Thousands of people gathered for the 65th annual Fishing Fleet Festival in Fremantle on October 27.
The procession through the streets of the port city meant several roads were closed to traffic, but the locals didn’t appear to mind, with most using a mobile phone or iPad to capture the incredible scene.
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB took part in the procession for the first time, joining Perth priests Fr Tony Maher OMI and Fr Nino Vinciguerra.
Members of sodalities carried their group’s banner during the walk from St Patrick’s Basilica, while children dressed in white carried a large Rosary.
The statues of Our Lady of Martyrs and Our Lady of Capo d’Orlando were carried towards the back of the procession.
The procession ended at Fremantle Boat Harbour, where those involved, including Archbishop Costelloe, boarded several boats. Each boat circled the harbour three times, with Archbishop Costelloe blessing the fleet during the second lap.
He also blessed the water, praying for the safety of the fishermen and for a productive catch.
Fr Maher, who took part in the festival for the fourth time, said this year’s was one of the biggest in recent times.
“I enjoyed it immensely,” he said. “It’s a religious event because we’re praying for the fishermen and… it’s a great tradition going back over hundreds of years.
“As well as having that prayerful, religious significance, it’s a social event too, where people come together to celebrate life and to celebrate how much good the fishing industry has done, not just for Fremantle, but for all of WA.”
The procession always attracts the interest of observers, and Sunday’s event was no exception, Fr Maher said. “There’s no disrespect shown, some of them were looking on in a state of amazement,” he said.
“It was a great witness to the people of the value of religion and faith and of the belief we have in God and particularly the intercession of our Blessed Mother.”
The fishing fleet festival is a highlight on Fremantle’s calendar of events each year, and this year it coincided with the city’s Seafood Festival and the first day of the Fremantle Festival.
A triduum of Masses was held in preparation for the festival at St Patrick’s Basilica from October 23-25.
The procession was first held on September 8, 1948.