MR. E. SAMSON

Born: 7 June 1946

Departed: 17 April 2023

It is with profound sadness that we inform of the demise of Mr. E. Samson, a former Director of Cahayasuara Communications Centre., who passed away on 17 April 2023.

Mr. Samson Irudayam, fondly known as E. Samson, was a founding employee of the Cahayasuara Communications Centre (CCC), the Social Communications Ministry of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, when it was established in 1967.

Beginning in the early 1980s, Mr. Samson was a radio and television English newsreader for Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) for nearly three decades and was often called upon to do voice-overs for arch/diocesan and parish-related video productions. He was also a much sought after Master of Ceremonies for church events.

In September 1984, he was named director of Cahayasuara Communications Centre (CCC) by the then Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur Most Reverend Anthony Soter Fernandez (later His Eminence Anthony Soter Cardinal Fernandez), making him the first layperson to lead a ministry in the Archdiocese.

Mr. E. Samson was instrumental in the development of social communications within the Archdiocese. Mr. Samson was also in charge of teaching seminarians’ social communication skills while serving as director. Apart from that, as a member of the Peninsular Malaysian Pastoral Team, he helped organise the Peninsular Malaysia Pastoral Assembly and associated events, such as the Bishop's Road Show in the 1990s. He also collaborated on numerous Archdiocesan Pastoral projects with Archbishop Soter, as well as on the Vatican Pastoral directives on Social Communications.

For more than 30 years, Mr. Samson was the local Church's go-to symbol for media and communication. In August 2001, he announced his retirement.

In 2021, Mr. Samson wrote a coffee-table book "The Cardinal", in which he recalled his strong connection with the late Cardinal Soter, and his encounters with him.

He leaves behind his spouse, Mdm. Esther, children Priscilla, Damian, Shyamini, three grandchildren, relatives, and friends who will miss him dearly.

The wake is being held today at No.6, Lorong Udang Pasir 2, Taman Cuepacs, Sri Segambut, 52000, Kuala Lumpur and there will be a wake prayer at 8:30 pm.

The funeral Mass will take place at the Church of Jesus Caritas, Jalan Burung Hantu, Taman Kepong, 52100 Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, 19 April 2023, at 10:30 am. The cortege then leaves for final rites and burial at the Cheras Christian Cemetery, Jalan Kuari, Kuala Lumpur.

His Grace Most Reverend Julian Leow and the clergy of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur would like to extend their deepest condolences to the family of the late Mr. E. Samson. We are united with them in fraternal prayer and support in this time of loss.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

(MS) AMANDA PUMALA

ASSISTANT TO THE CHANCELLOR

ARCHDIOCESE OF KUALA LUMPUR