Most Reverend Joseph A. Galante, D.D., J.C.D., Bishop of Camden, will celebrate a Vigil Mass for the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary followed by Wedding of the Sea:
Followed by Wedding of the Sea In addition, Bishop Galante will celebrate Mass on the Holy Day followed by Wedding of the Sea:
Followed by Wedding of the Sea After the Mass, Bishop Galante will lead a procession with a statue of the Blessed Virgin to a platform on the Boardwalk at Mississippi Avenue where he will pray the Litany of Mary and bless the ocean. Following the boardwalk prayer service, Fr. Bob Matysik, Pastor, St. Michael’s Church, Atlantic City will witness the traditional toss of a ring and wreath into the ocean.
Annually, the Mass and Wedding of the Sea, held in conjunction with the Feast of the Assumption celebrated on August 15, attracts more than 5,000 people. For centuries, the Wedding of the Sea and similar festivals have been popular in Europe at cities and towns on the seacoast. Tradition holds that the custom originated in Venice, Italy, centuries ago when an archbishop, at sea during a storm, threw his ring into the water while praying.
The dogma of the Assumption states that the Virgin Mary was taken up body and soul into heaven, after the completion of her earthly life, since by reason of her Immaculate Conception she should not suffer the consequences of original sin. While the Assumption was infallibly declared a doctrine of the Faith by Pope Pius XII on November 1, 1950, it has a history dating back to at least the seventh century when its celebration was already established at Jerusalem and Rome. Catholics are obliged by Church law to participate in the Mass of this Holy Day or the Mass of the evening preceding.