Indian & Sri Lankan Catholic Community (Special Mass)
January 25, 2026

St. Joseph Vaz was born in 1651 in Goa, India, and grew up with a deep love for God, prayer, and the poor. Ordained a priest, he felt a strong call to serve persecuted Catholics, especially in Sri Lanka, where the practice of the Catholic faith was outlawed under Dutch rule.

In 1687, St. Joseph Vaz secretly entered Sri Lanka, dressed as a beggar, risking his life to bring the sacraments to Catholics who had been without priests for decades. Traveling on foot through jungles and villages, he celebrated Mass in hiding, heard confessions, baptized thousands, and rebuilt Christian communities through patience, humility, and heroic faith. Despite arrest and imprisonment, his holiness won the respect of both Catholics and non-Christians. He was eventually granted freedom to preach and is credited with reviving the Catholic Church throughout Sri Lanka and parts of the Kanara region in India.

Many miracles are attributed to St. Joseph Vaz, both during his life and after his death, including healings and divine protection during times of persecution. Most notably, during a severe drought, his public prayers for rain were answered, leading many to recognize God’s power working through him.

St. Joseph Vaz was canonized in 2015 and is honored as the patron saint of Sri Lanka. His life reminds us that faith flourishes through courage, sacrifice, and trust in God—even in the most difficult circumstances.

All are warmly invited to join the Indian and Sri Lankan Catholic Community for a special Mass in honor of St. Joseph Vaz next Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. here at Church of the Resurrection.

Let us come together as one parish family to celebrate the witness of this great missionary saint and to be inspired by his example of faith, unity, and service.