Sr Molly Fernandes sfn

Sancoale, Jan 16: The "Rua Escravo de Maria" (Road of the Slave of Mary) resonated with hymns of praise today as thousands of devotees from across India and abroad gathered at the historic Façade of the Sancoale Church. They came to celebrate the Feast of St Joseph Vaz, the "Apostle of Sri Lanka" and Goa's beloved "Son of the Soil." The day was marked by deep devotion, miraculous testimonies, and a timely call to return to the fundamental Christian values of humility and service.

A day of continuous prayer

The feast day commenced in the early hours of the morning to accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims. Masses were celebrated at 5:00am, 6:00am, 7:30am, and 8:45am. Simultaneously, a special mass was held at the Oratory Room, the sacred site where the Saint lived and dedicated his life to God.

A significant highlight for many was the 12:00 noon Mass at the Oratory Room, the sacred ancestral site of the Saint. This mass was celebrated by Fr Camilo, Chaplain of Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, Ambelim. Many pilgrims thronged to the Oratory, carrying thanksgiving in their hearts for favors received throughout the year.

The spiritual atmosphere reached its peak during the Solemn High Mass at 10:00am, celebrated at the Old Frontispiece of the Sancoale Church.

The Solemn High Mass

The High Mass was presided over by his grace, Fr Simião Purificação Fernandes, auxiliary bishop of Goa and Daman. The altar was graced by a distinguished college of prelates, including:
• His eminence, Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão (archbishop of Goa and Daman)

• Fr Lumen Monteiro (bishop of Agartala)

• Fr Alex Dias (bishop emeritus of Port Blair)

• Fr Alwyn D’Silva (auxiliary bishop emeritus of Bombay)

Dozens of priests from the archdiocese and religious orders concelebrated, representing the unified spirit of the Church.

Homily: A call to radical discipleship

In his insightful homily, bishop Simião Purificação Fernandes presented St Joseph Vaz not just as a historical figure, but as a living model for modern life. He focused on three transformative pillars:

1. Service: A lifelong disposition

The bishop remarked that true ministry has no specific or fixed time, seasons, or moments. It is a perpetual state of readiness.

• The single pass: He reminded the faithful that we pass through this world only once; therefore, "every time is the right time" to do good.

• The servant’s greatness: He shared a poignant story of a seminary servant who praised a learned priest for his wisdom. The priest humbly responded that if the servant performed his menial duties—like sweeping the floors—with pure thoughts and desires, he would be greater in the sight of God than any scholar.

2. Humility: Choosing the shadows over the spotlight

The bishop spoke of the world’s obsession with "shining superstars," contrasting it with the example of Jesus.

• Rejecting the crown: He recalled how Jesus walked through the crowds when they tried to make Him King, choosing the path of the Cross instead.

• Glory to God: He emphasized that the world does not need power-seekers, but humble servants who keep aside personal respect and power for the sole glory of God.

3. An all-embracing person: Love without boundaries

St Joseph Vaz was celebrated as an "all-embracing" figure who modelled his life on Christ’s inclusivity.

• The adversary transformed: Bishop Fernandes, cited the powerful example of a man who hated St Joseph Vaz and caused him great trouble. When this adversary was later struck with a deadly disease and abandoned by everyone, it was Joseph Vaz who stayed by his side, offering care and service.

• Christ’s example: Just as Jesus did not reject the disciples who would eventually betray or deny Him, we are called to be bridge-builders in a divided world.

Testimonies of faith and healing

The feast was not just a liturgical event but a celebration of living miracles. Among the many pilgrims:

• Apolina D’Souza (Vasco): Shared a harrowing account of being unable to walk due to excruciating pain. Determined to attend the Novena, she arrived on a hired motorbike. Through the Saint's intercession, she was miraculously healed, completing three more Novenas and attending today’s feast in thanksgiving.

• Agnes Fernandes (Duler, Mapusa): A staunch devotee who participated in the Eucharist at the Oratory, shared that her daughter was born after 25 years of marriage through the intercession of St Joseph Vaz. She recounted how, during a previous year's elevation, jackfruit leaves fell upon her; she believed in their healing power, and an ailing person she gave them to was cured. She testified that she often receives favours within ten minutes of praying to the Saint.

Conclusion and gratitude

As the ceremonies drew to a close, Fr Kenneth Teles proposed a detailed vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the clergy, the Holy Family Sisters, the volunteers, the police, the musical troupe trained by Fr John Alban who sang for all masses, and the thousands of pilgrims who turned Sancoale into a beacon of faith.

Evening observances

The celebrations continued into the afternoon and evening with masses at 4:00pm and 5:30pm, ensuring that every pilgrim had the opportunity to participate in the Eucharist. Throughout the day, long queues were seen at the relic of the Saint, as people prayed for healing, strength, and the grace to live out the virtues highlighted during the homily.

The feast of 2026 stands as a reminder that the legacy of St Joseph Vaz built on service, humility, and unconditional welcome remains the guiding light for the faithful in Goa and beyond.