Vatican City, Jan 13, 2015 / 21:05 pm
Pope Francis on Wednesday canonized Joseph Vaz, Sri Lanka's first saint, praising the 17th century priest's love for the Sri Lankan people, his "missionary zeal" and his example for all Christians.
"Leaving behind his home, his family, the comfort of his familiar surroundings, he responded to the call to go forth, to speak of Christ wherever he was led," the Pope said in his homily. "Saint Joseph knew how to offer the truth and the beauty of the Gospel in a multi-religious context, with respect, dedication, perseverance and humility. This is also the way for the followers of Jesus today."
#PopeFrancis proclaims Joseph Vaz a saint in Colombo #PopeinSL https://t.co/pTty9HBSrW
- Catholic News Agency (@cnalive) January 14, 2015
Pope Francis was the main celebrant of the Jan. 14 Mass held at the Galle Face Green in the national capital of Colombo. Hundreds of thousands of people attended the service, whose languages included English, Sinhalese, Tamil and Latin.