Blessing of the Fleet tradition dates to 1949

By The Catholic Week
A tradition dating to 1949 in Bayou La Batre and St. Margaret Parish returns April 30-May 1 with the 73rd annual Blessing of the Fleet. 
St. Margaret Parish parishioner Clarence Mallet is credited with bringing the old-world tradition to the community as he sought a priest to bless the fishermen to ensure a safe and bountiful season. Now, the weekend is a festival with vendors, activities and a parade. The weekend is capped with the land parade, boat parade and blessing of the fleet. Due to COVID-19, the festival hasn’t taken place since 2019.
Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi and others will board a boat at about 2:30 p.m. May 1 and lower a wreath into the bayou to remember those who have lost their lives at sea. They will continue down the bayou blessing the parading vessels and those docked along the route.
The weekend kicks off at 10 a.m. April 30 with arts and crafts booths. Food will be served and a gumbo cookoff will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The day will finish with the Blessing of the Fleet Mass for workers at 5 p.m. at St. Margaret Parish.
The Blessing of the Fleet Mass on May 1 is at 10 a.m., followed by the land parade at 2 p.m. Craft and food booths will also be available throughout the day.