In this historic port of Gloucester, we honor and bless those who go down to the sea in ships. To those brave men whose daily life makes frequent access to the church impossible, the Church most gladly comes, with sacred and age-old ritual to pronounce a benediction upon their persons and their property, and upon the fruits of their toil. The Church’s ancient blessing is full of beauty and consoling promise. She asks Almighty God to watch over a ship even as he protected the Ark of Noah, to extend to the sailor a helping hand even as he did to Peter when the waves sought to engulf him. She asks that, after many felicitous journeys, he may return safely to his dear ones and ultimately to his eternal haven beyond this world.

Oldest perhaps of all human crafts is that by which the patient fisherman puts to sea in his relatively tiny bark to wrest from the depths of the mighty ocean abundant nourishment for those who remain on shore. The Son of God himself took part in this honorable employment. He lent a sturdy arm to the oar, a willing hand for the gathering in of the nets. From the sea, he drew his most beautiful illustrations; from the ranks of the sea, he selected his first Vicar on this earth. And when he commissioned his apostles, he said to them: “I shall make you fishers of men.” He spoke of the sea with kindly indulgence. He quieted the turmoil of its waters. He walked with gentle steps upon its breast. He was baptized in the River Jordan and the Jordan flowed on into the sea, blessing all waters by its contact with their God.

The natural virtues of a fisherman are two: trust in God and perseverance. Toiling on the sea has taught them both. Daily contact with an element so immense broadens the mind. Far from the noise and petty distractions of the bewildering life on shore, it teaches men to love silence, silence in which God alone talks to us. When the heavens open and the storms are let loose, the fisherman beholds, as does no one else, the awful majesty of nature, and if he be a man of prayer, his eyes seem to see the Divine Master walking on the waters and ears of faith hear once again the old command: “Peace, be still!” Time after time, the fisherman comes back to port convinced that a divine hand has held the wheel.

Hence fishermen are not like other men. They know not how strong a man can be, how weak a man can be. Their talk is not of the world of machines and factories, but they speak familiarly of fundamental things, changeless since the world began. The fisherman is a man of perseverance. No easy labors his, who in fair weather and in foul must let down his nets again and again without reward. Finally, he knows, nature will never give up the struggle and a worthy catch result. “Lord, we have labored all night in vain,” must often be the fisherman’s prayer. “Let down the nets once more” is God’s reply.

Brave fisherman of Gloucester, we praise and honor you. We bless these worthy ships that ride so gracefully upon the waters. So much a personality is a ship that it seems but normal that each should have its name. May all these names be registered within the Heart of Christ. May you often put out to sea, and as often return with a good catch to port again. May you prosper in this venerable trade. Your call to it was once given by the Master Himself: “Launch out into the deep!” And when for the last time the sails are furled and the engines cease to sing, may we all meet together in the Snug Harbor of Eternal Life.

About the Author: Cardinal Richard Cushing (1895-1970) served as Archbishop of Boston from 1944 until shortly before his death in 1970. Cardinal Cushing was a frequent visitor to Gloucester and Rockport, and he always greatly enjoyed Saint Peter’s Fiesta. Viva San Pietro!

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (6-25-23)
Bringing Home the Word (6-25-23)
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