Welcome

CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF DARJEELING: A BRIEF HISTORY

INTRODUCTION: Present day Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Darjeeling began as a humble church of the Immaculate Conception in 1892. It was raised to the status of the Cathedral on 8^th August 1962 when Rt. Reverend Bishop Eric Benjamin DD became the first bishop of the newly erected diocese of Darjeeling. She stands magnanimously attached to the Loreto Convent, Darjeeling symbolically telling to the world that the Catholic presence in Darjeeling and that of the Loreto Nuns are inseparable both historically and physically.

Advent of Catholicism: Through personal intervention of Mr. Loughman a retired judge from Patna and on the request of Archbishop Carew of Calcutta, the Irish Loreto Sisters burning with great missionary zeal, reached Darjeeling in 1846 thereby announcing the advent of Catholicism in this region. Sunday services were conducted in the Chapel of Loreto Convent until 1884.[1]Capuchin fathers built the first public place of worship in 1884 near St. Joseph’s Seminary, Sunny Bank.