Br. John Malvino Alfonso OCD & Pics. Joseph Fernandes –
Goa: Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, called upon the faithful to “proclaim the Gospel to all and become the Apostles of Hope” during his homily at the Feast of St. Joseph Vaz, celebrated on January 16, 2025. The event took place at the historic site of the old Church of Our Lady of Health in Sancoale, Goa, with Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão presiding over the Eucharistic celebration.
Bishop Simião emphasized that St. Joseph Vaz serves as a model for zealous evangelization, urging individuals to integrate Gospel values into their daily lives—within families, communities, and in their relationship with nature. He stated that embodying these values can inspire hope and drive positive change in society. “By living out the values of the Gospel,” he remarked, “we can bring hope to others and inspire change”.
The feast day commemorates St. Joseph Vaz, canonized by Pope Francis on January 14, 2015. St. Joseph Vaz is revered as the Patron Saint of Goa and Daman, having made significant contributions to spreading Christianity in India during his lifetime. Notably, he wrote a letter of bondage to Mother Mary at the same church on August 5, 1677.
In his address, Bishop Simião highlighted the importance of cultivating gratitude, humility, and respect within families. He referenced Pope Francis’s teachings about the transformative power of simple words like “Thank you,” “Sorry,” and “Please.” By engaging in prayer and reading scripture together, families can strengthen their faith and deepen their bonds.
Bishop Simião also stressed that as social beings, it is essential to extend hope to those most vulnerable in society—migrants, people with disabilities, prisoners, the elderly, and youth facing abuse. “When we show concern for others and do good to those in need,” he stated, “we become apostles of hope”.
Addressing ecological concerns, Bishop Simião reminded attendees that caring for creation is a divine responsibility rather than merely a modern concern. He echoed Pope Francis’s message that “Creation is God’s gift to us,” urging everyone to act as stewards of the environment. The bishop expressed alarm over environmental degradation due to development activities such as deforestation and pollution. “If we do not become proclaimers of the Gospel to nature,” he warned, “we may not save it for our future generations”.
As this year marks the 10th anniversary of St. Joseph Vaz’s canonization, Cardinal Ferrão reflected on the growing devotion among the faithful towards this saint during his concluding remarks at the Eucharistic celebration. He expressed gratitude for God’s grace in fostering this devotion over the past decade.
Cardinal Ferrão acknowledged challenges faced during the organization of this feast but emphasized that faith and community support helped overcome these obstacles. “St. Joseph Vaz himself endured many challenges,” he noted. “His life inspires us to approach difficulties with unwavering trust in God”.
The cardinal also spoke about St. Joseph Vaz’s commitment to working harmoniously with people from various faiths and cultures. He urged attendees to emulate this spirit by becoming instruments of peace and unity in society.
The feast day included various masses celebrated by several priests across different locations within Goa. 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.
Other masses catered specifically to different demographics including the sick and elderly.
The celebration concluded with heartfelt thanks from Fr. Kenneth Teles to all who contributed to organizing this significant event. The liturgical arrangements were led by Fr. Afonso Mendonça from the Diocesan Liturgical Centre while Sr. Hilda Lopes served as liturgical commentator. Clifford Pereira led the liturgical choir with his choir members.
The Feast of St. Joseph Vaz stands not only as a religious observance but also as a call for collective action towards evangelization, community service, environmental stewardship, and interfaith harmony—principles that resonate deeply within the teachings of Bishop Simião Fernandes and Cardinal Ferrão during this solemn occasion.