Below is a transcript of the Holy
Father's homily on the 14th of September in Galle, on the occasion of the canonisation of Joseph Vaz, a priest of
the Oratory. Deo Gratias!
"All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God." (Is 52:10)
This is the magnificent prophecy
which we heard in today’s first reading. Isaiah foretells the preaching of the
Gospel of Jesus Christ to all the ends of the earth. This prophecy has a
special meaning for us, as we celebrate the canonization of a great missionary
of the Gospel, St Joseph Vaz. Like countless other missionaries in the history
of the Church, he responded to the Risen Lord’s command to make disciples of
every nation (cf. Mt 28:19). By his words, but more importantly, by the example
of his life, he led the people of this country to the faith which gives us “an
inheritance among all God’s holy ones” (cf. Acts 20:32).
In St Joseph we see a powerful
sign of God’s goodness and love for the people of Sri Lanka. But we also see in
him a challenge to persevere in the paths of the Gospel, to grow in holiness
ourselves, and to testify to the Gospel message of reconciliation to which he
dedicated his life.
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| St. John Paul II at the beatification of St. Joseph Vaz in 1995 |
As a priest of the Oratory in his
native Goa, St Joseph Vaz came to this country inspired by missionary zeal and
a great love of its people. Because of religious persecution, he dressed as a
beggar, performing his priestly duties in secret meetings of the faithful,
often at night. His efforts provided spiritual and moral strength to the
beleaguered Catholic population. He had a particular desire to serve the ill and
suffering. His ministry to the sick was so appreciated by the king during a
smallpox epidemic in Kandy that he was allowed greater freedom to minister.
From Kandy, he could reach out to other parts of the island. He spent himself
in missionary work and died, exhausted, at the age of fifty-nine, revered for
his holiness.
St Joseph Vaz continues to be an
example and a teacher for many reasons, but I would like to focus on three.
First, he was an exemplary priest. Here today with us are many priests and
religious, both men and women, who, like Joseph Vaz, are consecrated to the
service of God and neighbour. I encourage each of you to look to Saint Joseph
as a sure guide. He teaches us how to go out to the peripheries, to make Jesus
Christ everywhere known and loved. He is also an example of patient suffering
in the cause of the Gospel, an example of obedience to our superiors, an
example of loving care for the Church of God (cf. Acts 20:28). Like ourselves,
St Joseph Vaz lived in a period of rapid and profound transformation; Catholics
were a minority, and often divided within; there was occasional hostility, even
persecution, from without. And yet, because he was constantly united with the
crucified Lord in prayer, he could become for all people a living icon of God’s
mercy and reconciling love.
Second, St Joseph shows us the
importance of transcending religious divisions in the service of peace. His
undivided love for God opened him to love for his neighbour; he ministered to
those in need, whoever and wherever they were. His example continues to inspire
the Church in Sri Lanka today. She gladly and generously serves all members of
society. She makes no distinction of race, creed, tribe, status or religion in
the service she provides through her schools, hospitals, clinics, and many
other charitable works. All she asks in return is the freedom to carry out this
mission. Religious freedom is a fundamental human right. Each individual must
be free, alone or in association with others, to seek the truth, and to openly
express his or her religious convictions, free from intimidation and external
compulsion. As the life of Saint Joseph Vaz teaches us, genuine worship of God
bears fruit not in discrimination, hatred and violence, but in respect for the
sacredness of life, respect for the dignity and freedom of others, and loving
commitment to the welfare of all.
Finally, St Joseph gives us an
example of missionary zeal. Though he came to Ceylon to minister to the
Catholic community, in his evangelical charity he reached out to everyone.
Leaving behind his home, his family, the comfort of his familiar surroundings,
he responded to the call to go forth, to speak of Christ wherever he was led.
St Joseph knew how to offer the truth and the beauty of the Gospel in a
multi-religious context, with respect, dedication, perseverance and humility.
This is also the way for the followers of Jesus today. We are called to go
forth with the same zeal, the same courage, of St Joseph, but also with his
sensitivity, his reverence for others, his desire to share with them that word
of grace (cf. Acts 20:32) which has the power to build them up. We are called
to be missionary disciples.
Dear brothers and sisters, I pray
that, following the example of St Joseph Vaz, the Christians of this country
may be confirmed in faith and make an ever greater contribution to peace,
justice and reconciliation in Sri Lankan society. This is what Christ asks of
you. This is what St Joseph teaches you. This is what the Church needs of you.
I commend all of you to the prayers of our new saint, so that, in union with
the Church throughout the world, you may sing a new song to the Lord and
declare his glory to all the ends of the earth. For great is the Lord, and
greatly to be praised (cf. Ps 96: 1-4)! Amen.
Source: http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2015/01/14/full-text-pope-francis-address-for-canonisation-of-st-joseph-vaz/
