Blessing of the Fleet
THE BLESSING OF THE FLEET AT PORT FAIRY, 03/01/10
On a balmy summer evening approx. 150 people congregated and several yachts and motor boats moored at the wharf in Port Fairy to participate in "The Blessing of the Fleet" ceremony.
The service began with a welcome to the community and voices were raised in the singing of the hymn "All people that on earth do dwell".
There were several readings and the reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (14:22-34) was most appropriate as the story of Jesus in the boat with his disciples was unfolded.
Bishop Michael Hough of Ballarat presented the Reflection and based this on the reading from the book of St. Matthew. Explaining the meaning of the reading - that we should recognize our limits and acknowledge that we cannot control everything. Some things are beyond us and we need to call on God to help us. With God's help we can achieve love, mercy and charity. There are not just storms at sea but also in our lives and with the reassurance that God is with us we can overcome these.
Bishop Michael Hough blessed the local fishing fleet and all boats and people who sail upon the sea. He sprinkled the boats in port with holy water and finally threw the cross to a waiting group of young boys. As the Bishop threw the cross the boys as one dived into the river. Thrashing arms and kicking legs stirred the water and it looked a close race. Sam Murrihy was the first to reach the cross and held it up triumphantly.
The final hymn "Joyful, joyful, we adore you" was sung and regretfully people wandered off to their cars, commenting on the lovely service.
Henry Toller-Bond, Publicity Officer
Previous page: New Year's Update
Next page: Backward Sprint Championships
