11 Vessels Participate in Blessing of Fleet

Daryl Brown prays for vessels that pass before Wawatam Lighthouse at the Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony in St. Ignace Saturday, June 16. Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus stand nearby, having led a procession of four local religious figures to the lighthouse. Pictured (from left) are Mr. Brown, Mike Litzner, holding the American flag, Ken Litzner (hidden), and Louis Litzner, holding the papal flag.

A Blessing of the Fleet ceremony was held at the St. Ignace Public Marina Saturday, June 16.

As each of the 11 participating vessels passed the lighthouse in Moran Bay, each one was blessed by Pastor Tari Stage-Harvey, Pastor Dan Williams, Father Norbert Landreville, and Mr. Brown, who conducted a Native American ritual.

A prayer at the start of the ceremony focused on wisdom, safety for those who work and travel on the water, and thanks for the water itself, for all of the good things it offers the community.

Asmall group of tourists attended the blessing, which is planned to be an annual event and was organized by the St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce in association with the Visitors Bureau Events Committee and the St. Ignace Yacht Club.