FR. S. PAUL LOURDUSAMY, S.J. (65/43)

Died at Belvue Hospital, Kolkata, India, on 22nd November 2020

Fr. S. Paul Lourdusamy, affectionately called ‘Lourdes’, was an unassuming person, who constantly reflected over life situations. He committed himself for the people of Bihar and adapted their culture, especially of the poor and downtrodden. He can be called the man of the poor because he truly identified himself with the poor and stood for justice. As a Pastor, he visited families and came to know them at close quarters, identified his life with them. People could approach him very easily. He instilled faith formation in the Christian Community and made sure that they were well grounded in faith. As a Director of studies and Teacher of Theology, he was very loving and caring to the students, walked with them and was a friend to them. He actively participated in various discussions and always responded assertively from his heart and with his own personal reflections on anysubject.

Whenever he came to Patna, I had the opportunity of meeting him and he always spoke about his studies and his reflections on the subject matter. Whenever I inquired about his health and his ministry,he would reply very positively, that he is doing well. Lourdes would always talk about responding to God’s call in and through his ministry. He would love to meet his novitiate companions and enquire about how each one is faring in theirministry.

We joyfully and meaningfully celebrated the Silver Jubilee of our ordination;this jubilee program was held at St. Stephen’s Church, Danapur -we shared the experiences of our priestly ministry for the last 25 years. Fr. Lourdes spoke about his studies in Moral Theology and his teaching ministry to the theologians. He had well integrated his teaching ministry with his priestly vocation and thanked God for the 25 years of his priestly life in the Society ofJesus.

Lourdes, you left us so quickly. We shall definitely miss you as a member of Patna Province. God grant you eternal peace. I am sure now, you are interceding for all of us here on earth especially your Jesuit companions. - Fr. Gregory Gomes SJ

In 1973, we joined as Jesuit candidates in Xavier Hall, Bangalore. We did our PUC together at St. Joseph’s College Bangalore. Lourdusamy was a good sportsman – good in football and basketball. He was also a good leader, a very loving person and very cordial in his relationships with others. We were formed by Fr. Joseph Mariannan S.J., in the candidacy. We arrived in Patna together and stayed in Xavier Hall, St. Xavier’s. Lourdes was a hard working person. He learned the Hindi language from the scratch. He was very responsible, a silent worker and a person of interiority. He reflected deeply on various matters. He was a good companion, who supported, encouraged and appreciated others. He was a very loving and understanding person. He was convinced of his values and firmly stood for them. Very rarely have I seen him getting angry. He was very dedicated to theology studies and teaching. He enjoyed guiding and helping students, especially in theology. We used to share freely about our personal lives and our family matters too. He was a very good listener andused to challenge when it was necessary. He had great pastoral interest and a soft corner for the poor and downtrodden which was expressed in his ministries.I have lost a good friendandcompanion.

By - Fr. Ranjan Lazarus SJ
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