Our neighboring Diocese of Camden will sponsor the annual Wedding of the Sea Festival Aug. 15 in Boardwalk Hall, 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City from noon to 7 p.m.
A brief VIP program in the Adrian Phillips Ballroom of Boardwalk Hall will be followed by the celebration of a Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Camden Bishop Dennis Sullivan as principal celebrant. A procession to the surf by the congregation will follow, and Bishop Sullivan will join Atlantic City Mayor Frank Gilliam in a lifeboat for the traditional wreath toss.
Father Jon Thomas, pastor of the Parish of St. Monica, will offer Eucharistic Benediction on the Kennedy Plaza stage with the parish’s unique, century-old monstrance.
The Wedding of the Sea tradition originated in Venice, Italy, around the year 1000 A.D. The civil and religious leaders performed an annual “wedding” between the Adriatic Sea and the town to symbolize the maritime power’s vital relationship to the sea.
The festival grounds at St. Michael’s parking lot, 15 N. Georgia Ave. will be open from 1 to 7 p.m. and feature food vendors, a beer garden, live music, children’s and adult games, raffles and more. For further information, see accatholic.org.