Sr Molly Fernandes SFN

Goa, Jan 17: A pilgrimage of 117 Goan devotees, including the parishioners of Caranzalem and Taleigao, travelled to Sri Lanka's Coral Island to celebrate the feast of St Joseph Vaz. Yes, the beloved son of their soil, near Ampitiya Seminary, in Kandy. This chapel was recently renovated thanks to the efforts of Paul Sequiera, the proprietor of Zion Tours and Travel company, Goa, who took the initiative to give a new outlook and also furnish it with the requirements, for eg wooden benches, etc.

The feast Mass was celebrated by Emeritus Bishop Dr Vianney Fernando and along with Fr Haston and Fr Jonas, in the presence of the local priest and people on January 16 at St Joseph Vaz Shrine, Ampitiya. His lordship urged the brothers preparing to be priest, not to become mediocre ones rather to be zealous Missionaries like Joseph Vaz taking him as their model. The faithful gathered, he continued saying: was it not for the parents of Joseph Vaz like you, Sri Lanka would not have the Apostle whose feast we celebrate today.

For, the first time, Joseph Vaz hymn was sung in Konkani language by the brothers, and sang two more hymns for the Eucharist. It was indeed a great joy to glorify God along with the brother's choir along with Sr Molly, Effie, and other Zion family.

Today, I too feel graceful after 10 years to see this place revered with the sacredness it deserved, as I had visited it when came for the Canonisation of the blessed.

This pilgrimage is not just a physical journey but a spiritual one—a time for reflection, prayer, and the renewal of our faith. By retracing the steps of St Joseph Vaz, we honour his unwavering faith and dedication, which have deeply touched the hearts of many. Our journey is blessed with fellowship, inspiration, and the grace of God, as we walk with open hearts and minds, ready to receive the profound blessings that await us on this holy path.

It was indeed a blessing to visit the Shrine at Maha Galgamuwa, after 10 years. The inhabitants Maha Galgamuwa today are mostly Catholic. There is a large, 400-years-old Palu tree at the Shrine of Saint Joseph Vaz at Juse Vaz Pura, Maha Galgamuwa.

According to the locals, it is under the shade of this tree that Joseph Vaz ministered to the villagers. Now, this ancient Palu tree, supported by concrete columns.

The locals consider the ground under the shade of the Palu tree sacred. Also, they believe that those bitten by snakes survive after drinking water mixed with the sand. The villagers also use the sand in their homes as protection against wild animals. The elephants still come to the village at night, wading along the banks of the Maha Galgamuwa tank, but they do not harm the village.

The pilgrims also visited Fr Jacome Gonsalves tomb, the Father of Sri Lanka Literature.

The pilgrims were accorded a warm welcome with white garlands and Sri Lanka dance at the Colombo airport.

The pilgrims hope to return with renewed zeal and a deeper connection to their faith being grateful to God for all the blessings and to Zion tours and travels, organising this pilgrimage.