Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

A Blessed Fishing Fleet Takes to Stonington Waters

Posted on August 03, 2023 in: News

A Blessed Fishing Fleet Takes to Stonington Waters

A large crowd turned out in Stonington Borough on a warm and sunny Sunday, July 30, to continue the time-honored tradition of blessing those fishermen who set out to sea from here.    

The Blessing of the Fleet also remembers local fishermen who have died at sea and honors the vessels -- along with their captains, owners, crews and families -- that will go out to sea in the year ahead.

The blessing is the culmination of a weekend of events surrounding it in Stonington Borough. There was a 5K race and walk on Friday in the Borough, followed by a gathering with food and music Saturday at the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society.

From noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, visitors to the pier could learn about the history of Stonington's industrious fleet, grab a bite to eat and listen to live music.

The Most Reverend Bishop Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich, celebrated the Fishermen’s Mass Sunday morning in St. Mary Church in the Borough. The names of the members of the Stonington Fishermen Association who died while doing their jobs were read aloud at Mass. A statue of St. Peter, patron saint of fishermen, was part of the procession through the streets of the borough following the Mass. Marchers included local fife and drum bands, brass bands and students from diocesan schools. 

Then Bishop Cote, Fr. Dennis Perkins and local and state officials joined the families of fishermen at the fishermen’s memorial, at the end of the pier that is home base to the fleet.

The Bishop said a prayer for the safety of the fishermen and the important but often dangerous work that they do on the water.  

After the ceremony, Bishop Cote walked the docks, blessing each fishing boat with holy water and meeting some of the crews. The bishop and Fr. Perkins then joined some of the fishermen and their families on the fishing vessel Heritage, which steamed out past the breakwater. Other boats from the fleet followed in procession.

The ceremony concluded there, where a wreath in the shape of a broken anchor, commemorating the deceased local fishermen was cast into the water.

- By Ryan Blessing

 


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Press Release: Joint Statement Regarding Agreement Establishing Compensation Fund
DIOCESE OF NORWICH AND CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE SURVIVORS REACH AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION FUND FOR SURVIVORS AS DIOCESE SEEKS TO EXIT CHAPTER 11 Joint Statement from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich, Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, the Association of Parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich, and Catholic Mutual Relief Society of America Norwich, CT, February 14, 2025– The Diocese of Norwich, the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, the Association of Parishes, and Catholic Mutual Relief Society of America are pleased to announ...

Read More

Pope Francis’ Message for Lent 2025

Posted on February 25, 2025 in: News, Lent

1390

Pope Francis’ Message for Lent 2025
In his message for Lent 2025, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of living one’s life as a constant journey of conversion, choosing to walk in peace and hope aside one’s fellow humans. “May the hope that does not disappoint, the central message of the jubilee, be the focus of our Lenten journey toward the victory of Easter,” the pope said in the message, released Tuesday.  He also quoted St. Paul’s exclamation in the first letter to the Corinthians: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? W...

Read More

2025 CT March for Life Coming on March 19th
For those who recognize the value of all life, the early months of the year offer many opportunities to publicly declare the sanctity and dignity of every human person. On Jan. 19, Archbishop Coyne was the main celebrant for a Pro-Life Mass & Baby Shower Collection at St. Mary Church in New Haven, part of Blessed Michael McGivney Parish. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, the Mass provided time for prayer and the chance to donate baby items for the Connecticut Pregnancy Resource Centers. Mary, Gate of Heaven Parish hosted a Mass for Life on Jan. 20 at St. Rober...

Read More

Rite of Election Welcomes Catechumens on First Sunday of Lent
On Sunday, March 9, the First Sunday of Lent, the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich was filled with faith and anticipation as catechumens from across the diocese gathered for the Rite of Election. This significant step in their journey toward full initiation into the Catholic Church marks their formal enrollment in the Book of the Elect, bringing them one step closer to the Easter sacraments. With our diocese still awaiting the appointment of a new bishop, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Hartford presided over the celebration, offering words of encouragemen...

Read More

‘Carlo Acutis, I am in Your Hands’: Catholic Pediatrician Recovers from Cancer
María Dolores Rosique, known as “Lola” by her family members and friends, is pictured here when she was hospitalized. A second-class relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis accompanied her at her bedside. | Credit: Courtesy of Lola Rosique With a radiant smile, pediatric physician María Dolores Rosique, who goes by “Lola” among family and friends, recounted with renewed faith her testimony of healing after overcoming aggressive abdominal cancer. She testifies that her recovery began after visiting the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis in Assisi, Italy, and placi...

Read More

Latest Employment Opportunities

Posted on March 05, 2025 in: News

429

Latest Employment Opportunities
Looking for a job? We have some open positions that can be found at  NorwichDiocese.org/Employment.   The updated page includes listings for several employment opportunities within the diocese.     The latest job listings are for a Cook at the Academy of the Holy Family - Click Here and a  Spanish Teacher, 2025-2026 School Year — St. James School, Danielson - Click Here   Other job postings are online as well Be sure to keep the link to NorwichDiocese.org/Employment handy

Read More

Latest Articles
The Hidden Vocation: The Generous Single Life
Diocese to Host New England Basketball Tournament
Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for the Month of March
Rite of Election Welcomes Catechumens on First Sunday of Lent
Share Easter Joy With the Children of St. Vincent de Paul Place
Norwich Diocesan Cemeteries Spring Cleanup Reminder
Lent and the Call to Generosity: Serving Christ in Others
24 Hours for the Lord
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: 40 Days for Life 2024
Click to view album: Blessing of the Fleet 2024
Click to view album: Mass of Ordination for Fr. Eric Carl Hosmer, Fr. Julian Felipe Cuervo-Lozada and Fr. Alexander James Pandolfe
Click to view album: Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (NDCCW) 46th Annual Layette
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294