Pope
Francis: social flourishing needs religious freedom
(Vatican Radio) Religious freedom and Gospel witness in the
service of reconciliation were the themes of Pope Francis’ homily on Wednesday
morning, at Mass on Galle Face Green, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, during which the
Holy Father canonized Saint Joseph Vaz (1651-1711) – an Oratorian missionary
priest, who preached the Gospel there during the time of Dutch Calvinist
dominion over much of the island.
Religious freedom is a fundamental human right. Each
individual must be free, alone or in association with others, to seek the
truth, and to openly express his or her religious convictions, free from
intimidation and external compulsion. As the life of Saint Joseph Vaz
teaches us, genuine worship of God bears fruit not in discrimination, hatred
and violence, but in respect for the sacredness of life, respect for the
dignity and freedom of others, and loving commitment to the welfare of all.
The Holy Father also
celebrated three great virtues of St Joseph Vaz, offering him to the whole
Church as an example of priestly holiness, of missionary zeal, and of the life
of witness lived in the service of reconciliation, justice and peace.
In Saint Joseph we see a powerful sign of God’s goodness and
love for the people of Sri Lanka. But we also see in him a challenge to
persevere in the paths of the Gospel, to grow in holiness ourselves, and to
testify to the Gospel message of reconciliation to which he dedicated his
life.
As a priest of the Oratory in his native Goa, Saint Joseph Vaz
came to this country inspired by missionary zeal and a great love of its
people. Because of religious persecution, he dressed as a beggar,
performing his priestly duties in secret meetings of the faithful, often at
night. His efforts provided spiritual and moral strength to the beleaguered
Catholic population. He had a particular desire to serve the ill and
suffering. His ministry to the sick was so appreciated by the king during
a smallpox epidemic in Kandy that he was allowed greater freedom to
minister. From Kandy, he could reach out to other parts of the island. He
spent himself in missionary work and died, exhausted, at the age of fifty-nine,
revered for his holiness.
In conclusion, Pope
Francis prayed that, following the example of Saint Joseph Vaz, the Christians
of Sri Lanka might today be confirmed in faith and make an ever greater
contribution to peace, justice and reconciliation in Sri Lankan society.
“This,” he said, “is what Christ asks of you: this is what Saint Joseph teaches
you; this is what the Church needs of you.”
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