Blessing of the Fleet Sunday

The 60th annual Blessing of the Fleet will be celebrated Sunday, July 28 in Stonington Borough to both bless the fleet and pay homage to those that have lost their lives at sea.

The festival begins with a 10:30 am Mass celebrated at St. Mary Church, officiated by the Bishop of Norwich Most Reverend Michael R. Cote and local pastors.  The mass will be followed by a procession to the town docks. The procession include clergy, local and state officials and dignitaries, the Southern New England Fishermen and Lobstermen’s Association, statue of patron St. Peter the Fisherman, Portuguese Holy Ghost Society and Ladies Auxiliary, Our Lady of Fatima Society, Knights of Columbus, Stonington Men’s Walking Group, the Westerly Band, Stonington firefighters, Captain Kidd and the Free Men of the Sea, and representatives from other organizations and community members. 

Marlissa McLaughlin and Alisha Smith, granddaughters of the late James “Jimmy” Henry will be Grand Marshalls. 

Once at the dock, the ceremony begins with the laying of commemorative wreaths at the Memorial to Fishermen Lost at Sea, located at the end of the Town Dock.  Cote will then walk the line of quays conferring the blessing on every fishing vessel and their captains and crews. After boarding the flagship, they will put to sea and once outside the harbor entrance, the Stonington Fishermen’s Association will place a wreath in the shape of an anchor on the water in remembrance of those gone before.

The Blessing festival continues at the Town Dock from noon to 4 p.m., with foods and live music provided by 'Double Play.’ The entire event is free and open to the public.