A Golden Blessing
1949-2000
A strong belief in God,
religion and that a blessing for the fleet was needed for a bountiful harvest and safety
from the sea ... the thoughts of Mr. Clarence Mallet more than 50 years ago.
Clarence Malett was born in
St. Martinsdale, Louisiana and moved to Bayou La Batre in 1925. He brought with him the
dream of reviving an Old World custom dating back centuries when fishermen asked God for
His blessing of their harvest and protection from the perils of the sea. With his wife
Estelle and their children John, Wallace and Melvin, a custom began that is still an
annual occurrence.
The first event began with
Father Alex O' Neill using blessed bayou water and walking along the docks to consecrate
each boat. As grocery store merchants in the Bayou, the Mallets persuaded vendors to
donate bread and produce to be served along with shrimp boiled by Mrs. Isrial Lannie in
her kitchen. The ladies of the parish served many visitors who came and stayed for the
Blessing. Proceeds were used to purchase a riding lawn mower to maintain the parish lawn
and cemetery.
During later Blessing events,
this mower was used to push an emblem float in the land parade. The float, a small wooden
boat, paraded many years with one of Clarence's granddaughters aboard. This year, an
emblem float will again be part of the land parade as Erin Mallet, daughter of David and
granddaughter of Wallace, will ride in honor of her great-grandfather.
The Blessing of the Fleet has
evolved into festivities lasting two days. It is a very large festival for south Alabama
and enlightens others on the heartwarming way a community comes together to support Bayou
La Batre.
A tradition cannot begin with
one man's vision. Many families of the parish have devoted years out of there lives
working for the continued success of the event. Merchants have donated prizes awarded to
boats taking part in the parade. Captains and local seafood shops have donated seafood for
everyone's enjoyment. Each pastor of St. Margaret's church has added a special touch and
prayer to make the festival delightful for all.
In today's society, the
Blessing of the Fleet may seem an inconvenience to many boat owners. The date may coincide
with opening of waters in other areas. The pressing need to earn a boat payment, or just
groceries for the family may make it impossible to participate in the event. Whatever the
case may be, remember the reason for the event. It is God's blessing that you return
safely from the waters and it is God's blessing for a bountiful harvest. As a wreath is
placed in the waters in a special recognition of those who have lost their lives, take a
moment to remember your fellow mates. The nature of the event will never change. Clarence
Mallet's dream to have boats blessed and prayers for survival both spiritually and
economically will remain the focus of the event.
-Lynn Mallet Bryant
Prayer for Fleet Blessing
"May God in
Heaven fulfill abundantly the prayers which are pronounced over you and your boats and
equipment on the occasion of the Blessing of the Fleet. God bless your going out and
coming in; The Lord be with you at home and on the water. May he accompany you when you
start on your many journeys: May he fill your nets abundantly as a reward for your labor;
And may he bring you all safely in, when you turn your boats homeward to shore....
Amen"
