Contribution of the Archdiocese to Holy Mother the Church

His Eminence Simon Cardinal Lourdusamy

Date of Birth

February 05, 1924

Place

Kalleri , Tamil Nadu, India.

Secular Studies

Ecclesiastical Studies and Years of Formation

Ordained On

Credentials

Designations

Archdiocesan Archivist (1952)
Assistant, Atthipakkam Parish (8.3.1952 to 15-04-1952)
Secretary to the Archbishop (May 1952 to June 1952)
Chancellor, Secretary to the Archbishop, editor of Sarvaviabi (The Catholic Weekly Magazine run by the Archdiocese) and the Choir Master of the Cathedral (03-12-1956 to 18-07-1962).
Nominated Bishop Auxiliary to the Archbishop of Bangalore (02-07-1962)
Received his Episcopal consecration on the following August 22, 1962 from Archbishop Rayappan Ambrose, with Bishops Rajarethinam Sundaram and Daniel Arulswamy serving as co-consecrators in Pondicherry.
Attended the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965).
On November 9, 1964, he was made the Coadjutor Archbishop of Bangalore, and then succeeded Thomas Pothacamury as the Archbishop of Bangalore on January 11, 1968.
05-03-1971 appointed Joint Secretary to the Congregation of Propagation of Faith.
On February 26, 1973 appointed as the Secretary of the Evangelization of Peoples and Vice Chancellor of the Urbaniana University.
His Holiness Pope John Paul II raised Archbishop Lourdusamy to the state of a Cardinal Deacon in the consistory of May 25, 1985.
October 30, 1985 to May 24, 1991 appointed as the Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches.
on April 5, 1993, and served as a special papal legate at the funeral of Mother Teresa on September 13, 1997.
On April 5, 1993 was appointed protodeacon. He chose to become a Cardinal Priest on January 29, 1996.
On 21.12.2011 the Diamond Jubilee of the Sacradotal ordination of the Cardinal was celebrated in a grand manner at the Cathedral in Pondicherry.
Died in Rome on 02.06.2014, at 05.05 a.m.
Funeral Mass and Burial on 09.06.2014 at 10.00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Pondicherry

Natives Of The Archdiocese Of Pondicherry

Most Rev. Dr. Ubagarasamy Bernadeth

Bishop Of Coimbatore 1940

Most Rev. Dr. Mark Gopu

Auxiliary Bishop Of Pondicherry 1948

Archbishop Of Hyderabad 1953

Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Thumma

Bishop Of Vijayawada 1970

Most Rev. Dr. Michael Duraisamy

Bishop Of Salem 1974

Most Rev. Dr. Michael Augustine

Auxiliary Bishop Of Madras 1978

Bishop Of Vellore 1981

Archbishop Of Pondicherry 1992

Most Rev. Dr. Antony Anandarayar

Bishop Of Ootacamund 1997

Archbishop Of Pondicherry 2004

Rt. Rev. Dr. Antonysamy Peter Abir

Bishop of Sultanpet 2014

Apostolic Administrator of the Archdioces of Pondicherry - Cuddalore 2021-2022

Most Rev. Dr. A.M. Chinnappa.

Bishop of Vellore 1994

Archbishop of Madras - Mylapore 2005

Most. Rev. Dr. A. Neethinathan

Bishop of Chingleput 2002

Most Rev. Dr. Yvon Ambroise

Bishop Of Tutocorin 2005

Most Rev.Dr Arulselvam Rayappan

Bishop of Salem 2021

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment and sacrifices of countless religious orders and missionaries who devoted their lives to spreading the faith. Among them, the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris (MEP) holds a special place for its pivotal role in shaping the mission’s future. From the late 18th century, the MEP Fathers guided the mission through difficult times, laying strong foundations for education, pastoral care, and the formation of indigenous clergy. Their tireless efforts ensured the Catholic faith took deep root in the region, nurturing generations of believers.

We express heartfelt gratitude to the Capuchins, Jesuits, MEP Fathers, and all other missionaries who contributed to the growth of the Church in this part of India. Through their dedication, the Archdiocese has grown into a thriving spiritual community, continuing the faith passed down by these early missionaries. Their legacy remains alive today, as the Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore continues to live and spread the Gospel, faithfully preserving the rich heritage received from those who came before.