GOANS TO ATTEND FR. VAZ’ CANONISATION IN COLOMBO
The news of the Pope’s visit to Colombo for the canonisation of Indian-born Father Joseph Vaz has brought great excitement to natives of Father Vaz’s birthplace with preparations for the ceremony being made in Goa.
About 1,000 followers of Fr. Vaz from India’s southwestern state of Goa, where Vaz was born and brought up, are expected to attend the canonisation in Colombo set to take place in January.
“About 1,000 Goans have confirmed their visit to witness the canonisation process. These numbers may increase once the Pope’s visit is finalised by Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith of Sri Lanka,” said Father Eremito Rebello of Goa who is Vice Postulator for the canonisation of Fr. Vaz. Fr. Rebello also assisted in investigations and verification of the life and works of Fr. Vaz which is mandatory for his canonisation.
Fr. Rebello also stated that the Goa government, anticipating the rush, is in the process of requesting the central government to start direct flights between Goa and Colombo. “With the overwhelming response we received, charter flights may also be a solution to manage the exodus,” Fr. Rebello said. This will be the most important part of the Pope’s visit, he said.
“Before the mass the Holy Father will tour the city in an open vehicle so that the people can see him. Later on in the afternoon he will fly to the Madhu Church and he will be there for about an hour. He will attend a special prayer service and will bless the people with the statue of Our Lady of Madhu,” Fr. Gamini added.
On January 15 the Pope will leave for the Phillipines from Sri Lanka.
Fr. Gamini said, “We expect people to start gathering at Galle Face Green by noon on January 13, and we will provide sanitation facilities and there will be eating outlets for those who wish to spend the night. We will also have special prayer programmes for them and, most importantly, these people will have the opportunity to give their confessions.”
Social Services Minsiter Felix Perera said, “The roadsides will be decorated with flags and banners greeting the Pope. Around 3000 flags will be fixed alongside the road from the airport upto the Dalugama Bridge. The people will stand on either side of the road and will be able to see the Holy Father as he passes by.”