The Apostle of Sri Lanka

Early Life and Calling

St. Joseph Vaz was born on April 21, 1651, in Benaulim, Goa, to a devout Catholic family. From a young age, he displayed a deep love for prayer and service, earning him the title "The Little Saint" among his villagers. His early education at the Jesuit College of Saint Paul in Goa prepared him for the priesthood, and he was ordained in 1676. He later pursued theological studies at the Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas, where his zeal for missionary work grew.

Despite the comfort of life in Goa, Fr. Vaz felt a strong calling to serve in mission territories where the Catholic faith was under threat. He first worked in Canara (Karnataka, India), where he built churches, schools, and catechized the local communities. His deep spiritual devotion and pastoral care marked him as an exceptional priest, gaining recognition from the Church in Goa. However, his heart was set on ministering to the persecuted Catholics in Sri Lanka.

Missionary Zeal and the Call to Sri Lanka

Fr. Joseph Vaz was moved by the plight of Catholics in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon), who suffered under Dutch Protestant rule. In 1687, he courageously traveled to Sri Lanka, disguised as a laborer. Upon his arrival in Jaffna, he secretly ministered to the faithful, reviving Catholic communities that had been deprived of priests for decades. His tireless work included administering sacraments, celebrating Mass in secret, and training local catechists to sustain the faith in challenging conditions.

Trials and Triumphs in the Kandyan Kingdom

His missionary work soon caught the attention of Dutch authorities, leading to his imprisonment in 1692 in Kandy. However, the Buddhist King Vimaladharma Surya II, impressed by Fr. Vaz’s sanctity, eventually freed him and allowed him to continue his mission.

A defining moment in his ministry occurred in 1696, when the kingdom was struck by a severe drought. The king challenged Fr. Vaz to pray for rain. In response, Fr. Vaz publicly prayed, and torrential rains soon followed, further cementing his reputation as a holy man. His presence was now accepted in the royal court, and he was granted permission to minister openly. He built a simple church in Kandy dedicated to Our Lady and continued his mission unhindered.

Establishing the Church in Sri Lanka

Between 1698 and 1710, Fr. Vaz and his fellow Oratorian priests tirelessly built churches, schools, and social centers across the island, strengthening the Catholic faith. He traveled extensively, ministering to Catholics in Colombo, Negombo, Mannar, Trincomalee, and beyond. His devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary led him to expand the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu, which remains a major pilgrimage site in Sri Lanka today.

During his missions, Fr. Vaz faced many hardships, including tropical diseases, harsh travel conditions, and continued suspicion from Dutch authorities. Yet, his unwavering faith and resilience allowed him to persevere. His missionary work extended to the far corners of the island, reaching villages and towns where Catholicism had nearly vanished.

Legacy and Canonization

St. Joseph Vaz passed away on January 16, 1711, in Kandy, after 24 years of missionary work in Sri Lanka. His labors left behind a thriving Catholic Church, with 70,000 Catholics, 15 churches, and over 400 chapels. His efforts in translating prayers and catechism into Sinhala and Tamil ensured that the faith would take root among the local people.

The process for his canonization began in 1713, but it was only in 1995 that Pope John Paul II declared him Blessed during his visit to Colombo. On January 14, 2015, Pope Francis canonized him as Sri Lanka’s first saint, recognizing him as the Apostle of Sri Lanka.

Significant Landmarks

• Benaulim, Goa – His birthplace.
• St. John the Baptist’s Church, Goa – His baptism site.
• Kandy – His final resting place and the site of his shrine.
• Madhu Shrine – Expanded under his guidance.
• Wahakotte – A major Catholic center he visited.
• Puttalam, Jaffna, and Colombo – Key locations of his missionary efforts.
• Negombo and Mannar – Where he established significant faith communities.
• Livramento Church, Colombo – A church he visited that was later destroyed by the Dutch, leaving only a well where he once drank water.

Conclusion

St. Joseph Vaz’s life is a testament to unwavering faith, resilience, and selfless service. He braved persecution and hardships to rekindle the Catholic faith in Sri Lanka, leaving behind an enduring legacy. Today, he remains an inspiration to millions, calling all to deeper devotion and missionary zeal. His mission continues through the faithful of Sri Lanka, whose faith remains strong centuries after his passing.