Blessing of the Fleet 2022

Blessing of the Fleet is an annual Palm Sunday event, this year on April 10, 2022.  After Palm Sunday Mass, there is a processional through the Plaza de la Constitucion led by the papal leadership of the Cathedral Basilica, the Knights of Columbus, and St. Augustine’s own Royal Family.

The processional concludes on the waterfront at the fuel dock of the St. Augustine Municipal Marina.  The Bishop stands on a raised platform, sprinkling holy water on any vessel that makes its way past the dock in a procession of boats.

This festive event is steeped in tradition.  Its’ roots go back when St. Augustine’s harbor was filled with fleets of commercial trawlers and the hopes of those who went to sea for a bountiful shrimp season.

The tradition continues today.  Commercial craft as well as personal vessels are invited to participate.