The appeal to elevate St. Joseph Vaz as a Patron Saint for South Asia is a significant movement within the Catholic Church, particularly in light of the upcoming Jubilee Year in 2025. This initiative, spearheaded by the Joseph NaikVaz Institute, aims to honour St. Joseph Vaz for his remarkable contributions to the Church and humanity, particularly during times of crisis.

The Jubilee Year and Its Significance

Pope Francis has declared 2025 as a Jubilee Year, a time marked by special rituals, visits to sacred sites, and the granting of indulgences. This period is also expected to feature notable canonizations and recognitions of saints who have made substantial contributions to the Church and society. The Joseph Naik Vaz Institute sees this as an opportune moment to elevate St. Joseph Vaz’s status within the Church, advocating for his recognition as a Patron Saint due to his historical significance and
humanitarian efforts.

Historical Context: St. Joseph Vaz
St. Joseph Vaz, canonized in January 2015 after over three centuries of devotion, is celebrated as one of the greatest missionaries in South Asian history. His work primarily focused on aiding those afflicted by smallpox and supporting the Catholic community during periods of persecution. The canonization process involved significant collaboration between bishops and laypeople, highlighting a unified effort that was instrumental in achieving this recognition.

The Journey Towards Patron Saint
The push for St. Joseph Vaz’s designation as a Patron Saint began in earnest in 2021 when the Joseph Naik Vaz Institute initiated a petition to recognize him for his contributions during health crises, notably smallpox and later in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. This petition gained momentum as it sought to align with contemporary issues faced by medical first responders.

Expansion of the Petition
Initially focused on his role during the smallpox epidemic, the petition was broadened to encompass various aspects of St. Joseph Vaz’s contributions after realizing that other saints had been recognized for multiple roles at their canonizations. This included efforts to gain support from bishops in Sri Lanka and India, as well as consultations with key figures involved in his canonization.

The rules for patron saint shared by the Dicastery of Divine Cult in 2024 do not mention jurisdiction. A religious institute or lay group can choose a patron saint from any part of the world.

A religious institute requires episcopal approval of the bishops they’re under, not of where the saint was born or died. However, a lay group, non-religious or international does not require episcopal approval because they are not under episcopal jurisdiction. Such groups can go through the Holy See for approval.

Vatican Response and Progress
The Vatican Secretariat of State in September 2023 has acknowledged the petition, indicating preliminary approval for consideration. In August 2023, communication from the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints confirmed receipt of the request, forwarding it to relevant departments for further evaluation. This acknowledgment is a crucial step towards achieving formal recognition.

Clarifying Misconceptions
In promoting St. Joseph Vaz’s cause, it is essential to dispel myths surrounding the process of establishing Patron Saints:
Inclusivity: Patron Saints can be designated for both religious and non-religious organizations.
Bishop’s Role: While bishops play a role in religious institutes’ petitions, lay organizations can seek direct
approval from the Holy See.
Multiple Contributions: Saints can be recognized for various contributions across different fields.

The Role of Laity and Bishops
The success of this initiative hinges on collaboration between laity and bishops across South Asia. The Joseph Naik Vaz Institute emphasizes that unity among these groups is vital for advancing this cause. The Institute has called upon communities in regions like Goa and Mangalore, as well as Sri Lanka, to engage their bishops in discussions about supporting this initiative.

The appeal encourages local communities to rally behind this cause by signing petitions and advocating for their bishops’ support. The goal is not only to honor St. Joseph Vaz but also to inspire a sense of shared purpose among Catholics across South Asia.

A Historic Opportunity

The movement to establish St. Joseph Vaz as a Patron Saint presents a unique opportunity for South Asian Catholics to celebrate their heritage while contributing to the broader narrative of the Church’s mission. With preliminary approval from the Vatican and growing support from both clergy and laity, there is hope that this initiative will culminate in formal recognition during the Jubilee Year.
This endeavor not only seeks to honor St. Joseph Vaz but also aims to foster unity within the Church community across South Asia, reinforcing faith through collective action and devotion.

Filomena Saraswati Giese is the President-founder of the Joseph Naik Vaz Institute, California. Filomena has done a Master’s in Theology from the Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley, and has a doctorate in multicultural education from the University of San Francisco. She founded the Joseph Naik Vaz Institute in 1980 to keep alive the memory of then Ven. Fr. Joseph Vaz, Apostle of Sri Lanka and Kanara, India, and work for his Beatification and Canonization which was long overdue.
In 2014, H.H. Pope Francis asked for evidence of international devotion to then Blessed Joseph Vaz. The Postulator for the Canonization, Rev. Dr. ThomasKlosterkamp, O.M.I., submitted the Petition for his canonization to H.H. Pope Francis by the Joseph Naik Vaz Institute as evidence of the international devotion to him. The Pope canonized St. Joseph Vaz in 2015. The institute has submitted a new Petition to have him made Patron Saint of Medical First Responders and others of his contributions on change.org.

She has had her articles on St. Joseph (Naik) Vaz published in various papers and journals, such as the Bombay Examiner, Times of India, Vidyajyoti (Jesuit Journal of Theology in India), Fr. Agnelo’s Call (Goa), and The Catholic Voice of Oakland, California. Her latest article in Vidyajyoti was published in January 2024, titled “Should St. Joseph (Naik) Vaz be Called ‘Apostle of Ceylon’ or ‘Apostle of Sri Lanka and Kanara (India)?’

Source: Indian Catholic Matters