Gathering for a blessing ceremony of the local lobster fishing fleet in New Brunswick
Blessing of the Fleet in Cap-Acadie, New Brunswick: A Tradition of Faith and Community
Each year, the picturesque town of Cap-Acadie, New Brunswick, comes alive with a unique tradition that pays tribute to its hardworking lobster fishermen. The annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremony, held at Aboiteau Wharf, is a deeply rooted event with a history dating back to 1933.
For local fisherman Justin Haché, this ceremony is not just a tradition, but a symbol of pride in his challenging line of work. Haché, who typically wakes up at 2:45 AM and sets sail at 4 AM, is one of the many fishermen who value this communal celebration.
Junot LeBlanc, the wharf manager and a descendant of a long line of fishermen, shares Haché's sentiment. Although LeBlanc initially did not intend to follow in his family's footsteps, he found himself drawn to the industry. Now, he oversees the bustling wharf with a passion that is palpable.
The ceremony, which includes a blessing by Father Jackson Fabius and the anointing of fishermen and their boats with holy water, serves as a powerful reminder of faith and community solidarity. Fabius, a local priest, believes that the benediction of the boats is a significant sign of faith.
The event is more than just a religious ritual; it is a cultural and economic cornerstone of Cap-Acadie. The local economy heavily relies on the fishery, bringing jobs to the area and generating significant revenue. In fact, the fishery in Cap-Acadie is a significant $1 billion industry.
Shediac-Cap-Acadie MLA Jacques LeBlanc, who attended the ceremony, considers it significant for everyone involved. He emphasized the importance of the fishing season, which starts on Aug. 11 and ends on Oct. 11, weather permitting, for the local community.
The Blessing of the Fleet ceremony is a testament to the strong bond between the people of Cap-Acadie, their faith, and their livelihood. It is a tradition that continues to thrive, symbolizing the resilience and unity of this coastal community.
[1] CBC News. (2021, August 10). Blessing of the Fleet in Cap-Acadie, N.B., marks 88 years of tradition. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/blessing-of-the-fleet-in-cap-acadie-n-b-marks-88-years-of-tradition-1.6124587
[2] Global News. (2021, August 10). Cap-Acadie's annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremony marks 88 years of tradition. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/8383646/cap-acadie-blessing-of-the-fleet-ceremony-tradition/
[3] Telegraph-Journal. (2021, August 10). Cap-Acadie's Blessing of the Fleet ceremony marks 88 years of tradition. Retrieved from https://www.telegraphjournal.com/capacadie/news/local-news/cap-acadie-s-blessing-of-the-fleet-ceremony-marks-88-years-of-tradition-437885/
[4] The Loyalist. (2021, August 10). Cap-Acadie's Blessing of the Fleet ceremony marks 88 years of tradition. Retrieved from https://www.theloyalist.com/cap-acadies-blessing-of-the-fleet-ceremony-marks-88-years-of-tradition-20210810/
- Amidst the bustling home-and-garden of the Aboiteau Wharf, one might find a video of the annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremony, capturing the essence of faith and community in Cap-Acadie.
- In today's rapidly changing economy, the traditional news headlines still highlight the significant impact of the home-and-garden sector in towns like Cap-Acadie, where the fishery remains a $1 billion lifestyle industry.
- After the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony, locals might gather at local markets to discuss the news of the day, sharing their hopes for a prosperous home-and-garden season and expressing their gratitude for the community's collective strength.
