Blessing the Fleet in Uncertain Times

Lobster Season begins on Newfoundland's West Coast -- photo Stan Collins

The four Atlantic provinces have different starting dates for various fisheries but lobster season has begun in many places. Usually this cause for celebration and in some communities residents come to the wharves for an early morning send-off of the boats and crews. Often there is some form of religious ceremony called a Blessing of the Fleet as gratitude for the bounty of the sea and of the desire for God's protection in a precarious enterprise. 

Many fisheries have been in serious decline for decades, due to over-fishing, and it has hit the economies of those provinces hard. This year there is the additional blow of a pandemic which has dried up markets.People just aren't buying, even frozen fish. And lobsters are a luxury item which people are reluctant to purchase in uncertain times. 



I would encourage you to include in your prayers  fisher-folk and all those who are involved in what is still a roughly seven billion dollar industry in this country. I began my ministry in outport Newfoundland, so I still have a soft spot for the courageous people who go down to the sea in ships. And Jesus was partial to fishermen himself. 



Blessing of the Fleet Cape Breton

Here is a portion of a Blessing of the Fleet from the Mission to the Seafarers, Canada.

A basin of water and a cedar branch should be set-up to use to bless the vessels as they pass.

Prayer of Blessing

Today we gather to bless these ships and these boats; those who work on them; those who protect our country; those who protect our citizens; those who provide food from these waters; and those who use these waters for family and pleasure. Let us pray.

God of boundless love, at the beginning of creation your spirit hovered over the deep. You called forth every creature and the seas teamed with life. Your son Jesus calmed the Sea of Galilee, brought his disciples to safety, and filled the nets of his disciples. He has given us the rich harvest of salvation. 

Bless these ships and these boats, the equipment and all who serve on them and who would use them. Protect them from the dangers of wind and rain and of the perils of the deep. Bring us all to the harbour of light and peace. May the saving power of our Lord guide and protect us all. In the name of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Naval/Mariners' Hymn

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep:
O hear us when we cry to thee
For those in peril on the Sea

O Christ, whose voice the waters heard,
And hushed their raging at Thy word,
And walkest on the foaming deep,
And calm amid the storm didst sleep;
O hear us when we cry to thee
For those in peril on the Sea