Mangalore: In preparation for the grand Annual Feast of St Lawrence Church and Shrine- Bondel, the traditional and sacred Hore Kanike procession (ವೊಜ್ಯಾಂಚೊ ಪುರ್ಶ್ಯಾಂವ್) was solemnly held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Mount Carmel Central School, Mary Hill. The event drew a large gathering of parishioners, devotees, and well-wishers from various communities, creating an atmosphere of unity and devotion.
The ceremony officially commenced with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m., followed by a devotional hymn performed by the students of Mount Carmel School. Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St. Lawrence English Medium School, extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to all gathered for the occasion. Dignitaries on the dais were honoured with bouquets and shawls as tokens of respect and appreciation.
Delivering the keynote address, former Minister and senior Congress leader B. Ramanath Rai highlighted the inclusive nature of the St Lawrence Shrine, calling it a symbol of devotion and communal harmony. He praised St Lawrence as a miracle-working patron and recalled his close association with the parish and its priests. Expressing gratitude, he thanked the parish for inviting him to this meaningful celebration.
B. Ramanath Rai was felicitated for his dedicated political service by the Parish Priest and the dignitaries on the dais. He was honoured with a shawl, bouquet, memento, and a fruit basket as a token of appreciation.
Dignitaries Present: Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza – Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha – Assistant Parish Priest, V.Rev. Fr James D’Souza – Vicar Forane- City Varado, Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves – Principal, St Lawrence English Medium School, Rev Fr Peter Mascarenhas ,Sr Melissa D’Souza – Principal, Mount Carmel Central School ,Rev Fr Jeevan Shailesh Asst PP Vamanjoor Church , Fr Arul Betharaam, John D’Silva – Vice President, Parish Pastoral Council, Prakash Pinto – Convener, Shrine Committee, Stephan D’Souza – Hore Kanike In-charge,
Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza sprinkled holy water and blessed all the offerings brought by the devotees.The Hore Kanike procession was ceremoniously flagged off by B. Ramanath Rai at the Mount Carmel School grounds. Amidst the melodies of hymns and the beats of a traditional band, the spirited procession gracefully made its way to St Lawrence Church, Bondel.
The entire program at Mount Carmel was gracefully emceed by Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Parish Priest, who added clarity and dignity to the event's flow.
Stephan D'Silva delivered the vote of thanks, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the event
The procession featured offertory items contributed by nearby Parishes, local communities, and members of other faiths, all brought with devotion and reverence. These offerings will be used for the noon meals served during the novena days, symbolizing the generosity and collective spirit of the faithful.
Upon reaching the church premises, the offerings were reverently offloaded. As a gesture of gratitude, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza personally felicitated all contributors—especially nearby Parishioners and non-Catholic participants—with shawls and mementos in appreciation of their support and goodwill. He also thanked the Catholic Sabha, all volunteers, and parishioners for their dedicated efforts in ensuring the smooth and prayerful conduct of the Hore Kanike procession.
Rev. Fr James D’Souza, Vicar Forane, expressed gratitude for the strong faith of the devotees and parishioners, saying, I’m deeply moved by the faithful turnout and their heartfelt offerings to St Lawrence. May God bless everyone abundantly
The entire procession was carried out with impeccable discipline and coordination, thanks to the Catholic Sabha and the dedicated team of volunteers, whose efforts ensured that the event was organized smoothly and respectfully.
Join us for the nine-day Novena in preparation for the Solemn Feast of St. Lawrence from August 1–9, drawing us into prayer and reflection. Daily Schedule: Morning Adoration: 10:30 a.m. | Mass: 11:00 a.m. Evening Adoration: 5:30 p.m. | Mass: 6:00 p.m. Lunch served daily after the morning Mass. Blessed bread distributed after evening Mass.
Feast Day – August 10: Solemn Mass (10:30 a.m.): Presided by Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha, Concluding Mass (5:30 p.m.): Celebrated by Bishop Emeritus Aloysius Paul D’Souza.
The Church and its surroundings are beautifully decorated by the Feast Committee, reflecting the joy of this sacred celebration. The Hore Kanike procession was a fitting prelude, uniting the faithful in prayer and gratitude.
We warmly invite all parishioners and well-wishers to join us and receive the blessings of St Lawrence.