Fr. Lourduraj Arokiasamy was born on 12 June 1945 in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. While he was studying at St. Joseph’s, inspired by the life and works of the Jesuits, he entered the Society of Jesus on 10 June 1963 and was ordained a Jesuit priest on 25 April 1976. He pronounced his final vows on 04 February 1986.
He had close acquaintances with Muslim friends from his early childhood. Encouraged by Fr. Christian W. Troll, SJ, a German Jesuit, who taught at Vidyajyoti, Delhi, he specialized in Islamic studies. He was a much sought- after Jesuit for inter-religious dialogue in dioceses, and for teaching Islamic studies. As a visiting professor at various seminaries, he helped the seminarians understand and appreciate the Islamic religion.
An adorable teacher, a quality thinker, and a joyful and simple Jesuit, he preferred faithfulness to success in all that he did. While doing his Islamic studies at McGill University, Canada, he served as a spiritual minister in parishes and later in South America, Tanzania, and Kenya. Later he guided the young Jesuits in Berchmans Illam, Chennai and pre-novices at JPLI.
He suffered for about 10 months due to his illness and surrendered himself to the Lord on 12 December 2023, his 78th birthday according to his family narratives.
– Anto Arputha Raja, SJ
