Relative of British MP to become Sri Lanka’s first saint

The distant relative of a British MP will become Sri Lanka’s first saint, the Vatican announced yesterday.

Pope Francis is expected to canonise Blessed Joseph Vaz, a 17th century missionary, during his visit to Sri Lanka in January.

Pope Francis has authorised the canonisation without a second miracle.

Blessed Joseph Vaz (1651-1711) is known as the Apostle of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). An Oratorian priest from Goa in the west of India, he was a missionary in Ceylon. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1995.