His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Lourdu Anandam D.D., Ph.D., Dr.Theol., known affectionately as Madurai-Anandam among not just Tamil-speaking Catholics but also among representatives of other religions, as well as social and political figures, is a divine blessing to the Diocese of Sivagangai.

His Holiness Pope Francis appointed Reverend Father Lourdu Anandam (65), hailing from the clergy of the Archdiocese of Madurai and serving as the parish priest of the Holy Rosary in Madurai, as the third Bishop of Sivagangai, Tamil Nadu, on Thursday, September 21, 2023.

Born on August 15, 1958, in Thiruvarangam within the Diocese of Sivagangai, Rev. Fr. Lourdu Anandam completed his schooling there. He then answered his calling to priesthood within the Archdiocese of Madurai, studying in the minor seminary in K.Pudur, Madurai. Later, he pursued his bachelor's degree in philosophy at Arul Anandar College, Karumathur, after which he underwent a year of regency at St. Pius X Minor Seminary, Ganaolivupuram, under the mentorship of Fr. Dhivanatham. Subsequently, he pursued theological studies at St. Paul’s Seminary in Tiruchirappalli, where he consistently ranked at the top of his class, showcasing his academic prowess.

Ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of Madurai on April 6, 1986, Rev. Fr. Lourdu Anandam initially engaged in pastoral ministry in the parish, followed by a stint as Secretary to the then Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Arockiasamy. He concurrently taught at the minor seminary in K. Pudur, Madurai, showcasing his multifaceted contributions.

Furthering his education abroad, he earned a doctorate in systematic theology from the Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, Germany. Throughout his priestly ministry since 1986, he has held various significant positions, including a three-year tenure as Secretary to the Archbishop of Madurai (1986-1989) and serving as parish priest in Sacred Heart, Kodaikanal (1995-1999), during which he also taught Systematic Theology at the Sacred Heart Seminary in Chennai (1999-2004).

His contributions as a Systematic theologian extended to authoring and co-editing numerous Tamil theological books. Recognizing his expertise, the Tamilnadu Catholic Conference appointed him Editor-in-Chief of the Catholic weekly Nam Vazhvu – A Tamil Catholic Weekly in Chennai (2004-2011), where he revitalized the publication's content and direction.

Returning to the Archdiocese, he served as Rector of St. Peter’s Seminary in Madurai (2011-2014) and subsequently as Director of the Pastoral Centre, Madurai, where he innovated ministry approaches for all diocesan commissions. Following his directorship, he served as Parish Priest until November 2022 and also excelled as Vicar Forane of Madurai South Vicariate.

His recent appointment as the third Bishop of Sivagangai Diocese is a testament to his longstanding dedication and service, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career.