St Joseph Vaz

Today is the feast of St Joseph Vaz, who was canonised on Wednesday by the Pope in Colombo during his visit to Sri Lanka. St Joseph was an Oratorian from Goa, where he was born in 1651, and who is known as the Apostle of Sri Lanka (Ceylon). He died in 1711. There is an account of his life at Joseph Vaz 

St Joseph Vaz

Image: Wikipedia

There is a report frpm the BBC about the canonisation ceremony which can be seen at Pope in Sri Lanka: Huge crowds for Colombo Mass

The Pope's address can be read on the Zenit newsagency website at Pope Draws 3 Lessons From Saint He Canonized Today in Colombo

This evening at the Oxford Oratory following Mass for the feast we had Solemn Pontifical Benediction conducted by Bishop Robert. Here are two photographs of this taken by a friend:

 

Images: Irim Sarwar

On Sunday the 11am Mass at the Oratory will be in honour of St Joseph and will conclude with the singing of the Te Deum to give thanks for his canonisation. 

May St Joseph Vaz continue to pray for the people of Sri Lanka and Goa and for the Oratories worldwide