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by Christie Fernando, Chilaw special correspondent

"We need saintly and dedicated priests in Sri Lanka. They should be imbibed with selfless love and strive for the well-being and happiness of mankind. They can emulate Blessed Joseph Vaz, who travelled to Sri Lanka disguised as a mendicant to preach the gospel, at a time when there was no Catholic Priest for almost thirty years in the island," said His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Vianney Fernando, Bishop of Kandy.

He was speaking at the Chilaw Diocesan Commemoration ceremony and rally held in honour of Blessed Joseph Vaz, attended by hundreds of schoolchildren and parents at St. Mary's Cathedral, Chilaw premises.

"We know that in recent times, Mother Teresa set an example as an upright and worthy nun who worked for the emancipation of the neglected, needy and marginalized in society. She went out of her way to care, comfort and succour the deprived, eschewing caste, creed, language and other differences. Her beatification ceremony as a mark of honour was held in the Vatican recently."

Recounting the life of Blessed Joseph Vaz, His Lordship said: "When Father Joseph Vaz arrived in Mannar from India, he went about like a beggar and was not ashamed to beg for his meals. But soon he began to reveal himself as a man of God and ordained Catholic priests who had come in secret to say Holy mass and minister to the spiritual needs of the Catholics. At that time, many were suffering from dysentery. An old woman generously gave him 'Kangi' (rice porridge) twice a day. And when he recovered, he had enough strength to minister to the Catholics as well as non-Catholics scattered in the island.

"When he was in Kandy, an epidemic broke out and all the residents moved out including the incumbent King Wimaladharma. But this saintly priest Joseph Vaz with a few of his followers never budged an inch but remained there in staunch faith to nurture the sick and dying. When the King returned after some time, he was astonished to see Joseph Vaz, his followers and his beloved people in his realm, hale and hearty. He thanked Father Joseph and exclaimed he had saved everyone in his kingdom by Divine Providence from untimely death. People marvelled at his extraordinary devotion and love for God and the needy and ailing."

Bishop Vianney said: "Become like Joseph Vaz and bring Jesus to your milieu, your homes and the environment, you live in. Priests should know their calling and lead a life of self-abnegation, asceticism and holiness. God loves us. He never forsakes us in difficulty and turmoil.

It's God's Providence that protected Joseph Vaz because he was a dedicated 'Sanyasi' (a holy man). He was also imprisoned but he never wavered in his unflinching zeal and love for God and his fellowmen; he toiled hard for the welfare of distressed people."

Bishop Vianney Fernando also distributed certificates to outstanding students in a competition held to test their knowledge on the saintly life of Blessed Joseph Vaz. Chilaw Diocesan Vicar General Rev. Fr. Pius Fernando, Rev. Fr. Alex Dassanayake, Professor, National Seminary, Ampitiya, Kandy and several others also spoke.

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