joseph Vaz’s Gospel-centered example. He echoes Pope Francis, urging the faithful to use simple, transformative words like "Thank you," "Sorry" and "Please" in relationships. Highlighting care for vulnerable groups—migrants, the elderly, and youth—he calls for becoming apostles of hope by proclaiming the Gospel and doing good. Addressing ecological responsibility, the Bishop warns against environmental degradation and urges stewardship of creation as God’s gift. With courage, participation, and trust in God, he invites all to spread Christ’s hope and love in society.

Cardinal Ferrão reflected on the challenges faced during the feast, acknowledging the difficulties but expressing gratitude for God's guidance and the support of others. He continued, "St. Joseph Vaz himself endured many challenges and hardships. With unwavering trust in God and deep faith, he confronted them courageously." He further urged everyone to follow St. Joseph Vaz’s example in fostering understanding and harmony across different faiths and cultures.

Other masses on the feast day were celebrated by Fr. Onasis Dcruz (Asst. to the Director, St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, Old Goa), Fr. Tomas Lobo (Episcopal Vicar, North Zone), Fr. Polly Lobo (Parish Priest, St. Alex Church, Calangute), Fr. George Ratos (Parish Priest, Immaculate Conception Church, Paroda), Fr. Reagan Fernandes (Prefect of Discipline, Seminary of Our Lady, Saligão-Pilerne), and Fr. Hilary Fernandes sfx. Mass in the Oratory room of St. Joseph Vaz was also celebrated by Fr. Cruzbert Colaco Sfx.

Deanery-wise masses, masses for the sick and the elderly, and masses in Hindi were also held during the days of Novena. 

Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão welcomed the concelebrants and the faithful. Sr. Hilda Lopes sfn was the liturgical commentator while Fr. Afonso Mendonça, Director of the Diocesan Liturgical Centre, made the liturgical arrangement. Clifford Pereira led the liturgical choir with his choir members. Fr. Kenneth Teles thanked all, especially those who helped in organising this feast.

By Br. John Malvino Alfonso OCD

Photo credit: Joseph Fernandez