CG Aux Div. 7 Holds First "Blessing of the Fleet"
Story and photos by PA3 Sandra-Kay Kneen, PADET St. Petersburg, Fla.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Fla., proudly hosted Coast Guard Auxiliary Division Seven's first "Blessing of the Fleet" ceremony May 27.
|
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - 25-foot rescue boats assemble at Sector St. Petersburg's boat docks for the "Blessing of the Fleet." Coast Guard photograph by PA3 Sondra-Kay Kneen. |
The "Blessing of the Fleet" is an ancient tradition thought to have originated in seafaring communities where the blessing of each vessel by a local priest was meant to ensure success and a safe return from sea. Fifteen Coast Guard auxiliary vessels, five Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg 25-foot rescue boats, and more than 50 crewmembers assembled at Sector St. Petersburg's boat docks for the event. The Rev. Cletus Watson, of St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Parish in St. Petersburg, presided over the ceremony. Watson stood at a lectern at the edge of the dock and delivered the opening prayer. As each boat approached the reverend, the vessel name was  |
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Rev. Cletus Watson of St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Parish in St. Petersburg presided over the "Blessing of the Fleet" ceremony and blessed the vessels with holy water. Coast Guard photograph by PA3 Sondra-Kay Kneen. |
announced and crewmembers rendered salutes while Watson blessed the vessel with holy water."Having the support of Sector St. Petersburg means a lot," said Kay Lori, public affairs officer, Coast Guard Auxiliary Division Seven. "Everyone involved pulled together as a team and this was a perfect example of Team Coast Guard." Coast Guard Auxiliary Division Seven intends to hold the Blessing of the Fleet event annually.
###
printer friendly
