Duraisamy Simon Lourdusamy was an Indian cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the first Tamil to be raised to the rank of a Cardinal 
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Remembering Duraisamy Simon Lourdusamy: 10 things you probably did not know about this Cardinal from Tamil Nadu

A priest for more than 62 years, a bishop for 52 years, a cardinal for 29 years and the first Tamil Cardinal Duraisamy Simon Lourdusamy was called upon by  Pope Paul VI in 1971 to serve the Universal Church. Born in Kalleri, Viluppuram District, Tamil Nadu Lourdusamy was close to Pope John XXIII, Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul I, and most especially, with Pope John Paul II and his fellow curial cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and future Pope Benedict XVI. On his 96th birth anniversary, we look back at the milestones the priest set throughout his life. Here are 10 things you might not know about his illustrious career Picture Courtesy: Catholic News Agency, YouTube, Google, Getty Images

EdexLive Desk
Lourdusamy was the elder brother of the priest and theologian DS Amalorpavadass. The brothers played a significant role in the implementation of Vatican II Council reforms in India
He studied at Loyola College, Chennai and was sent to Rome to pursue higher studies in Canon Law at the Pontifical Urbaniana University where he obtained his doctorate
He obtained full marks in all his exams in Canon law studies, something which has never occurred in Roman universities
He was also awarded a doctorate of laws — 'Honoris Causa' (1979) by Adamson University, Philippines and a doctorate of letters - 'Honoris Causa' (1989) by Pondicherry University
Pope Paul VI invited him to Rome to serve the Universal Church from 1971. He is the first Asian to become a member of the Roman Curia
He was the special papal legate to the funeral of Mother Teresa. After hearing his report the Cardinals and Bishops of the CCS unanimously recognised the sainthood of Mother Teresa
He was fluent in several languages — Tamil, Latin, English, Italian, French, German, Kannada, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and Swedish. He played the piano and composed music for devotional songs
Cardinal Lourdusamy died in Rome on June 2, 2014. Pope Francis led the Rites of Final Commendation and Valediction
His episcopal motto was Aedificare domum Dei which means 'To build the house of God'

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