Ten years to the day, in fact on January 14, 2015, the canonization of Padre Jose Vaz was solemnly performed in Colombo, Sri Lanka which was attended by several Goan pilgrims who went specially to Colombo to attend the spiritual ceremony. It has also to be remembered that St Jose Vaz died on January 16 which coincidentally was the day the Opinion Poll, the only referendum in independent India was carried out and that probably through the blessings of St Jose Vaz, Goa became a separate entity and thus a separate state. We are celebrating the 58th anniversary of the Opinion Poll on January 16 this year. It should also be brought to mind that a resident of Sao Tome, Cipriano Jose Ciriaco da Rosa Monteiro, who with true devotion travelLed to Sri Lanka to partake in the canonization ceremony passed away on January 13, 2015. This year also on January 16, 116 devout pilgrims who have embarked on a spiritual journey to attend the 10th anniversary of the canonization of St. Jose Vaz, will represent Goa at a solemn ceremony on the feast day.
