Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Darjeeling (Agenzia Fides) - They are the farmers in the plantations that produce one of the most appreciated black teas in the world: in the hilly district of Darjeeling, a strip of land that is part of the Indian state of West Bengal, wedged between Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, the approximately 40,000 Catholics are mainly Adivasi (indigenous people) who work as pickers and processors of the leaves in the 87 production areas (tea gardens) of the delicious drink, spread over an area of 19,000 hectares. "In the 60 parishes of the diocese of Darjeeling, as well as in Catholic schools, we began reciting the Jubilee prayer six months ago, as a spiritual preparation for the Holy Year. Now the joy of these people, very simple and humble, to live the Jubilee with deep devotion and a pilgrimage to the cathedral of the diocese, the Jubilee Church, is palpable," explains to Fides Father C.M. Paul, Salesian of Don Bosco, professor at the Salesian College of Siliguri, founder and director of a Salesian Radio, a community radio that addresses the local public, with the aim of reaching out to the inhabitants of rural villages. "Groups of faithful organize themselves, traveling up to 60 km, to go to church and confess, participate in the Eucharist, pray for the Pope, receive the plenary indulgence," he explains. In the diocese, a picturesque district of northern Bengal, religious orders such as the Jesuits and the Salesians have historically been present, mainly engaged in education and youth ministry. The local faithful still remember the arrival of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Her work at the service of the destitute and abandoned elderly is still continued today by the Missionary Sisters of Charity: a mission of compassion towards all, at the service of wounded and excluded humanity. Their example is a testimony of faith that draws people to the Gospel of Christ. The Catholic community of Darjeeling runs colleges, primary and secondary schools, vocational training institutes, several welfare centers, orphanages and kindergartens, homes for the elderly and destitute. The services rendered to humanity have made the Catholic community appreciated by all, in a region where more than 1.5 million inhabitants of different ethnic groups belonging to different religious affiliations live: Hindus, Nepalese, Bengalese, Bhutanese, Sikhs, Tibetans.
"In families, there is often the coexistence of people of different religions, Catholics, Hindus and others. There is an atmosphere of tolerance and mutual goodwill. Our faithful live the Jubilee as a precious opportunity for spiritual renewal, conversion, devotion: the faith of simple people evangelizes us," reports the Salesian. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 16/1/2024)
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