June 1 marks the opening of boating season in Chicago. The harbors will be filling up with sailboats and powerboats of all sizes and shapes. It has been said that sailing looks delightful – until you are on an actual sailboat. Some described sailing as, “The fine art of getting wet and becoming ill, while going nowhere slowly at great expense (equivalent to sanding in a cold shower, fully clothed, throwing up, and tearing up $100 bills, while a bunch of other people watch you).
Powerboaters typically look down on sailboaters—and vice-versa—however powerboaters have their own saying as they wipe away a little tear, “BOAT really stands for Break-Out-Another-Thousand.”
Since so many things can go wrong out on the water, fishermen have long relied on divine supplication for safety. The Blessing of the Fleet is a tradition that began centuries ago in small Mediterranean fishing communities. The practice is predominantly Roman Catholic and a blessing from a local priest was meant to ensure a safe and bountiful season.
In most ports, the event was brought by immigrants who held strongly to their religious beliefs. The events that are part of the ritual vary by community and range from a simple ceremony to a multi-day festival.
The blessing reads as follows:
“Most gracious Lord, who numbered among your apostles the fishermen Peter, Andrew, James and John, we pray you to consecrate this boat to righteous work in your name. Guide the captain at her helm. So prosper her voyage that an honest living may be made. Watch over her passengers and crew and bring them to a safe return. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be upon this vessel and all who come aboard, this day and forever. Amen.”
I wish a safe and enjoyable boating season to all—whether you are out on a boat—or enjoying the view from shore.