Acta Francisci Pp. 139

priest. Here today with us are many priests and religious, both men and

women, who, like Joseph Vaz, are consecrated to the service of God and

neighbour. I encourage each of you to look to Saint Joseph as a sure guide.

He teaches us how to go out to the peripheries, to make Jesus Christ eve-

rywhere known and loved. He is also an example of patient suffering in

the cause of the Gospel, of obedience to our superiors, of loving care for

the Church of God.4 Like ourselves, Saint Joseph Vaz lived in a period of

rapid and profound transformation; Catholics were a minority, and often

divided within; there was occasional hostility, even persecution, from with-

out. And yet, because he was constantly united with the crucified Lord in

prayer, he could become for all people a living icon of God's mercy and

reconciling love.

Second, Saint Joseph shows us the importance of transcending religious

divisions in the service of peace. His undivided love for God opened him

to love for his neighbour; he ministered to those in need, whoever and

wherever they were. His example continues to inspire the Church in Sri

Lanka today. She gladly and generously serves all members of society. She

makes no distinction of race, creed, tribe, status or religion in the ser-

vice she provides through her schools, hospitals, clinics, and many other

charitable works. All she asks in return is the freedom to carry out this

mission. 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.

Finally, Saint Joseph gives us an example of missionary zeal. Though he

came to Ceylon to minister to the Catholic community, in his evangelical

charity he reached out to everyone. 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. 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

4 Cf. Acts 20:28.