The Carmel Convent at Pakyong was established on July 9, 1995, in the former Primary School building of St. Xavier’s School. Initially intended as a temporary residence for the sisters, it also served as the location for the Teacher Training Institution until a new residence and building could be constructed at Dickling, where a generous 7-acre plot had been donated to the Apostolic Carmel sisters by the diocese.
On May 1, 1995, Sisters Lancia and Irene Pereira embarked on their journey to Sikkim, carrying their personal belongings and stationery. They travelled aboard Tista Tossa to New Jalpaiguri, where they were warmly welcomed and escorted to Pakyong by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny, arranged by Fr. Thomas D’Souza. Upon arrival at Pakyong at noon, they were greeted with hospitality.
The same day, Sisters Lancia and Irene Pereira met with Fr. Felix Baretto, Principal of St. Xavier’s School, and Sylvester Crasta, the hostel superintendent of Jeevan Jyoti Hostel. Fr. Thomas D’Souza later arrived from Kalimpong, and a meeting was arranged on May 13 with Frs. Thomas, Felix, and Joseph Kunnath, the Dean of Sikkim. During Mass at the Cluny Convent that morning, Fr. Thomas D’Souza formally welcomed the Apostolic Carmel sisters to the Diocese.
July 9, 1995, marked the auspicious establishment of the Apostolic Carmel Community at Pakyong in East Sikkim. The sisters rejoiced in singing their ‘Magnificat’ as they felt the Lord had led them to the land of hill tribes.
