Father Malcolm O’Leary sprinkles Holy Water onto the quarter boats during the Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District Blessing of The Fleet Tuesday. (Courtland Wells/The Vicksburg Post)

VICKSBURG – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg Districted hosted the annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremony Tuesday, July 10, at the Vicksburg Harbor. Father Malcolm O’Leary and the Rev. Joe Mosley performed the ceremony on the fleet that consists of tow boats, quarter boats and dredge, including the motor vessels Benyaurd, William James and Harrison.
The blessing of the fleet tradition dates back to medieval times and originally started in early European fishing communities. A blessing bestowed by a local priest was meant to ask for an abundant and safe season. (reprinted with permission from the Vicksburg Post. Photo by Courtland Wells, the Vicksburg Post)