Bishop Steven Lepcha

The Second Bishop of Darjeeling Diocese Rev. Bishop Stephen Lepcha is the younger son of Late Paul and Celina Lepcha of Suruk Parish in Kalimpong sub-division of Darjeeling District. He has two elder brothers and two younger sisters. Born on 22nd December 1952 , Bishop Stephen received his primary education at St. George's School, Pedong and St. Robert's Higher Secondary School, Darjeeling. Inspired by the ardent faith of his own parents and the example of the priests in his parish, Bishop Stephen joined John XXII Institute, (Minor Seminary), Darjeeling, with the firm desire to become a priest for the Diocese of Darjeeling. He completed his Philosophy and Theology studies at St. Albert's College, Ranchi, and was ordained a priest on 15th December 1982 by the Late Bishop Eric Benjamin.

His first appointment took Bishop Stephen in May 1983 to Git-Dubling as a co-pastor and subsequently from may 1985 till May 1990 as Parish Priest. His pastoral  commitment and zeal for the Gospal, together with a compassionate love for the people, endeared him to Christian and Non-Christians alike. Since June 1990 Bishop Stephen Lepcha has been Director of the Diocesan Minor Seminary - John XXII Institute - at Darjeeling. As Vocation Promoter of the Dioceses since 1990, Bishop Stephen has been largely responsible for the many local vocations. He has been deeply involved with young people as Youth Animator for the Darjeeling-Kurseong Deanery and his love for children was evident in his work as director for the Crusaders. The Darjeeling Charismatic Movement flourished under his enthusiastic and inspired leadership. He was ordained as a Bishop on 7th December 1997 at North Point, school ground Darjeeling.