Darjeeling Diocese Expands Vision of Neighbourhood Human Communities Across Deaneries

Darjeeling, May 24, 2026: Diocese of Darjeeling has launched a diocesan-wide initiative to strengthen Neighbourhood Human Communities (NHCs) through a series of animation and formation programmes aimed at fostering unity, dialogue and social engagement among people across communities and faith traditions.

Held from May 15 to 21 across all deaneries of the diocese, the full-day sessions brought together nearly 650 lay faithful along with 160 priests and religious superiors serving in the diocese. The programmes were organised under the leadership of Bishop Stephen Lepcha as part of the diocese’s continuing effort to broaden the mission of Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs).

Sr. Christin Joseph, the principal facilitator of the sessions, reflected on the present social realities facing the country and encouraged participants to discern the signs of the times in the light of the Gospel. She urged the faithful to place their trust in Jesus and work collaboratively with people of other faiths, describing current social challenges as opportunities for dialogue, solidarity and shared action.

Fr. I.P. Sarto guided discussions on extending the outreach of Basic Ecclesial Communities beyond parish structures into neighbourhood-based human communities that include people from diverse religious and social backgrounds.

The programmes were conducted at Namchi in Sikkim, Darjeeling, Singamari Parish and St. Augustine’s School. Bishop Lepcha personally attended the sessions and explained the vision behind the initiative, emphasising the Church’s call to build communities rooted in fraternity, participation and social responsibility.

Participants engaged in discussions on the common concerns and experiences that unite people while also reflecting on factors that create divisions within society. Many observed that shared human struggles and aspirations provide meaningful opportunities for collaboration and community-building at the grassroots level.

Fr. Michael Singh described the initiative as timely and significant, expressing gratitude to the laity for their active participation and commitment to strengthening local communities.

At the conclusion of the sessions, participants unanimously stressed the importance of widening the scope of Basic Ecclesial Communities to include people of different faiths in neighbourhood initiatives. Bishop Lepcha termed the current programmes an introductory phase and announced plans for further training sessions to equip BEC animators to lead and strengthen NHC activities across the diocese.

The initiative builds on an earlier diocesan programme held in March 2026, which had brought together nearly 600 lay faithful, priests and religious for discussions on the social responsibilities of Christians and the need for greater social awareness and engagement in contemporary society.

Darjeeling Diocese Expands Vision of Neighbourhood Human Communities Across Deaneries

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