Blessing marks the start of boating season

Posted on May 22, 2015
Boating Safety
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of boating season. (Photo courtesy State Farm/flickr)

By John Gregory/Illinois Radio Network

CHICAGO – Boating season begins with the annual blessing of the fleet.

Having a priest give a blessing before the start of boating season is a tradition which has been passed on for centuries, said Al Grigalunas, president of International Shipmasters’ Association Lodge 3 in Chicago.

“It’s been written that St. Peter asked for blessings for himself and his fellow fishermen so they would have a safe and bountiful harvest,” Grigalunas said. “So you see this tradition goes back a long way.”

Grigalunas spoke at the blessing ceremony at Chicago’s Navy Pier. The ceremony also included honoring those who have died at sea by tossing a wreath into Lake Michigan.

The ceremony coincides with National Maritime Day Friday.

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