C.M. Paul
Jalpaiguri, May 1, 2025: The Jalpaiguri Catholic Diocese celebrated a significant milestone on May 1, 2025, with the consecration and installation of its fifth bishop, Father Fabian Toppo.
The ceremony held at Christ the Redeemer Cathedral was led by Archbishop Thomas D’Souza of Calcutta, with Archbishop Vincent Aind of Ranchi and Bishop Paul Toppo of Raigarh serving as co-consecrators.
The installation ceremony drew a large crowd, including approximately 300 priests, numerous religious sisters, and thousands of faithful from neighboring dioceses of of Darjeeling, Bagdogra, Purnea and Bongaigaon. The presence of the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, and 13 other bishops added to the spiritual significance of the occasion.
Bishop Fabian Toppo’s Background
Bishop Fabian Toppo, 65, succeeds Bishop Clement Tirkey, who served the diocese for 19 years, and brings a wealth of academic and pastoral experience to his new role. He has served as a Professor of Biblical Theology and Spiritual Director at Morning Star Regional Seminary and College in Kolkata since 2016. Born on December 21, 1960, in Darupisa, Chhattisgarh, Father Toppo pursued his philosophical studies at the Papal Seminary in Pune and theological and PhD studies at the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome.
Diocese’s Commitment to Social Upliftment
The Diocese of Jalpaiguri is deeply committed to social upliftment through its social wing, Jalpaiguri Seva Sadan, established in 1971. This organization focuses on the health, education, and prevention of human trafficking among the underprivileged, particularly tea garden workers. The diocese also has an extensive network of educational institutions run by the diocese and religious orders, including 58 primary schools, 16 high and secondary schools, and two degree colleges run run by Salesians and Jesuits.
A New Chapter for the Diocese
The installation of Bishop Fabian Toppo is anticipated to bring renewed energy and direction to the vital pastoral and social endeavors within the Jalpaiguri Diocese. With its rich history dating back to 1952, the diocese continues to play a significant role in the lives of its people, covering a substantial area of 9,614 square kilometers across the districts of Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and Jalpaiguri in West Bengal bordering Bangladesh and Bhutan.
The Catholic presence in this region traces its roots back to around 1911, with early missionary work undertaken by the Pontifical Institute of Foreign Missions, Milan (PIME). The diocese’s approximately 150,000 Catholic population reflects the linguistic diversity of the region, with languages such as Bengali, Hindi, Oraon, Mundari, Kharia, Santhali, Sadri, Boro, Nepali, and English being spoken.
As Bishop Toppo begins his new role, he will lead a diocese that is committed to serving the people of Jalpaiguri, particularly the underprivileged and marginalized communities. With his wealth of experience and dedication to pastoral care, Bishop Toppo is poised to guide the diocese towards a brighter future. END