Pics: Nayana JC

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)

Mangaluru, Jul 26: The annual feast preparations at St Lawrence Church and Shrine, Bondel, began on a meaningful note with the traditional Horekanike (offertory procession) on Sunday, July 26, bringing together devotees and people from different faiths in a celebration of unity, harmony and human values.

The Horekanike procession began from the Mount Carmel School ground and proceeded towards St Lawrence Church, Bondel, where devotees participated in a parade carrying offerings for the annual feast.

The programme was attended by P V Mohan, member of the Legislative Council, as the chief guest. Fr Basil Vas, parish priest and director of St Lawrence Church and Shrine, Fr Lawrence Cutinho, assistant parish priest, Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal of St Lawrence English Medium School, and other clergy, parish pastoral council members, shrine committee representatives, religious sisters and community leaders were present.

Speaking on the occasion, P V Mohan recalled the life and service of St Lawrence, highlighting his compassion towards the poor and the needy.

Quoting the message of Jesus to love one another, Mohan said that love, service, compassion and humanity form the essence of St Lawrence’s life and message. He also recalled how Mahatma Gandhi and St Lawrence saw God in the poor and dedicated themselves to their service.

Reflecting on the significance of Horekanike, Mohan said the offering was not merely about bringing material gifts to the shrine. He explained that the real burdens people must leave behind are selfishness, greed, pride, jealousy, hatred and negative thoughts.

“God does not need our wealth; what He seeks is a pure heart, love and a spirit of service,” he said.

He emphasised that genuine offerings to God are a caring heart for the poor, sensitivity towards the suffering of others and selfless service. He urged people to follow St Lawrence’s example by seeing God in the poor and serving others with love.

The Horekanike, traditionally associated with offering produce and other gifts for the annual feast, also reflected the strong spirit of communal harmony and fraternity at the shrine, as people belonging to different religions and communities participated together.

Welcoming the gathering, Fr Basil Vas extended his heartfelt greetings to everyone on the occasion of the annual feast of St Lawrence Shrine. He called upon people to come together and celebrate the feast with joy, love and devotion while embracing the saint’s message of love, service and humanity in their daily lives.

The programme commenced with a prayer song by the Young Christian Students (YCS), followed by a prayer led by Fr Peter Gonsalves and the programme was compered by Ronald Nazareth.