Traditional Hore Kanike Procession Marks Beginning of St Lawrence Feast Preparations
Mangaluru, July 26: The traditional Hore Kanike (Votive Offering) Procession was held with devotion and grandeur on Sunday as part of the preparations for the Annual Feast of St Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel, scheduled to be celebrated on August 10.
The procession commenced at 4.30 p.m. from Mount Carmel Central School, Mary Hill, with a devotional hymn by the YCS students, followed by an opening prayer led by Rev. Fr. Peter Gonsalves.
Mr. John D’Silva, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council, welcomed the gathering, while the dignitaries were honoured with shawls by Rev. Fr. Basil Vas, Parish Priest and Shrine Rector. Mr. Alwyn Saldanha, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, introduced the chief guest.
The procession was flagged off by Shri P. V. Mohan, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council, who was felicitated by the parish in recognition of his public service.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Mohan described St Lawrence Shrine as a symbol of communal harmony where people of all religions and communities gather in faith. Referring to St Lawrence as the patron of the poor, he said the saint’s life continues to inspire people to serve the needy with compassion and generosity. Caring for the poor, he added, is an act of serving God. He appreciated the Shrine’s commitment to charitable service and wished the Annual Feast every success.
In his presidential address, Rev. Fr. Basil Vas thanked the faithful for their generous offerings, describing them as expressions of faith, gratitude and love for God. He prayed for God’s blessings upon every family and thanked Him for the timely rains. He also invited all devotees to participate in the nine-day Novena from August 1 to 9 and the Annual Feast on August 10.
Before the procession commenced, Rev. Fr. Basil Vas blessed the offerings by sprinkling them with holy water. Accompanied by devotional hymns and traditional band music, the procession made its way from Mount Carmel Central School to St Lawrence Church, Bondel.
The programme at the school was compered by Mr. Ronald Nazreth, President of the Adult Choir. Rev. Fr. Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Parish Priest, briefed the participants on the guidelines for the procession, while Mr. Jason Fernandes, Convener of the Shrine Committee and Hore Kanike In-charge, proposed the vote of thanks.
The procession featured offertory items contributed by neighbouring parishes, local communities and members of other faiths. The offerings will be used to prepare meals served to devotees during the nine days of the Novena, symbolising generosity, faith and the spirit of sharing.
On reaching the church premises, the offerings were reverently received and unloaded. Rev. Fr. Basil Vas felicitated representatives of neighbouring parishes and members of other faiths with shawls in appreciation of their generous support. He also thanked the Catholic Sabha, volunteers and parishioners for ensuring the smooth and prayerful conduct of the procession.
The entire event was organised with exemplary discipline and coordination by the Catholic Sabha and a dedicated team of volunteers.
Among those present were Rev. Fr. Basil Vas, Parish Priest and Shrine Rector; Shri P. V. Mohan, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council; Rev. Fr. Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Parish Priest; Rev. Fr. Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence English Medium School; Rev. Fr. Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest of Permannur; Denis D’Silva, President of the Dakshina Kannada District Congress Campaign Committee; Sr. Melissa D’Souza, Principal of Mount Carmel Central School; Sr. Reshma D’Souza, Superior of Vijaymari Convent; Mr. John D’Silva, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council; Mr. Alwyn Saldanha, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council; Mrs. Avitha Mascarenhas, Coordinator of All Commissions; and Mr. Jason Fernandes, Convener of the Shrine Committee.
The faithful have been invited to participate in the nine-day Novena from August 1 to 9, featuring daily morning Adoration at 10.30 a.m. followed by Holy Mass at 11.30 a.m., and evening Adoration at 5.30 p.m. followed by Holy Mass at 6.30 p.m. Lunch will be served after the morning Mass, while blessed bread will be distributed after the evening Mass.
The Solemn Festal Mass on August 10 at 10.30 a.m. will be celebrated by Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, while the concluding Mass at 5.30 p.m. will be celebrated by Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao, Bishop of Mysore.
Beautifully decorated for the feast, the church and its surroundings reflect the joy and devotion of the faithful. The Hore Kanike procession served as a fitting spiritual prelude to the Annual Feast, uniting devotees in prayer, thanksgiving and Christian fellowship.
Report: Meena Serrao Barboza
Photography: Stanley Bantwal
