From Brigantine to Cape May, seaside Catholic parishes will hold their annual wedding of the sea or ceremonies Monday, Aug. 15, upholding a tradition that began in Venice more than 1,000 years ago.
The custom honors the close connection or “marriage” between our oceanfront communities and the sea, giving thanks for all of the good derived from it, and seeking protection for all who depend on it.
Pastors will be rowed by beach patrol boats past the breakers to toss a wreath of flowers into the water. Many of the faithful will take home some of the blessed ocean water, believing that the ceremony has transformed it into holy water.
All are welcome to join in.
The blessing of the sea also marks the final portion of the Feast of the Assumption observance, a holy day for Catholics celebrating the assumption of Mary, the virgin mother of Jesus, into heaven.
Feast day events include a celebration of Mass, a procession from the church to the beach and the wedding of the sea. During the procession, prayers are said and hymns are sung in praise of Mary. A statue of Mary, carrying the flower wreath, is also part of the procession.
The Venice tradition relates to an annual “wedding” between the city and the Adriatic Sea on the Feast of the Ascension of Christ. The ritual began as a symbol of the maritime power’s vital relationship to the sea.
“The tradition came to Atlantic City through St. Michael’s Church, an historically Italian parish, but was celebrated on a different feast, the Assumption of Mary,” according to weddingofthesea.org, which promotes the event in Atlantic City.
The holy day is observed around the world with processions, celebrations and festivals including one planned this year by St. Joseph Parish in Sea Isle City.
Local observances are planned as follows:
Bishop Dennis Sullivan will celebrate two Masses along the Jersey Shore in honor of the Assumption and the wedding of the sea.
At 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, Bishop Sullivan will celebrate a Vigil Mass for the Assumption at Wildwood’s Notre Dame de la Mer Parish, St. Ann Church, 2901 Atlantic Ave. Following the Mass, there will be a procession to the ocean for the blessing of the sea. For more info see notredamedelamer.org.
At noon Monday, Aug. 15, the bishop will celebrate Mass at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church, 1409 Pacific Ave., the Parish of St. Monica in Atlantic City. A procession will proceed down St. James Place to the Boardwalk, continuing to the ocean at New York Avenue for the wedding of the sea ceremony. For more info see ACCatholic.org.
Other ceremonies include:
St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Brigantine, 5:30 p.m. Aug. 14 Vigil Mass, 331 8th St. South, followed by a procession to the beach. For more info see stthomasbrigantine.org.
Holy Trinity Parish in Margate, 10 a.m. Aug. 15 Mass at Epiphany Church, 2899 Ventnor Ave. in Longport with a procession to the beach. For more info see www.holytrinitydownbeach.org
St. Damien Parish in Ocean City, Aug. 15, 9:25 a.m. Rosary and 10 a.m. Mass at St. Augustine Church, 13th St. and Wesley Ave., followed by a procession to the beach for the wedding of the sea ceremony. For more info see stdamienparish.com.
St. Joseph Parish in Sea Isle City, 4 p.m. Aug. 15 Mass, 4308 Landis Ave., followed by a procession to the 44th Street beach promenade for a blessing. A Wedding of the Sea Festival will be held on parish grounds following the blessing and wreath ceremony. For more info see stjosephsic.org.
St. Brendan the Navigator Parish in Stone Harbor, 10:30 a.m. Aug. 15 outdoor Mass, Stone Harbor Recreation Field, Second Ave. at 82nd St., followed by a procession to the ocean. For more info see stbrendanavalon.org.
Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in Cape May, 11 a.m. Aug. 15 Mass, 520 Lafayette St., followed by a procession to Ocean Street beach. For more info see ladystarofthesea.org/olss.
Event list reprinted with permission from The Catholic Star Herald.
Photo Credit: Michael Walsh/Cathtolic Star Herald
