On April 10th, Bishop Joseph, accompanied by Fr. Albin, Fr. Peter, and seminarian Sam, gathered with local fishermen in North Rustico Harbour for their annual Blessing of the Boats before the fishing season begins. This year’s blessing was particularly special as we celebrate the Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church.
In his short reflection, Bishop Joseph shared:
Dear Fishermen,
What a joy it is to be with you today as we bless your boats and, more importantly, the hands and hearts that will guide them. As another fishing season begins, we come together not just for safety and a good catch, but to thank God for the courage, strength, and faith of you and your families.
As I reflect on fishing, I can’t help but think of the Gospel—many of Jesus’ first disciples were fishermen. Peter, Andrew, James, and John were called right from their boats, their nets, and their daily work. In a beautiful way, we can say the Church was launched from a fishing boat!
In today’s Gospel, we find Jesus and His disciples—a group of seasoned fishermen—caught in a furious storm. Despite their knowledge of the sea, they were terrified. Meanwhile, Jesus was asleep in the stern, seemingly at peace while they cried out, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” When He wakes, He asks, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” With just a word, He calms the storm, leaving the disciples in awe, asking, “What kind of man is this, that even the wind and the waves obey Him?”
Every fisherman here knows the unpredictability of the sea, the long hours of hard work, and the storms we face in life. Like those disciples, you may wonder if the Lord is sleeping through your troubles. But today’s Gospel reminds us: He’s in the boat with you. He always has been.
Being a fisherman isn’t just a job—it’s a vocation that requires faith—faith in the sea’s provision, the boat’s strength, and the Lord’s guidance through every storm.
So today, as we bless these boats, we bless you too. We ask the Lord to calm every storm you face this season and to keep your crews safe. Remember, if the Lord seems quiet at times, perhaps it’s because He trusts you to navigate the waves—you are fishermen, after all, and in your boat, you have the best First Friend of all: Jesus Christ.
May God bless your season and your families, and may the winds be favourable—but not too favourable!
After the blessing, everyone was invited for a tasty lunch, a bowl of hot chilli, as no fried or lobster fish could be served until, they are caught first!
