By Wilma Lepcha
Samthar, Nov 21, 2021: The most recent Salesian mission in the Kalimpong hills November 21 held the Eucharistic procession and celebrated the feast of Christ the King.
Chief celebrant at the Eucharist was rector and principal of Salesian College Siliguri Salesian Father George Thadathil, assisted by Vice Principal (Science) Father C M Paul, mission in-charge Father Savio Rai, and assistant Father Michael Beng.
The mission chapel situated some 5,250 feet above sea level in the rugged hill terrain was packed with some 150 faithful from 67 Catholic families from six villages around.
The remote hill mission started in 2017 operates from rented homes for Salesian residence and Don Bosco English medium school from Kindergarten to class III.
Samthar village, less than one and a half hour drive by car from Siliguri, is growing in popularity mostly to the foreigners. Clear day gives a brilliant view of majestic Kunchenjunga, the third highest peak of the world.
Mounts Sinialcu, Pundim and Simvo, passes such as Nathula, Chola, and Jelepla and the famous tiger hillare also visible from Samthar.
Samthar is sixth mission parish under Darjeeling-Sikkim diocese starting with Sonada, Mirik, Dhajea, Kalimpong, and Malbassy.