Cape May Harbor to Hold Blessing of the Waters Sept. 18

CAPE MAY — The annual Blessing of the Waters ceremony has been scheduled for Fri. night, Sept. 18, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. in order to coincide with the approaching dangerous cold-weather fishing season.
Eight years ago the committee that had planned the first ever Harbor Fest initiated a new tradition to be held annually at Cape May’s Fisherman’s Memorial located at Missouri Avenue and the Harbor. Simply called the “Blessing of the Waters,” this ceremony was intended first to commemorate those Cape May fishermen who had lost their lives in pursuit of their chosen vocation, and whose names are thus engraved on the tablets located at the Memorial. Secondly, the ceremony offers up prayers for a safe and successful fishing season. Conducted by local clergy, usually with the accompaniment of the Coast Guard Recruit band or bugler, the Blessing of the Waters is a time for solemn reflection and remembrance and closure to those families who have lost a loved one to the sea.
In addition to a brief ecumenical reading, the ceremony will include a wreath laying and playing of “taps” by a Coast Guard bugler. This year, the Blessing of the Waters commences at 5:30 on Fri., Sept. 18. There is no cost to attend the Blessing ceremony, although donations to support the upkeep of the Memorial are always welcome.
Questions regarding the ceremony should be directed to the Nature Center of Cape May, 609-898-8848.
The Nature Center of Cape May (NCCM) is situated on the rim of Cape May Harbor at 1600 Delaware Avenue in Cape May. One of 7 centers operated by New Jersey Audubon, the Center provides family oriented programming in the marine sciences and other nature oriented themes. Programs are scheduled throughout the year; public visitation is available 7 days per week, April through October. Visit our campus, shop at the nature store and view the breathtaking harbor and its environment from the Trucksess Observation tower.