Via Wikipedia:
The Blessing of the Fleet is a tradition that began centuries ago in Mediterranean fishing communities. The practice is predominantly Catholic and a blessing from the local priest was meant to ensure a safe and bountiful season.
Biloxi's Blessing of the Fleet was this past weekend, where they encountered some rain. You can read more here. The Reverend that gives the blessing is from St. Michael's, "The Fisherman's Church", in Point Cadet, a neighborhood in Biloxi just before the bridge that crosses the bay into Ocean Springs.. It happens to look like a giant shell, which is awesome. Here is a picture St. Michael's after Katrina. The flags covering the shrimp boats are really sweet. I'm taking an etching/bookmaking class this summer, so I should have a larger series (hopefully, a book) on this by the end.
