Historic Recognition for Indian Laity: St. Devasahayam Pillai Named Patron Saint
This September, the Indian Catholic community around the world received exciting news: St. Devasahayam Pillai has been officially declared the Patron Saint of the Laity in India. Celebrated for his bravery and sacrifice, this honor resonates deeply with Catholics not only in India but also among the diaspora, highlighting the importance of lay participation in faith.
A Momentous Honor
TheJoseph Naik Vaz Institute, which represents Indian and Sri Lankan Catholics in North America, shared heartfelt congratulations following this significant recognition. They praised St. Devasahayam as a symbol of courage during challenging times, a figure who inspires hope and steadfastness in people from all walks of life. Filomena Saraswati Giese, the Institute’s President, expressed the personal connection many lay Catholics feel to St. Devasahayam’s story, emphasizing his role as a guiding figure for those living their faith amidst adversity.
Voices from the Diaspora
The Joseph Naik Vaz Institute has long been a champion for recognizing local saints, particularly St. Joseph Vaz, a priest instrumental in supporting the Catholic Church in South India and Sri Lanka during times of persecution. The diaspora, although often disconnected from Indian and Sri Lankan church leaders, has tirelessly worked to keep his legacy alive since 1978.
St. Joseph Vaz was born in Goa in 1651 and dedicated his life to missionary work under oppressive conditions. Dressed as a laborer and equipped only with the tools of his faith, he tirelessly traveled to assist isolated Catholic communities, training laity to carry on the church’s mission covertly.
Empowering the Faithful
While the elevation of St. Devasahayam is a cause for celebration, the Institute also sees it as a chance to spotlight St. Joseph Vaz’s contributions to Catholic life in South Asia. They have appealed to the Vatican for him to also be recognized as the Patron Saint of the Laity due to his significant efforts to educate and empower ordinary believers during times of crisis.
St. Joseph Vaz’s innovative methods helped sustain the Catholic faith when open expression was risky. He laid the groundwork for self-sufficient Christian communities, allowing local people to take an active role in worship, education, and healthcare.
A Legacy Uniting Different Cultures
The impact of St. Joseph Vaz extends beyond borders, uniting various cultures and faiths. His work revitalized not only the Catholic community in Kanara but also established an enduring network in Sri Lanka that thrived for decades. The Institute emphasizes that recognizing him as a Patron Saint would celebrate his ability to foster unity among diverse peoples, highlighting his influence on both Hindus and Buddhists.
The Path for Indian Laity
The acknowledgment of St. Devasahayam arrives at a time when the Indian Church is facing numerous challenges. His and St. Joseph Vaz’s stories serve as reminders of the essential roles laypeople play in maintaining faith, especially when external support is lacking.
The Joseph Naik Vaz Institute expresses not just joy but also a call to action. With St. Devasahayam now honored, there is hope for broader recognition of the invaluable contributions of the laity for years to come. The Institute describes him as a “visionary” whose compassion and service to humanity continue to inspire people today.
As the celebration of the Patron of the Laity unfolds, there is a shared aspiration among Christians in India and abroad for greater recognition of St. Joseph Vaz, whose legacy deserves to shine alongside that of St. Devasahayam.
