Saint Joseph Vaz spent his entire life preaching to people about following the path of righteousness, and about the compassion and love of Jesus Christ. On Monday, Catholics attended the feast Mass of St Joseph Vaz.
After the canonisation of St Joseph Vaz on January 14, 2015, in Sri Lanka by Pope Francis, more Catholic devotees have begun visiting Sancoale to venerate the Indian-born saint.
Given the large number of attendees, the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman decided to shift the feast venue to a bigger place to accommodate more people. Earlier, the feast celebration used to take place at the Sanctuary of St Joseph Vaz.
One of the devotees said that the novena started a few days back and thousands of devotees across Goa came to attend the novena masses.
On the feast day, many devotees were seen attending Mass at the old Sancoale church. There were stalls of sweets, khaje, earthenware, toys, clothes, eatables, etc outside the church. Devotees laid flower garlands and candles before the cross and before the statue of St Joseph Vaz and sought blessings.
After the Mass, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao told reporters that on the feast day of Saint Joseph Vaz, Catholics across Goa were filled with celebratory joy.
"The life of St Joseph Vaz is a big inspiration to all of us. We must follow the path of Jesus Christ and should obey his ideals in our daily life. It is our duty to stay united and take ahead the work and words of Jesus Christ,” said Cardinal Ferrao.
Cardinal Ferrao also extended his greeting to all the devotees attending the St Joseph Vaz feast in Sancoale. On the first Sunday of Lent, which is February 26, there will be a huge procession of devotees in Velim, Verna, Agassaim, Cortalim, etc. He urged devotees to be part of this religious procession and strengthen their devotion.
