Pics: Anush Pandith 

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB) 

Mangaluru, Jul 31: Ahead of the annual feast of St Lawrence Church, Bondel, an offertory procession known famously as Hore Kanike, attended by thousands of devotees, was held in the city on Wednesday, July 31. 

J R Lobo, former MLA, Mangaluru South, flagged off the procession at Mount Carmel School ground, Mary Hill. The procession culminated at the St Lawrence Church premises, with parish priest Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, receiving the offerings. 

Flagging off the procession, J R Lobo said, “Devotion of St Lawrence is a symbol of religious harmony in the coastal region. The saint attracts everyone from all caste, creed and religion. People offer prayers to the saint. The testimonies from the devotees are a proof for the same. We are lucky that we have got the shrine of St Lawrence at Bondel. I have heard that various miracles have happened in the holy place of Bondel, where the statue of St Lawrence is installed. I am sure that this feast will be the biggest inter-religious gathering in district.“ 

Fr Cyril Lobo, assistant priest of Bondel Shrine, blessed the offerings and led the offering prayer. 

Fr Clifford Pinto, principal, St Lawrence School, Stany Alvares, publicity committee convenor, Henbert Pinto, vice-president, parish pastoral council, Rudy Pinto, feast committee convenor and Francis Veigas were present. 

On all days of novena, starting from August 1 and ending with the feast on August 10, devotees will be offered lunch and blessed bread in the evenings. In addition, festive lunch will be offered after the feast mass. On the occasion of the feast, the church and its surroundings are decorated with lights by the feast committee and various organisations.