St. Joseph Vaz
Goan-born Indian priest of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri who, disguised as a beggar, secretly entered Dutch Calvinist-controlled Ceylon and ministered for twenty-four years to the persecuted Catholic remnant. He learned Tamil and Sinhala, established a clandestine network of priests and lay catechists, and is credited with preserving the Catholic faith on the island during one of its most desperate periods. He is venerated as the Apostle of Sri Lanka.
Life & Times
Also known as: José Vaz; Apostle of Sri Lanka; Apostle of Ceylon · Born: April 21, 1651 · Died: January 16, 1711 · From: Goa, Portuguese India; Sri Lanka (Ceylon).
Patronage
St. Joseph Vaz is invoked as the patron of sri lanka, the diocese of goa, missionaries to hostile lands. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“Christ is the only treasure that satisfies; let us seek Him alone.”— St. Joseph Vaz (traditionally attributed)
Shop St. Joseph Vaz Products
Devotional items honoring St. Joseph Vaz, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.
About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Joseph Vaz, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.