St. Joseph Vaz Church, Modara, Moratuwa

21/04/2026

Joseph Vaz (1651–1711) was a Catholic priest from Goa, known as the Apostle of Sri Lanka. During Dutch persecution, he arrived in 1687 and secretly ministered to Catholics, rebuilding the faith across the island despite great danger.

He served the poor and sick, especially during a smallpox outbreak in Kandy, and eventually gained the respect of the Kandyan king. His mission laid the foundation for Catholicism in Sri Lanka.

Canonised by Pope Francis in 2015, today marks his 375th birthday, and he is remembered for his courage, humility, and service.

22 likes, 12 comments. "Apostolic Service of St. Joseph Vaz in Sri Lanka"

21/04/2026

Today is the 375th Birthday of our Beloved Apostle.
St Joseph Vaz please intercede on our behalf to bring lasting Peace to this war torne World

07/03/2025

According to the relevant gazette notification dated 8th June 2023, the Parish Priest has obtained the Marriage Registration Book from the Divisional Secretariat, Moratuwa on 18th February 2025.

Accordingly, those who wish to celebrate their Wedding at St Joseph Vaz Church, Modera, Moratuwa, could meet the Parish Priest of Katukurunda/Modera and make necessary arrangements.

05/12/2024

We, the Parishioners of St Joseph Vaz Church, Modera, Moratuwa, wish to express our heartfelt thanks, appreciation and gratitude to Rev Fr Nilantha Ediriwickrema, for all his untiring efforts towards Registering our Church to carry out marriage registrations.
May Rev Fr Nilantha have good health and happiness to serve in the Lord's Vineyard for many more years ahead 🙏

16/01/2024

30/08/2021

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10158272204186592&id=49708771591&sfnsn=mo

Dearest Mr Harsha Fernando, You were a great source of strength to us in supplying the full requirement of timber required for the Doors and Windows of our Church, free of charge. You were such a kind hearted person who was always ready to help anyone in need.
The saying goes that the good die young and having associated with you, we are truly saddened in your having to leave us at an unexpected moment.
We are certain that you must be enjoying Eternal Happiness in the presence of Heavenly Glory.
So till we meet again in our Heavenly abode, it's bye for now Mr. Harsha.

It is with DEEP REGRET and PROFOUND SADDNESS we inform, that our old boy, MR. HARSHA FERNANDO, the Managing Director of St. Sebastian Saw Mill & Timber Depot (Batch of 1989), has been called to his eternal reward, a shortwhile ago.
May the angels guide you to the Heavenly Kingdom. May the good LORD be there to welcome you into HIS kingdom with both arms wide open.
Eternal rest grant unto him O LORD and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he Rest in Peace in the arms of JESUS and Rise in Glory, Amen.
Let us pray for his family members and also for the repose of his soul.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)
DEEPEST SYMPATHIES AND HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES OF THE SEBASTIANITE FAMILY !!!!! By Shermantha Fernando

08/06/2021

These photos are from the time of purchase of the land for our Church up to the completion of our new Church

01/06/2021

Pilgrimage to places where St Joseph Vaz had lived in Goa, India

Pilgrimage to places where St. Joseph Vaz had lived in Goa, and other places of Worship in India (Hymns in Sinhala, Tamil and Konkani)

31/05/2021

Pilgrimages to places associated with St Joseph Vaz in Sri Lanka

Pilgrimages to places associated with St. Joseph Vaz in the North, East and South of Sri Lanka. Including the visit of two Indian Catholic Priests - Rev Fr....

26/04/2021

Hymn on the Commandment of love that Jesus gave us - Love each other as you would love yourself

One of the Commandments Christ Jesus gave - Love each other as you would love yourself.On Organ: Shivanka, Vocals: Tharindu, Nethra and Ranjith, Lyrics: Ranjith