NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — September 29, 2014 — Aboard the Schooner Ernestina in the city harbor, a long tradition dating to the Ancient Greeks continued Sunday.
There, the Rev. Constantine Bebis, along with public officials and other members of the clergy, blessed the fleet of ships in the harbor, and asked for the safety of the fishermen, and a bountiful catch.
The event was part of the Working Waterfront Festival over the weekend, and was organized by the Offshore Mariners' Wives Association.
For those living in the city and surrounding area, Bebis said, "Fishing fleets, boats and their fine heroic and dedicated crews go out in the deep, turbulent and dangerous seas in order to catch and bring to us the precious fish" for sustenance, but also for the fishermen's own living.
Bebis asked for the protection and safety of fishermen, and also took the time to remember those who have been lost at sea.
Read the full story from The New Bedford Standard-Times