The Blessing of the Fleet is a Catholic tradition that began in Mediterranean fishing communities to usher forth a safe and abundant fishing season. Even now, the tradition persists, and boats line up along shores all over the world to receive the blessing at the start of a new season.
As we find ourselves entering a new season, we’re welcoming in warmth and sun and rain and all things spring. We may be praying for safe passage into a new way of being, knowing, feeling.
Whatever thresholds hold you as you begin to enter into this spring season, I wish you blessings and joy as you pass from this to that.
Blessing the Boats
by Lucille Clifton(at St. Mary’s)
may the tide
that is entering even now
the lip of our understanding
carry you out
beyond the face of fear
may you kiss
the wind then turn from it
certain that it will
love your back may you
open your eyes to water
water waving forever
and may you in your innocence
sail through this to that
—Jessica Lien, Prairiewoods development coordinator