Boaters receive annual blessing from Portland religious leaders [Video]

The parishioners of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland have a story: One year, a group of fishermen decided not to get their boats blessed. That winter, Portland’s fleet hit a terrible storm out at sea. The unblessed ships made it home safely, but their nets were empty.

As for the crews that were blessed?

“They made it back in from the storm safely, and they had a full catch,” said harbor pilot Walter Russell.

The story has taken on a parabolic meaning for parishioners, but they also believe it holds truth. An old Catholic tradition, fleet blessings like the one held at the Maine State Pier on Sunday were initially intended to protect fishermen out at sea. Now, the practice has been extended to all boaters – occupational and recreational.

Sunday’s blessing brought boats big and small, from the Peaks Island Ferry and the massive Andrew McAllister tugboat to little fishing skiffs.

After a procession of …