17th Century Goan priest declared as Saint by Pope

In the historic declaration Pope Francis honoured a 17th century Goan priest Joseph Vaz by conferring on him the title of saint.

Pope Francis has been on the visit to Sri Lanka.

In Colombo he made this declaration which is considered to be important as number of devotees from India and Sri Lanka revere saint vaz.

Who was saint Vaz?

1. Saint Joseph Vaz was a Christian missionary in the 17th century India.
2. He was born in Goa.
3. He worked in Karnataka from 1676.
4. After 1687 he worked in Sri Lanka.
5. His work in Sri Lanka was the reason behind the spread of Catholic religion on the island.
6. He is considered as one of the greatest missionaries of Asia along with the Spanish saint Francis Xavier.
7. He looked upon equally and served people of all faith.
8. His work is still remembered by devotees in the region of south India and Sri Lanka as an extraordinary contribution to humanity.