Joseph Vass canonised as first Saint of Sri Lanka by His Holiness the POPE.

A special mass was held at the Galle Face Green this morning, under the patronage of His Holiness Pope Francis who arrived in the island to invoke blessings on the citizens.

The mass was attended by hundreds and thousands of devotees.

At 7.45 this morning the Pontiff reached the Galle Face Green and strolled across the area blessing the devotees who were present.

It was notable that His Holiness the Pope set his sights on blessing especially the differently-abled devotees.

The significant event took place during the main papal mass at Galle Face Green is canonizing of father Joseph Vaz as the first Sri Lankan Saint.

Father Joseph Vaz was born and brought up in Goa and later migrated to Sri Lanka.

A group of devotees from Goa also participated in the mass in which father Joseph Vaz was canonized today.

Accordingly, His Holiness Pope Francis read out the official statement of the canonize of father Joseph Vaz as a Saint.

Later His Holiness began the main papal mass after blessing a statue of Saint Joseph Vaz.

The mass was translated to Sinhala, English, Tamil and Latin languages.