On August 24, 2024, the Most Reverend Francis Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto visited Our Lady of Fatima Tamil Chaplaincy and attended their cultural event - Nattu Koothu.  In the Tamil culture, a Nattu Koothu loosely translates to “folk play”, and this presentation in particular paid respect to the Patron Saint of Sri Lanka, St. Joseph Vaz.

In addition to the play many aspects of Tamil culture was shared with His Grace, through traditional songs and dances performed by the parishioners of Our Lady of Fatima Tamil Chaplaincy. “It was truly a special evening that we will always remember,” remarked Fr. Canisius Raj Guymar Felix.

“The Tamil Community will forever be grateful for enthusiastic attendance and generous blessings of His Grace, Archbishop Leo. We are so very thankful for his guidance, leadership and support of our mission.”

St. Joseph Vaz was the third of six siblings and was ordained to the priesthood in 1676. He had a strong devotion to Our Lady and at one point in his ministry, while imprisoned he built a hut-church, then a proper church dedicated to Our Lady, and began converting other prisoners. He died in 1711, was venerated and beatified by Pope John Paul II in the 1980’s and 90’s and canonized by Pope Francis in 2014. For more on the life history of St. Joseph Vaz, visit the Diocese of Ratnapura website here.

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