Pics: Abhijith Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
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 Thursday, January 4 witnessed scores of devotees.
The offeratory procession of Infant Jesus shrine Church Bikarnakatte commenced from Cordel Church, Kulshekar to Bikarnakatte church.
Fr Clifford Fernandes, parish priest, Kulshekar church offered prayer prior to the offeratory procession.
After having participated in a prayer service held by Fr Clifford Fernandes at the Kaikamba-Bikarnakatte Grounds, the procession was flagged off from Cordel Church, Kulshekar 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.
The formal inauguration of the festivity was held later with the votive offering procession beginning at Holy Cross Church, Kulshekar, Mangaluru. It was followed by an inter-religious meet and flag hoisting.
Journalist A K Kukkila, CSI Church bishop Fr Hemachandra Kumar, Brahmakumari Eshwari, three speakers of different religions delivered the message of communal harmony.
Superior of St Joseph Monastery Fr Melvin D'Cunha, director of Infant Jesus Shrine Fr Stephan Periera and provincial counsellor Fr Alponso Pinto were present.
Nine days of novena prayers will be held from January 5 to 13 during which 9 Masses will be offered every day. Masses will be held every day in the morning at 6, 7.30, 9 and 10.30 am in Konkani; at noon 1 pm in Konkani; in the evening at 4 am in Malayalam, 5 pm in English and 7.30 in Kannada.
The main Mass at 6 pm will be celebrated in Konkani in the open air. The Eucharistic adoration will be conducted daily from 11.30 am to 12.45 pm.
Anna Santarpane (community meal), vegetarian meal will be served to the devotees on all the days of the novena and feast days at noon. A blood donation camp will be held on January 11 and 12 from 8.30 am to 1 pm.