Feast of St Joseph Vaz- Mudipu from Dec 1 to 3
Mangaluru: ” St Joseph Vaz who performed miracles on the hill of Mudipu, was raised to the altar of Sainthood on January 14, 2015 by Pope Francis in Sri Lanka. This priest from the coastal region to be raised to the altar of sainthood was for the first time in the book of history. We are celebrating the Annual Feast of St Joseph Vaz Shrine at Mudipu on Dec 1, 2 and 3, 2016. A good number of devotees and pilgrims, irrespective of caste and creed, come to the shrine to pray and receive blessings from God.. We have planed to make proper arrangements to cater to their spiritual and material needs ” said Fr Benjamin Pinto- parish priest and Shrine Director, during the press meet.
“On December 1 a solemn mass will be held at 10.30 am for the sick and disabled which will be offered by Bishop of Udupi Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo. The other masses will follow at 2.00 pm, 5 pm and 7 pm.; On December 2 a solemn festive mass will be held at 10.30 am by Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangaluru. The other masses will be held at 2.00 pm, 5.00 pm and 7.00 pm.; and On December 3, a solemn mass will be held at 10.30 am by Dr Thomas Pius D’Souza, Bishop of Ajimir diocese. The other masses will be held at 2.00 pm, 5 pm, and 7.00 pm.” added Fr Pinto.
He further said, “Anna Santarpane will be offered to all the pilgrims on all the feast days from 12.30 pm to 2.00 pm. There will be a votive offering procession on November 27 at 3.30 pm from Mudipu Church to St Joseph Vaz Shrine on Miracle Hill. During the year adoration, confession and Novena Prayers will be held every Friday from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm followed by lunch for all the pilgrims.” Leo D’souza- secretary and Roshan D’souza- Vice President of PPC were also present during the press meet.
Life of St Joseph Vaz:
Joseph Vaz was born on April 21, 1651 at Benovlim, Goa. He was the third son of Christopher Vaz and Miranda of Goa. He became a priest in 1676 and served at different parishes of Goa till 1681. He was later sent to Canara. Fr Joseph Vaz travelled from Goa barefoot. He had served at Honnavar, Basrur, Kundapura, Gangoli, Mulki, Mangalore and Ullal Panir. He was miraculously saved from an attempt on his life in 1684, while serving as parish priest of Panir Church. His ambition was to work as a missionary in Sri Lanka. He entered Sri Lanka in 1687 as a laborer defying a ban on Catholic priests. He served at various places in Sri Lanka braving all odds, thus rekindling the Christian faith in Sri Lanka. He died on January 16, 1711.
Fr Joseph Vaz was a courageous soldier of Christ, a dedicated Indian missionary and a humble servant of God. Recognizing his missionary work, Pope John Paul II proclaimed him as blessed Joseph Vaz in Colombo on January 21, 1995. He is venerated as the ‘Apostle of Sri Lanka’ and the ‘Patron of Goa’.
The Miracle Hill at Mudipu:
Mudipu is a confluence of magnificence, meditation and miracles, an abode of peace and tranquility. It is a tiny village on the Mangaluru – Vittal Road. Though situated around 25 km away from the city it attracts thousands of pilgrims from far and wide. It is the first church in India dedicated to St Joseph Vaz. The afflicted who flock here are richly blessed with many spiritual and material boons. The scenic beauty, serene atmosphere and clean caressing breeze of the miracle mountain have not only heightened the devotion and piety among people but has also soothed their hearts and made the place an attractive pilgrim centre.
The patron of Mudipu Church, St Joseph Vaz is an Indian. He was born in Goa in 1651. Having been ordained a priest he came to our land, then called Canara. His sole objective was to show salvific way to our people. He was appointed as parish priest of Ullal-Panir. Some deviant Catholics plotted against him. One day they came and requested him to anoint a sick person. The benevolent priest readily agreed and began the journey with them. As soon as they reached Mudipu hill, a deserted place, they attempted to kill him. The priest immediately struck his stick to the ground, knelt down and began to pray.
A miracle happened: water sprang from the three different directions. Those who attempted to kill the priest ran for their lives. God saved Fr Joseph Vaz in a miraculous way and those three springs still bear witness to the bygone graced event. It is special as the adjacent 60 feet well does not have water. The faithful believe that the water from these miraculous ponds has a healing power. It soothes pain: heals infirmities and if one prays with devotion fulfills their desires. Therefore the people of the vicinity call on his name for many spiritual and material benefits.