Ahead of the annual feast of St Lawrence Church, Bondel, ‘Hore Kanike’ procession witnessing scores of devotees was held in the city on Tuesday, July 31. Mangaluru Mayor Mr Bhaskar Moily flagged off the procession at Mount Carmel School ground, Mary Hill and culminated at the St Lawrence Church premises, with parish priest Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza receiving the offerings. Flagging off the procession, the Mayor said, “St Lawrence Shrine is not only for Christians. It is the devotion centre for people of all religions. It is a centre of communal harmony. People are offering prayers to St Lawrence for various needs and the saint never dissatisfies the devotees. The testimonies of devotees are a proof for the same.”
Rev. Fr Leo Veigas, Resident Priest of Bondel Shrine conducted the prayer service. Rev Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Clifford Pinto Principal of St Lawrence English Medium School, Mr Elias Fernandes, proprietor, Four Winds, Sr Melissa D’silva Principal of Mount Carmel Central School, Mr Henbert Pinto Vice President of Parish Pastoral Council, Mr Francis Veigas Secretary, Mr Rudolf Pinto Convener Shrine Committee, Mr Wilfred Alvares Secretary, Mr Stany Alvares Convenor of Publicity Committee. Parishioners and non-Catholics were present.
Many associations contributed their offerings in ‘Hore Kanike’ procession. They are Koragajja Seva Committee Padavinagady, Venkatramana Temple Konchady, Mahalasa Temple Konchady, Devi Friends Circle Pachanady, Gandhakadu Friends Padavinangady, Jumagi Banta Devasthana Bandale, Jumma Masjid Bondel, Chamundeshwari Temple Pachanady, Rajashree Sounds Bondel, Sangathi Vamanjoor and Derebail Church.
On all the days of devotion this year, 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 feast, the church and its surroundings are decorated with lights by the feast committee and various organizations