Joseph Vaz

Joseph Vaz, CO (Konkani: ''San Zuze Vaza''; ; ''Pavitra Yoseph Vaz Santaru''; ''Punitha Sūsai Vas Munivar''; ''Santha Juse Vas Munithuma, Sri Lankawe Aposthuluvaraya'') (21 April 165116 January 1711) was an Oratorian priest and missionary in Sri Lanka (Ceylon), originally from Sancoale in Portuguese India.

Vaz arrived in Ceylon during the Dutch occupation, when the Dutch were imposing Calvinism as the official religion after taking over from the Portuguese Empire. He travelled throughout the island bringing the Eucharist and the Sacraments to clandestine groups of crypto-Catholics. Later in his mission, he found shelter in the Kingdom of Kandy where he was able to work freely. By the time of his death, Vaz had managed to rebuild the Catholic Church on the island.

As a result of his labors, Vaz is known as the Apostle of Ceylon. On 21 January 1995, he was beatified by Pope John Paul II in Colombo. He was canonized on 14 January 2015 by Pope Francis in an open-air Mass ceremony at the Galle Face Green in Colombo. Provided by Wikipedia