Bantwal: A three day long Celebrations of Sainthood to Blessed Joseph Vaz  concludes at Mudipu  on Friday January 16.

Bengaluru archbishop Dr Bernard Moras unveiled the statue of St Joseph Vaz and the free meal programme for devotees by pouring rice into a pot.

After unveiling the statue of St Joseph Vaz, the archbishop said, “let the shrine of Blessed Joseph Vaz satiate the spiritual hunger of those who approach in need of strength.

Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza said that apart from his missionary work, his service to society in helping the needy was exemplary.

Joseph Vaz was born on April 21, 1651, in Benaulim, Goa. He was the third son of Christopher Vaz and Miranda. He became a priest in 1676 and served in different parishes of Goa till 1681. Later, he was sent to Canara. Fr Joseph Vaz travelled from Goa barefoot. He served in Honnavar, Basrur, Kundapur, Gangolli, Mulki, Mangaluru and Panir. He was miraculously saved from an attempt on his life in 1684, while serving as parish priest of Panir Church. He said.

Rajya Sabha MP Oscar Fernandes said, His ambition was to work as a missionary in Sri Lanka, and he went there in 1687 as a labourer defying a ban on Catholic priests. He served in various places in Sri Lanka, braving odds and rekindling Christian faith in that nation. He died on January 16, 1711. Recognizing his work, Pope John Paul II proclaimed him Blessed Joseph Vaz in Colombo on January 21, 1995. He is venerated as the Apostle of Sri Lanka and Patron of Goa. Thanks to the state government for giving all support to make this programme a successful. He added.

Fr Gregory D’Souza, director of Blessed Joseph Vaz Shrine, MLA J R Lobo, Austin Peris, Alwyn D’Souza, disrict KDP member, M P Noronha, advocate, Melwyn D’Souza, ZP member and Denis D’Silva among others were present.