15 November 2025
(1926-2026)
The Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny, of the Province of North-East India/ Nepal, held the opening ceremony of the celebrations marking their 100 years of presence and service in the province Kalimpong, commemorating the arrival of the first Cluny Sisters on 26 May 1926.
The centenary year was officially opened with the release of the centenary theme song, followed by a Mass of thanksgiving concelebrated by Bishop Stephen Lepcha, DD (Diocese of Darjeeling), Bishop Paul Simick, DD (Diocese of Bagdogra), and Bishop Fabian Toppo, DD (Diocese of Jalpaiguri), surrounded by more than 48 priests.
In his address, Bishop Lepcha paid tribute to the pioneering sisters of Cluny for their missionary spirit and their decisive contribution to religious formation, education, pastoral care, healthcare and social improvement in the Kalimpong hills.
The event brought together more than 155 sisters from Cluny, as well as representatives of various religious congregations, former pupils, benefactors, parents, civil authorities, teachers and pupils. The programme included cultural presentations, historical accounts and a shadow and light show retracing the congregation's 100th anniversary.
Addressing the assembly, Sister Eva Anju, Provincial Superior, presented the centenary as "a celebration of God's fidelity and the courage of our pioneers", reaffirming the sisters' commitment to serve people "with renewed dedication, to set the world ablaze with love and hope". She also recalled the rich history of the Congregation. Founded on 12 May 1807 in Cluny, France, by Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey, the sisters of Saint Joseph of Cluny arrived in Pondicherry, India, in 1827. They moved to Chandannagar in 1861, then to Calcutta and finally to Kalimpong in 1926. Their initial mission, carried out alongside the Fathers of the Missions Étrangères de Paris (MEP) and then the Canons Regular of Switzerland, was to restore dignity to every person through education, pastoral work and health care in the most remote villages.
The Province of North East India encompasses Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, Bagdogra, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and the Apostolic Vicariate of Nepal. 178 sisters in 34 communities continue to live the charism of our foundress and are actively engaged in education, health care, social action, pastoral care, empowerment of women and children, environmental stewardship and sustainable development. In this way, they continue a legacy of transformative service that has shaped generations.
The ceremony ended with a speech of thanks by Sister Subeshna Thapa, provincial assistant. She praised the support of the Church, governmental and non-governmental bodies, benefactors and supporters.
As the celebrations unfold over the coming year, we pray with gratitude for the service rendered by the sisters, past and present, and ask God to continue to bless the province and its mission.
