Canonization of Blessed Vaz expected in a year or two

SANCOALE: The day appears to be not very far away when Goan and Sri Lankan Catholic communities will rejoice and celebrate the canonization of Blessed Joseph Vaz. It is expected to take place in a year or two.
Fr Vaz entered Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in 1687. On January 21, 1995, soon after he was beatified by Pope John Paul II in Colombo, the canonization process followed with religious fervour, both in Goa (his birth place) and Sri Lanka, where he carried out his missionary works.
Rector of Blessed Joseph Vaz sanctuary, Sancoale, Fr Eremito Rebelo revealed that out of the three major healing cases, which could be attributed to the healing powers of Blessed Vaz from Sri Lanka, one has already been selected for further studies at the Vatican. "Authorities have asked for further documents of the case. As usual, they want to study the matter thoroughly," he said.
Rebelo mentioned that officials will investigate to check and spot the smallest loophole which will explain the healing medically. "And if they find any clue that the case can be explained medically," Rebello said, "it will be rejected."
In the case which has been selected and studied, the authorities have found that it could be a miraculous healing, but they want to further investigate the case in detail.
The rector at the Sancoale sanctuary disclosed that all the rules of the congregation for saints department could be overruled by the supreme pontiff or the Pope as he has the authority to declare a saint without a required miracle. "In the history of the canonization of saints, we do find some who have been declared saints without a miracle through their intercession. For example, on April 27 Pope John XXIII will be declared a saint without a miracle," he cited.
"In case of Blessed Joseph Vaz," Rebelo stated, "his devotion has been moving forward for more than 300 years and his virtuous and holy life has been acknowledged by the ecclesiastical authorities and the Catholic faithful." Pope Francis is personally taking keen interest in the canonization of Blessed Joseph Vaz. "In 2015, since he will be visiting Sri Lanka, we expect he will make some declaration regarding the canonization of this great zealous missionary," he said.