Pics: Abhijith Kolpe/Satnley Bantwal
Media release
Mangaluru, Jan 4: Ahead of the annual feast of the Infant Jesus (January 14 and 15) at Bikarnakatte, the ‘Hore Kanike’ (offertory procession) held on Wednesday, January 4 witnessed scores of devotees.
After having participated in a prayer service held by Fr Lancy Lewis at the Kaikamba-Bikarnakatte Grounds, Fr Charles Serrao flagged off the procession from Kaikamba to the Infant Jesus shrine.
Many faithful devotees participated in the colourful Horekanike, which was made up of offertory materials provided by different community contributors to be used for the noon meals that will be served on all the novena days.
Fr Rovel D Souza welcomed the gathering. Fr James D'Souza, Vicar-Forein, led the prayer service ahead of the flag hoisting. N Shashikumar IPS, Police Commissioner of Mangaluru, hoisted the flag and gave an official node to the novenas and feast of Infant Jesus.
Addressing the gathering, the police commissioner said, “The Carmel hill of Mangaluru where Infant Jesus shrine exists has become a source of peace and serenity. The Christian community at large maintains an ecosystem of peace and brotherhood.”
He wished all gathered a pleasant year ahead with the blessings of Infant Jesus.
A few dignitaries and well-wishers were felicitated and their services were acknowledged. The dignitaries present at the ceremony included former MLC Ivan D Souza, MCC Opposition Leader Naveen D Souza, Shivabagh corporator Kavya Nataraj Alva, Padavu central corporator Kishore Kottari, Padavu east corporator Bhasskar K, Maroli corporator Keshava, Ashokanagara corporator A C Vinayaraj, Bejai corporator Lancelot Pinto, nominated corporator Ramesh Kandettu, Fr Charles Serrao (superior, St Joseph's Monastery) and Fr Rovel D Souza (shrine director).
Fr Rovel thanked the gathering assuring prayers for all devotees. Fr Stephen Pereira and Fr Ryan Pinto arranged and compered the whole programme.
“They returned by another route” is the main theme of the year for reflection, and it encourages people to cling to the biblical way rather than the ways of the world.
The Novena masses start on January 5 and last for nine days. There will be a total of nine masses held each day, attended by believers. The annual feast will be held on January 14 and 15, 2023.