Portal:Catholic Church/Patron Archive/January 16

Joseph Vaz, CO (21 April 1651 – 16 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, a time when the Dutch had banned Catholicism in Ceylon and imposed Calvinism as the official religion after taking control 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. (Full article...)
Attributes: Mitre placed to side, holding crucifix, sun icon, Oratorian habit
Patronage: Sri Lanka
See also: Honoratus