When enjoying the Jersey Shore in the dog days of summer, blessed waters and the Blessed Virgin Mary might not be the first things that come to mind. But both come together mid-August in a tradition more than 500 years in the making.
On the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary on Aug. 15, those fortunate enough to live or vacation near the beach have many opportunities to attend a Mass and special blessing of the ocean and flowers. In the Diocese of Trenton, shore parishes have long celebrated the feast day Mass in honor of the Blessed Mother being assumed, body and soul, into heaven, then processed to the water’s edge for the blessing ceremony and to bottle the water for use in homes throughout the year.
“This tradition reminds us of the significance of the feast we celebrate, and the integral part God’s grace plays in all our lives,” said Father William Lago, pastor of St. Denis Parish, Manasquan, where the Blessing of the Ocean has taken place for at least 10 years. “The people love the way in which our Catholic faith is a part of all our unique lives, including the lives of those living near the ocean. It is also a part of our Catholic cultural heritage which celebrates our faith and asks God’s blessings for all people.”
The tradition dates to 15th century Italy, when a bishop traveling from Venice was caught in a fierce storm at sea on the Feast of the Assumption. He prayed for the Virgin Mary’s intercession, tossing his pastoral ring into the waters, which immediately became calm.
A similar tradition, the Wedding of the Sea, began in Venice around the year 1000 AD. Religious and civil leaders of Venice performed an annual “wedding” between the city and the Mediterranean Sea on the Feast of the Ascension of Christ, symbolizing the maritime powers by the relationship to the sea.
The blessing of the water is sometimes accompanied by a Blessing of Herbs and Flowers, which has roots in the ninth century. According to Father Francis X. Weiser on CatholicCulture.org, this blessing “was likely based on a popular tradition that after Mary’s Assumption into heaven, flowers were found in her tomb where her body had been.”
The Blessing of the Marina and Boats has taken place every year since 2011 in St. Rose Parish, Belmar, said Msgr. Edward Arnister, pastor.
“It was a blessing that after Hurricane Sandy in 2012 none of the boats or the marina where we have the procession incurred any damage, thanks be to God!” he said. “Our parishioners and visitors look forward to this beautiful expression of faith on this Marian feast every year. We pray, we sing, we join together as brothers and sisters in the Lord and children of Mary our Mother in gratitude and in intercession for God’s grace and Mary’s loving protection. We are also very grateful to Father Dave Baratelli who helps organize this annual event for the parish!”
Aug. 15 Blessing of the ocean events:
— St. Denis Parish, Manasquan – 6:30 p.m. Mass, Our Lady Star of the Sea Chapel, 554 E. Main St., with Blessing of Herbs and Flowers, followed by procession to the beach and Blessing of the Water
— St. Junipero Serra Parish, Seaside Park – 10 a.m. Mass, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 100 Grant Ave., followed by procession to the beach and Blessing of the Water
— St. Peter Parish, Point Pleasant Beach – 9 a.m. Mass and Blessing of the Ocean, Jenkinson’s Pavilion, 300 Ocean Ave.
— St. Pio Parish, Lavallette – 5 p.m. Mass, St. Pio Church, 103 Washington Ave., Lavallette, followed by procession to the beach and Blessing of the Water; Dinner to follow in St. Pio Parish Hall; dinner tickets available at parish office until Aug. 9 for $10 per person, free under 12. Call Lisa for more information: 908-902-6868
— St. Rose Parish, Belmar – 9 a.m. Mass, St. Rose Church, 603 7th Ave., followed by procession to the beach for Blessing of the Marina and Boats
OUTSIDE THE DIOCESE:
— Hard Rock Casino, Atlantic City – 12 p.m. Mass, Etess Arena, 1000 Boardwalk, followed by procession to the beach for Wedding of the Sea ceremony. Luncheon follows at 2 p.m. in Fresh Harvest Buffet in the casino. For luncheon tickets, email advancement@accatholic.org or call 609-345-1878.