Report & Pics: Carmel Kiran Media
Mangaluru, Jan 4: 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, from Cordel Church to the Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte. The devotion-filled procession witnessed the participation of numerous faithful who offered their votive gifts in a spirit of gratitude, faith, and hope.
The votive offerings were blessed by Fr Vijay Monteiro, assistant parish priest of Cordel Church, and the procession was formally flagged off by Ruth Castelino, vice president of Cordel Church. The faithful then proceeded prayerfully towards the shrine, marking the spiritual beginning of the novena celebrations.
On arrival, Fr Melwyn D’Cunha, superior of St Joseph’s Monastery, and Fr Stephen Pereira, Shrine Director of the Infant Jesus Shrine, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the gathering and assured continuous prayers for all devotees and benefactors.
As part of the celebrations, the unique programme “Sahaballve”, aimed at promoting harmonious and fraternal living in society, was held. The programme was graced by Muneer Katipalla, noted social activist; Shalet Pinto, chairperson of the Karnataka Eco-Tourism Development Board; and Dinesh Hegde of Ulepady, advocate and Human Rights activist.
Sharing his personal experience, Muneer Katipalla remarked that harmonious living is natural to human beings and cautioned against divisive political narratives. He observed that people often stop listening to their neighbours while giving attention to politically motivated stories, urging society instead to share real-life stories of fraternity and coexistence.
The event was also attended by 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 Keshav and Naveen. All groups who participated in the procession with votive offerings were later honoured.
At the conclusion, 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 13, with nine Masses celebrated daily, along with Eucharistic adoration attended by devotees. The annual feast of the Infant Jesus will be celebrated on January 14 and 15, drawing thousands of pilgrims to the shrine in faith and devotion.