Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (HB)

Kudapur, Jan 14: The Holy Rosary Church, Kundapur will celebrate the canonization of Blessed Joseph Vaz on Sunday January 18.

“The grand ceremony will be held on Sunday, January 18 with great solemnity at Kundapur,” said Fr Anil D’Souza, parish priest of Kundapur church addressing a press meet held at the press club, in Udupi on January 15.

Participation of around 5,000 people is expected by the deanery.

A prayer service will be held in Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Gangolli, at 3 pm and thereafter a procession will start from Gangolli, crossing the national highway to Kundapur by motorcade. There will be a holy mass held by Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi diocese.

Saint Joseph Vaz was born on April 21, 1651 to a devout family of Christopher Vaz and Maria Miranda of Goa. Responding to the call of the Lord Jesus, he was ordained priest at 25 after his ecclesiastical training in the seminary.

Obedient to the order of his superiors, he came bare foot to the coastal belt in 1681 and rendered his service. While serving at the Kundapur church, he also served Gangolli and the neighbourhood.

It is recorded in history that during his meditation, he was raised up and floating in the air at Holy Rosary Church, Kundapur. He also performed few miracles in the community. There was an attempt to assassinate him by his enemies at Mudipu of Bantwal Taluk during his service at the Panir Church of Mangalore.

After serving in the coast, he returned to Goa in 1684.

Joseph Vaz committed his spirit to the hands of the Lord on January 16, 1711. Recognizing his miracle filled life and service, the Catholic Church had declared him blessed earlier. His canonization as saint by Pope Francis on January 14, 2015 in Sri Lanka has brought great joy to the Christian community, particularly to the west coast of India.