Hore Kanike Procession Flags Off Infant Jesus Novena Preparations
Mangaluru: In preparation for the forthcoming Novena and Annual Feast of the Infant Jesus, a solemn Hore Kanike (votive offering) procession was held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from Cordel Church to the Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte.
The devotion-filled procession witnessed the participation of a large number of faithful who prayerfully carried their votive offerings as expressions of gratitude, faith, and hope. The offerings were blessed by Rev. Fr. Vijay Monteiro, Assistant Parish Priest of Cordel Church, while the procession was ceremonially flagged off by Mrs. Ruth Castelino, Vice President of Cordel Church. The faithful then proceeded reverently towards the shrine, marking the spiritual beginning of the novena celebrations.
Upon arrival at the shrine, Rev. Fr. Melwyn D’Cunha, Superior of St. Joseph’s Monastery, and Rev. Fr. Stephen Pereira, Shrine Director of the Infant Jesus Shrine, warmly welcomed the devotees and assured them of continued prayers for all benefactors and pilgrims.
As part of the celebrations, the unique programme “Sahaballve”, aimed at promoting harmonious and fraternal living in society, was organised. The programme was graced by Mr. Muneer Katipalla, noted social activist; Mrs. Shalet Pinto, Chairperson of the Karnataka Eco-Tourism Development Board; and Mr. Dinesh Hegde of Ulepady, Advocate and Human Rights activist.
Sharing his personal experiences, Mr. Muneer Katipalla observed that harmonious living is intrinsic to human nature and cautioned against divisive political narratives. He remarked that people often stop listening to their neighbours while giving undue attention to politically motivated stories, and urged society to instead share real-life experiences of fraternity and coexistence.
The event was attended by Rev. Fr. Praveen Martis, Vice Chancellor of St. Aloysius Deemed to be University; Sr. Reena D’Souza, Superior of Santa Cruz Convent, Kulshekar; and local corporators Mr. Keshav and Mr. Naveen. All groups that participated in the procession with votive offerings were later honoured.
At the conclusion, Rev. Fr. Praveen Martis offered prayers over all the forthcoming activities. He blessed the flag and, by ceremonially hoisting it, officially declared the Novena and Annual Feast of the Infant Jesus open.
The spiritual theme for the year, “Called to Carmel, to the Wedding Feast of the Lamb,” invites the faithful to reflect on the soul’s journey towards union with God, inspired by the teachings of St. John of the Cross. The year holds special significance as the Church commemorates 300 years of his sainthood and 100 years since he was declared a Doctor of the Church.
The Novena Masses will be held from January 5 to January 13, with nine Masses celebrated daily along with Eucharistic Adoration. The Annual Feast of the Infant Jesus will be celebrated on January 14 and 15, 2026, and is expected to draw thousands of pilgrims to the shrine in faith and devotion.
