Goan Priest St. Joseph Vaz Remembered for Reviving Catholicism in Sri Lanka

Kandy, March 26, 2026: A group of 125 Goan Catholics recently travelled to Sri Lanka to mark the 315th annual feast of St. Joseph Vaz, the 17th-century missionary widely regarded as the “Apostle of Sri Lanka”. Their pilgrimage highlights the enduring legacy of a priest who played a crucial role in sustaining Catholicism during one of its most difficult periods on the island.

Born in 1651 in Benaulim, Goa, Joseph Vaz dedicated much of his life to missionary work. Ordained at the age of 25, he initially served in present-day Karnataka, building churches and schools. However, reports of severe persecution of Catholics in Ceylon under Dutch rule prompted him to take a decisive step.

In 1687, Vaz secretly entered Sri Lanka disguised as a labourer. At the time, the Dutch had expelled the Portuguese and imposed strict bans on Catholic practices, forcing the faith underground. Despite the risks, Vaz travelled across the island, conducting Mass in secret, administering sacraments, and training local catechists to sustain the faith.

His activities attracted attention, and in 1692 he was arrested in Kandy on suspicion of espionage. However, King Vimaladharmasuriya II later released him, allowing him to continue his mission.

A turning point came in 1696, when Kandy faced a severe drought. According to Church accounts, Vaz’s prayers brought rain, earning him respect from the king and local communities. This event enabled him to expand his work more openly, including building a chapel in Kandy.

Over the following years, Vaz and fellow priests established churches, schools, and centres across Sri Lanka. He also promoted devotion at the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu, which remains a major pilgrimage site today. His efforts, supported by other Goan missionaries, helped preserve Catholicism during a period when it faced near extinction.

By the time of his death in 1711, Vaz had helped establish 15 churches and around 400 chapels, serving an estimated 70,000 Catholics. His work laid the foundation for a community that has since grown to about 1.6 million in Sri Lanka.

Historians note that Vaz’s approach differed from some contemporaries, as he built bridges with local communities and earned respect beyond religious boundaries. The tolerance shown by Kandyan rulers also contributed to the survival of Catholicism.

Recognising his contribution, Pope John Paul II beatified Vaz in 1995, and Pope Francis canonised him in 2015.

More than three centuries later, St Joseph Vaz remains a powerful link between Goa and Sri Lanka, symbolising resilience, faith, and cross-cultural harmony.

Goan Priest St. Joseph Vaz Remembered for Reviving Catholicism in Sri Lanka

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