Post by KG on May 12, 2011 17:06:04 GMT
BY LEO McMAHON – SOUTHERN STAR, May 2011
Everyone is welcome to attend the 20th annual ecumenical Sea Sunday service and commemoration, organised by The Mission to Seafarers, which takes place in Kinsale May 22nd.
The service in St Multose’s Church at 11am, which is due to be attended by Minister for Agriculture, Marine and Food, Simon Coveney TD, will be followed by a parade to the Seamen’s Monument at Pier Road where there will be laying of wreaths and roses, some of which will be later placed in the harbour as a mark of respect to all those who died at sea.
Local clergy will bless the boats at the Pier Head at approximately 12.45 followed by a wreath laying by Kinsale fishing boats off Charles Fort. There will be refreshments later at Kinsale Yacht Club and taking place the same day is the National Chowder Competition supplied by the Irish fishing industry in Acton’s Hotel.
The purpose of Sea Sunday is to commemorate those who died at sea, to pray for the safety of those who work at sea as well as those who use it for recreation and to support in prayer, all those in organizations who respond to marine emergencies. A collection will be made for the RNLI and The Mission to Seafarers. Local organizers include retired Slua Muiri Lieutenant Commander Noel O’Toole, Kilocman, Old Head of Kinsale and Canon David Williams, Rector of Kinsale.
The Mission to Seafarers is an international organization represented in over 280 ports worldwide. It is the response of the Anglican Communion, in an ecumenical setting, to seafarers and is known to many as ‘The Flying Angel’ because of its logo.
Among the organizations which may be represented at Sea Sunday include the RNLI, Irish Coastguard, the Irish Defence Forces, fishery organizations, Kinsale Harbour Board, The Royal Navy Association in Cork; An Garda Siochana, The Irish Customs Service, The Apostleship of the Sea, Sea Scouts, Ambulance and Fire Services, The Red Cross, Irish Lights, Kinsale Yacht Club, Kinsale Town Council, Kinsale Outdoor Education Centre, Valentia Radio and The Merchant Navy Association in Barry, Wales. Special guests in the past have been Royal Navy Air Sea Rescue Service with a rescue helicopter.
K.