Br. John Malvino Alfonso OCD, Pics by Joseph Fernandes.
Sancoale, Goa: Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX, Bishop of Daltonganj Diocese, emphasized the enduring significance of emulating St. Joseph (Naik) Vaz’s missionary zeal during the celebration of the Feast of St. Joseph Vaz at the old Church of Our Lady of Health, Rua Escravo de Maria, Sancoale. The event, presided over by Bishop Theodore, aimed to inspire the faithful to remain dedicated to their missionary vocation.
In his homily centered on the theme “Let us truly follow Jesus after the example of St. Joseph Vaz,” Bishop Theodore praised St. Joseph Vaz’s fearless dedication to his missionary calling. Drawing parallels with the biblical strength bestowed upon Prophet Jeremiah, the bishop highlighted how St. Joseph Vaz fearlessly embraced his mission, guided by the words of Jesus, “Do not be afraid.”
Notably, St. Joseph Vaz, a Goan saint canonized on January 14, 2015, by Pope Francis, wrote a significant letter of Bondage to Mother Mary at the same church on August 5, 1677.
Bishop Theodore commemorated St. Joseph Vaz’s life, recounting instances of the saint’s courageous service in Sri Lanka, creatively administering sacraments in challenging circumstances. Despite facing life-threatening situations, such as the incident in Mudipu, Mangalore, where harm was attempted due to his faith, St. Joseph Vaz miraculously survived.
Emphasizing the saint’s unwavering commitment, Bishop Theodore encouraged believers to embody Jesus’ call to fearlessness. He urged the congregation to cultivate a robust faith that transcends apprehension, persecution, and illness, echoing St. Joseph Vaz’s missionary spirit, which emphasized the importance of knowing, experiencing, and living one’s faith while fearlessly proclaiming it to others.
The Eucharistic celebration, attended by Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão and other clergy, saw the participation of numerous priests in concelebration. Masses throughout the Feast day were held in various languages and focused on promoting unity and collective efforts for the advancement of the community.
Bishop Theodore expressed gratitude to Cardinal Ferrão for entrusting him with the responsibility of presiding over the festive mass. He commended the Goan community for their commitment to traditional communal harmony, emphasizing the need for collective efforts regardless of religious affiliations for the state’s progress.
Reflecting on Goa’s spiritual heritage, Bishop Theodore cited St. Francis Xavier, St. Joseph Vaz, and Venerable Agnelo D’Souza as exemplary figures, teaching the community how to live their faith. He concluded by stressing the importance of peaceful coexistence and envisioning a united community, calling upon God for enlightenment for those who are misguided.
Among those who concelebrated the mass were Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Bishop Alwyn Barretto, Bishop of Sindhudurg, Bishop Lumen Monteiro, Bishop of Agartala, Bishop Alex Dias, Bishop-Emeritus of Port Blair, Fr. Jose Remedios Fernandes, Vicar General of the diocese, Fr. Valerian Vaz, Rector of Seminary of Our Lady, Saligao, Fr. Lucio Dias, Episcopal Vicar for South Zone, Fr. Raju Selvaraj, Fr. Kenneth Teles, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Health Church, Sancoale, Deacon Joao Gonsalves, Deacon Rayan D’souza and 50 priests.
Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas gives the final blessings.The celebration included various activities, including Deanery-wise masses, a mass for the sick and elderly, and masses in Hindi, Malayalam, and Tamil during the days of Novena.
Choir led by Clifford PereiraArchbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão welcomed participants, and liturgical arrangements were overseen by Sr. Armida Cruz SFN and Fr. Afonso Mendonca, Director of the Diocesan Centre for Liturgy. Clifford Pereira led the liturgical choir, and Fr. Kenneth Teles, Rector of the Sanctuary of St. Joseph Vaz and Parish Priest of Our Lady of Health Church Sancoale, expressed gratitude to all involved.
Fr. Kenneth Teles proposing a vote of thanks.