As part of the preparations for the Annual Feast of St Lawrence, to be celebrated on 10 August 2026, a delegation from St Lawrence Church and Shrine, Bondel, visited Mr U.T. Khader, Minister of Health and Family Welfare of Karnataka, on the morning of 13 July 2026 to invite him as the Chief Guest for the Horekanike (ಹೊರೆಕಾಣಿಕೆ) Offering Ceremony to be held on Sunday, 26 July 2026.

The Horekanike (ಹೊರೆಕಾಣಿಕೆ) will begin at 4:00 p.m. at Mount Carmel Central School, Mary Hill, followed by a devotional procession to St Lawrence Church and Shrine, Bondel, as part of the preparations for the Annual Feast.

The delegation comprised Rev. Fr Basil Vas, Parish Priest and Shrine Rector; Mr John D’Silva, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council; Mr Jason Fernandes, Shrine Convenor; Mr Rudy Pinto, former Vice President of the Parish; and Ms Maria Jyothi.

The Horekanike( ಹೊರೆಕಾಣಿಕೆ )is a traditional offering ceremony held as part of the feast preparations, during which a devotional procession is conducted in honour of St Lawrence.

Mr U.T. Khader graciously accepted the invitation and assured the delegation of his presence for the Holikanike on 26 July 2026.

Report :Meena Serrao Barboza