Seva Kendra Siliguri was started by Local Catholic Church in 1972 to reach out to the marginalized sections in the society after the Bangladesh war. The then beneficiaries were war refugees struggling for mere survival. Ever since, it has been faithfully carrying out the work of Charity whenever there is the cry of humanity. of late, though it has adopted the Developmental and Right based Approach, Charity remains at the center of its approaches. After the Covid 19 has become global pandemic and there is a lock down called all over India. It has hit hard the poor Tea Garden laborers and villagers in our locality. Hence, Seva Kendra Siliguri has once again come forward to reach out and help these poor people. From 27th April onward it has been continuously distributing Rice, Pulses, Soybeans, Edible oil and soaps to the poor people of Gungaram Tea Garden, Alimganj, Panighatta, Shivdula, Tukrabusty and gradually covering more areas after assessing the situation. Reported by Nishant Bara..

Rt. Rev. Vincent Aind blessed and inaugurated ‘PRAGATI’ on 18.01.2020, a newly constructed extension facility of Seva Kendra Siliguri on the concrete terrace of the 45 year old godowns. The new extension has additional facilities like a meeting hall cum lobby, 7 spacious self-contained rooms and a dormitory, all with AC. This extension was possible because of the generous support of Manos Unidas Spain and The Allan & Lalita Charitable Foundation, LA. Their intention is that with the little income from the use of this facility by many NGOs and organisations the poor and the marginalized especially among women and children in the tea gardens be empowered through the various programs by Seva Kendra which is a social service society of the diocese of Bagdogra. Seva Kendra has been reaching out to the needy and poor irrespective of their caste and creed right from its inception in 1972. On this great occasion, on behalf of the Diocese, His Lordship congratulated Fr. Felix Pinto, the Director for envisioning and realizing this Project. He said that God blesses any work done with good intention and love. The programme came to an end with sharing of a sumptuous lunch...

Bagdogra Diocese organized the National Youth Sunday on 4th August, 2019 at St. Peter Canasius Church, Gayaganga. About 300 youth were present to celebrate the Youth Day. The programme started at 9:30 a.m. with the Eucharistic Celebrations presided over by Rt. Rev. Vincent Aind, Bishop of Bagdogra and concelebrated by 3 more priests involved in Youth Ministry. After a short break, the programme resumed with a short message to the youth by the Bishop. A prayer dance and lighting of the lamp followed Bishop's message. Fr. Michael Singh, the former Youth Director of Darjeeling Diocese was the main Resource person. He delivered his talk on the theme, "I am the servant of the Lord". He stressed upon the Servant Leadership and Catholic youth becoming the light of the world. After his talk there was a short lunch break. Again the programme resumed with Cultural programme where the youth displayed various cultural items with much enthusiasm and creativity. At 5:30 p.m. the programme concluded with vote of thanks and concluding prayer by the Bishop...

All the Diocesan priests from the Diocese of Bagdogra made their Annual Retreat from 21st July to 27th July in Woodcut, Kurseong. It was indeed a good holiday with the Lord journeying with Him in solitude. The weather was cool and the surroundings were calm and serene. The continuous out pour kept the retreatants indoor all the time. The retreat was preached by Bishop Robert Miranda of Gulbarga Diocese. The Jesuit community at Woodcut looked after the retreatants very well. The Bishop and the priests express their gratitude to them for their warmth and hospitality. Now, all the priests have come back to the Diocese with new spiritual vigour and enthusiasm. We, the Laity and Religious wish you fathers a happy new life and fruitful ministries...

The meeting of S.C.C. (Small Christian Communities) of Bagdogra Diocese took place on 18.07.2019 at 10:30 am in Loyola Pastoral Centre, Matigarah. The meeting began with Bible procession followed by reading a passage from the Bible and invocation of the Holy Spirit. Then Bishop Vincent led everyone into prayer and after the prayer he shared a short reflection on the reading and gave a short input on S.C.C. There were two main agendas of the meeting. The first was to get feedback from the participants on the SCC seminar conducted by Fr. Rajesh Kujur, the State and National coordinator of S.C.C. The second agenda was to have an election for the formation of a new D.S.T. (Diocesan Service Team). All the parish members, the priests and the religious shared that the seminar on S.C.C. by Fr. Rajesh Kujur was very fruitful and effective one. Many shared that they came to know about S.C.C. in a more deeper level and its impact on the society and on religion as a whole. Till recent past, S.C.C. was perceived as a pious group but now the realization has dawned upon the people as to what S.C.C. is. The members also shared about the functioning of S.C.C. in their respective parishes. After the feedback and the sharing session, much awaited election for the formation of new D.S.T. took place. The names of new D.S.T. members are as follows:- Name , Status Parish/Residence 1. + Vincent Aind President Bishop’s House, Siliguri 2. Fr. John Tigga S.J. Coordinator Loyola Pastoral Centre 3. Fr. Mathias Toppo Asst. Coordinator Hansqua 4. Sr. Christina Minj DSA Member ..