Cluny Sisters Mark 100 Years of Missionary Service in Kalimpong

Kalimpong, November 15, 2026: The Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny have concluded their year-long centenary celebrations in Kalimpong, commemorating a century of missionary presence and service in North East India and Nepal.

The celebrations culminated on Saturday with a thanksgiving Eucharist and an open-air cultural programme featuring music and performances by students from Cluny institutions across the region.

The centenary marked the arrival of the first four Cluny missionaries in Kalimpong on May 26, 1926. The year-long observance, inaugurated on November 15, 2025, included seminars, leadership programmes, blood donation drives, health camps and social outreach activities.

Archbishop Elias Frank of Calcutta presided over the thanksgiving Eucharist, concelebrated by Bishop Stephen Lepcha of Darjeeling, Coadjutor Bishop Edward Barretto of Darjeeling, Bishop Paul Simick of Bagdogra and Bishop Fulgence Aloysius Tigga of Raiganj, along with priests from various dioceses and religious congregations.

In her address, Provincial Superior Sr. Eva Anju Lakra expressed gratitude for the Congregation's century-long missionary journey. She acknowledged the contributions of the Paris Foreign Missions Society (MEP) and the Canons Regular of St. Maurice in establishing and strengthening the early mission in Kalimpong.

From an initial group of four missionaries, the Congregation has grown to 187 members in 35 communities. Its ministries now extend across North Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nepal, covering education, healthcare, pastoral work, social outreach and environmental initiatives.

Delivering a message from Superior General Sr. Clare Stanley, General Councillor Sr. Edel Rai called on the Sisters to approach the next phase of their mission with renewed commitment. She urged them to respond to emerging needs while remaining faithful to the Congregation's vision, expressed in the call, "Together ignite the world with love and hope".

Archbishop Elias Frank acknowledged the Congregation's contribution to the growth of the Catholic Church and social development in the region. Bishop Stephen Lepcha highlighted the Sisters' service in remote communities, particularly their healthcare and humanitarian initiatives in areas with limited medical facilities.

A commemorative volume, History of the Province of North East India and Nepal (1926–2026), authored by Sr. Dr. Magdeline Singh SJC, was released during the celebrations. The book documents the Congregation's missionary journey and the development of its communities and various ministries over the past century.

Students from Cluny institutions across the region presented cultural performances reflecting the diversity of North East India. In a symbolic gesture marking the transition to a new chapter, the centenary flag was lowered and handed over to the youngest member of the Province, signifying the continuation of its missionary legacy.

Founded by Blessed Anne-Marie Javouhey, the Congregation draws inspiration from its founder's missionary vision of going wherever good can be done. The centenary celebrations concluded with the Sisters renewing their commitment to education, healthcare and service to communities across the region.

By Sr. Magdeline Singh SJC