Wedding of the Sea

Our Oblate apostolate, Our Lady Star of the Sea in Cape May, NJ, celebrated the tradition of the Wedding of the Sea in honor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday, August 15.

The event is rooted in centuries-old European traditions, especially those found in the coastal towns of Italy. The Wedding of the Sea is a prayerful reminder of the important life-giving union between a coastal city and the waters that surround it.

Oblate Fathers John Dolan, John George, and Jim Dever at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in Cape May, NJ, participated in the the ceremony and celebration which included a morning Mass, a crowning of Mary by a young parishioner, and a procession to the sea.

At the ocean, Fr. John Dolan led prayers imploring God to bless and protect the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, and the surrounding waters. Additional prayers are offered for the protection of those who earn their living from the sea, as well as for the safety of lifeguards, members of the Coast Guard, first responders, and all those who come to Cape May for vacation and to enjoy relaxing at the shore. Then he get into a lifeguard boat and was rowed out to the sea, where he placed a wreath of flowers upon the ocean symbolizing the “wedding” of the town with the sea.

Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish is blessed each year by the wonderful cooperation and support of the City of Cape May, its police department, and especially the Cape May Beach Patrol.