MAPUSA
AAP Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas on Wednesday urged the State government to formally recommend to the Centre and the Department of Posts the issuance of a special commemorative postage stamp in honour of St Joseph Vaz, the Patron Saint of Goa.
Speaking in the Assembly, Viegas highlighted the saint’s enduring legacy and contributions to South Asia’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
“Born in Benaulim during the Portuguese colonial era, St Joseph Vaz became one of the most influential missionaries in South Asia, especially in Sri Lanka, during a time when Catholicism was under persecution,” he said.
Viegas said the missionary’s work embodied deep faith, compassion and resilience and continues to be a source of pride for Goa.
He noted that despite being canonised by Pope Francis in 2015 and being widely revered in Goa and beyond, no official philatelic recognition has been conferred upon him.
“A commemorative stamp would not only honour a great humanitarian and missionary but also celebrate a key figure in Goa’s spiritual and historical identity,” he said, calling for swift government action to initiate the proposal.
