BIOGRAPHY

Most Rev. Dr. Lourdu Anandam, D.D., Ph.D., Dr. Theol.

Bishop of Sivagangai

Most Rev. Dr. Lourdu Anandam, affectionately known as Madurai-Anandam, is a distinguished shepherd of the Church whose life and ministry have been marked by deep faith, intellectual excellence, and committed pastoral service. He is widely respected not only among Tamil-speaking Catholics but also among leaders of other religions and the wider social and political community.

He was born on 15 August 1958 in Thiruvarangam, within the present Diocese of Sivagangai. After completing his early education, he discerned his call to the priesthood and joined the minor seminary at K. Pudur, Madurai, under the Archdiocese of Madurai.

He pursued his philosophical studies at Arul Anandar College, Karumathur, followed by a period of regency at St. Pius X Minor Seminary, Gnanolivupuram. He then continued his theological formation at St. Paul’s Seminary, Tiruchirappalli, where he distinguished himself academically by consistently ranking among the top students.

He was ordained a priest on 6 April 1986 for the Archdiocese of Madurai. In the early years of his priesthood, he served in pastoral ministry and as Secretary to the Archbishop, Most Rev. Dr. Arockiasamy. At the same time, he contributed to priestly formation by teaching at the minor seminary in K. Pudur.

Driven by a passion for theological scholarship, he pursued higher studies in Germany and obtained a Doctorate in Systematic Theology from Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg. His academic formation greatly enriched his later contributions to theological education and Church leadership.

Over the years, Fr. Lourdu Anandam held several significant responsibilities:

• Secretary to the Archbishop of Madurai (1986–1989)

• Parish Priest, Sacred Heart Church, Kodaikanal (1995–1999)

• Professor of Systematic Theology, Sacred Heart Seminary, Chennai (1999–2004)

• Editor-in-Chief of Nam Vazhvu, a leading Tamil Catholic weekly (2004–2011), where he revitalized its vision and outreach

• Rector, St. Peter’s Seminary, Madurai (2011–2014)

• Director, Pastoral Centre, Madurai

• Parish Priest and Vicar Forane of Madurai South Vicariate

As a theologian, he has authored and co-edited numerous Tamil theological works, contributing significantly to the intellectual and spiritual life of the Tamil Church.

Recognizing his profound pastoral experience and theological expertise, His Holiness Pope Francis appointed him as the third Bishop of Sivagangai on 21 September 2023. He was consecrated as Bishop on 26 November 2023, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his dedicated service to the Church.

KEY MILESTONES

• Born: 15 August 1958

• Priestly Ordination: 6 April 1986

• Episcopal Ordination: 26 November 2023

REGIONAL AND NATIONAL MINISTRIES

Chairman, Nam Vazhvu Publication Society

Professor, MMI Seminary, Palanchur, Chennai.

Professor, Francesco, Capuchin Theologate,Trichy.

Professor, St. Paul’s Seminary,Trichy.

Research Director, St.Joseph’s University, Dimmapur, Nagaland.

Editorial Board member,Catholic News Update Asia.

Ecclesiastical Counsellor, Society of the Holy Spirit.

AWARDS RECEIVED

Arutkalaingar – Fr. Jesudasan Golden Jubilee Trust, 2010.

Ilakkya Chemmal – Catholic Christian Association, 2010.

Ithaliyal Vithagar – Catholic Literary Association, 2011.

Ithaliyal Sirbi – United Christian Writers’ Forum, 2011.

Life-time Achievar Award – Catholic Fine – Arts Association, 2018.

NEW CHURCHES BLESSED BY MOST REV. DR. LOURDU ANANDAM

2024

2025

RENOVATED CHURCHES BY MOST REV. DR. LOURDU ANANDAM

2023-2024

2025

CONTRIBUTION TO THE CHURCH CONSTRUCTIONS BEFORE EPISCOPACY

• 1995 – St. Antony’s Chapel, Kurinjinagar, Kodaikanal

• 1999 – Our Lady of Good Health Church, Pambarpuram, Kodaikanal

• 1999 – St. Peter & Paul’s Church, Singarayapuram

• 2000 – Sahayamatha Church, Venkatankurichi

• 2002 – Three Kings Church, Muthuchellapuram

• 2002 – Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Melamangalam

• 2003 – Community Hall, Kuruvipottal

• 2004 – St. Antony’s Chapel, Purasai, Cheyyar

• 2006 – Adaikalamatha Church, Suriyankottai

• 2008 – St. James Church, Karumbukoottam

• 2008 – St. Michael’s Church, Mahindi

• 2009 – St. James Church, Maranthai (Savariyarpuram)

• 2010 – St. Joseph’s Church, Sembonkudi

• 2011 – St. Antony’s Church, Thinaikulam

• 2011 – Jubilee Town Church, Madurai

• 2011 – St. Antony’s Church, Kuppachipatti

• 2012 – St. Mary’s Church, Sothukudi

• 2012 – St. Antony’s Church, Thokkanandal

• 2012 – Adaikala Annai Church, Satharasanpatty

• 2012 – St. Antony’s Church, Suparayapuram

• 2013 – St. Michael’s Church, Sekkakudi

• 2013 – St. Thomas’ Church, Muthuvijayapuram

• 2014 – Holy Rosary Church, Mathurakanmai

• 2014 – St. Theresa of Child Jesus Church, Pushpavanam

• 2015 – Our Lady of Good Health Church, Kundrakudi

• 2015 – R.C. Church, Pushpavanam

• 2016 – Lourdes Grotto, Rochmanagar

• 2016 – St. Ignatius Church, Nemmany

• 2016 – St. John de Britto Church, Muthalur

• 2017 – St. Ignatius Church, Maranthai–Samudram

• 2017 – Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Madurai

• 2018 – Church of Our Lady of Fatima, Kantharvilagam

• 2020 – Holy Rosary Church, Madurai

CONTRIBUTION TO SCHOOL BUILDINGS BEFORE EPISCOPACY

• 2000 – R.C. Higher Secondary School, Kodaikanal

• 2002 – R.C. Primary School, Michaelpattanam

• 2012 – R.C. Primary School, Thinaikulam

POSITIONS HELD BEFORE EPISCOPACY

• 1986–1989 – Secretary to the Archbishops of Madurai

• 1986–1989 – Chancellor, Archdiocese of Madurai

• 1987–1989 – Editor, Catholicu Sevai

• 1995–1999 – Parish Priest, Sacred Heart Church, Kodaikanal

• 1996–1999 – Secretary, Priests’ Council, Madurai

• 1996–1999 – Consulter, Archdiocese of Madurai

• 1999–2009 – Professor of Systematic Theology, Sacred Heart Seminary, Poonamallee

• 2000–2004 – Dean of Theology, Sacred Heart Seminary, Chennai

• 2000–2006 – Counsellor, Missionaries of Mary Immaculate (MMI)

• 2000–2011 – Counsellor, MMI Congregation

• 2004–2008 – President, Tamil Theological Association

• 2004–2011 – Editor-in-Chief, Nam Vazhvu (Tamil Catholic Weekly), Chennai

• 2004–2011 – Publisher, Nam Vazhvu, Chennai

• 2009–2011 – Dean, MMI College of Theology, Palanchur, Chennai

• 2011–2014 – Rector, St. Peter’s Seminary, Viraganur, Madurai

• 2014–2017 – Vice-President, Indian Theological Association (ITA)

• 2015–2016 – Manager, Nobili Book Centre, Madurai

• 2015–2019 – Correspondent, Nobili Matric Hr. Sec. School, Madurai

• 2015–2020 – Director, Nobili Pastoral Centre, Madurai

• 2015–2020 – Publisher, Nobili Publications, Madurai

• 2015–2020 – Co-ordinator, Archdiocesan Commissions, Madurai

• 2015–2020 – Manager, Maviga Press, Madurai

• 2015–2020 – Publisher, Sunday Bulletin, Madurai

• 2018–2019 – Professor, CRI Theological Institute, Bangalore

• 2018–2020 – Professor, MP Regional Seminary, Bhopal

• 2018–2023 – President, Tamil Nadu Systematic Theologians’ Forum

• 2020–2023 – Parish Priest, Holy Rosary Church, Madurai

• 2020–2023 – Vicar Forane, Madurai South Vicariate

• 2023 – Episcopal Vicar for Religious, Archdiocese of Madurai

INSTITUTES TAUGHT IN THE PAST

• The University of Madras, Chennai

• Jesuit Theologate Arulkadal, Chennai

• St. Joseph’s Major Seminary, Khammam, Andhra Pradesh

• Marian Institute, Vailankanni