Epiphany Church of Holy Trinity Parish held its annual Feast of the Assumption Mass and Blessing of the Sea, Monday, Aug. 15, 2022 in Longport.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
LONGPORT – Hundreds of residents and visitors attended Mass at Epiphany Church of Holy Trinity Parish Monday morning to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption followed by the Blessing of the Sea.
The Mass commemorated the solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, ascending into heaven. The responsorial psalm, a prayer that includes words spoken by members of the congregation, was “The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold.”
In 1950, Pope Pius XII declared the Assumption of Mary as dogma in the church’s belief that after her time on Earth, the Virgin was assumed into heaven body and soul. The Holy Day of Obligation is always celebrated on Aug. 15.
After the Mass, the congregation processed to the beach along 29th Avenue while singing the hymn, “Salve Regina” led by Holy Trinity Choir Director Teddi Fusco. The Knights of Columbus wheeled the statue of the Virgin Mary, which graces the left side of the main alter of the church, down the street. Before crossing over the dune path, Pastor Pawel Kryszkiewicz and Parochial Vicar Chris Bakey led the congregation in prayer.
Kathy Gallagher of Downingtown, who summers in Longport, said she has attended the Blessing of the Sea every year since 1962.
“I always came with my mom, who passed away earlier this year at age 90,” she said. “She loved to come to this blessing. She raised nine beautiful children and we spent all our summers here. Now, it’s the next generation with her 16 grandchildren and two great-grands.”
Members of the Longport Beach Patrol rowed the priests out past the breaking waves, where Fr. Pawel tossed a wreath into the ocean in remembrance of those who perished at sea.
The shore town’s tradition is modeled after similar ceremonies in Italian cities that bless the sea to protect seafarers and fishers who take their livelihoods from the sea.
Libby Innamorato, who was born in “the old country,” brought her granddaughter Juliana Fargnoli to the event for the first time.
They carried empty water bottles which they would fill with the blessed seawater.
“I use it to bless the house and I give some away to friends,” Innamorato said.
Anna Boccella, 91, of Conshohocken, Pa., said she has attended every year since she bought her Longport summer home in 1982. Her daughter Bernadette Wallace said before they purchased the home and started to attend the Longport Blessing of the Sea, the family attended the Wedding of the Sea in Atlantic City.
“We come specifically for the blessing,” Wallace said.
Boccella said after she fills her bottle with the blessed seawater, she always takes a little sip.
“She puts it on her body for whatever is ailing her,” Wallace said. “She also gives it to her grandchildren to bless them with.”
After the blessing of the sea, members of the congregation gathered at Totaro Hall for some fellowship and refreshments.
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