by Ezabelle Janssen, Staff Writer
PASS CHRISTIAN (GG) — Pass Christian transformed the saltwater of the Gulf of America into holy water with their annual Blessing of the Fleet on Saturday, April 12th. Reflecting the city’s name, citizens from all denominations came together to remember those lost in the fishing industry and pray for those on the unpredictable sea, led by Father Jazz of the Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church and Father Kyle Bennett of the Trinity Episcopal Church.
The community danced before the lord like David with a performance from the Pass Christian High School Dance team and sang for the Lord as Psalm 96:1 urges with Pass Christian High School student Hannah Jones singing the national anthem, as local Troop 316 held the flag, and local bands striking cords, catalyzing gyrating feet and bopping heads amongst the crowd.
Bowing heads and raised hands overcame the Pass Christian Harbor as the priests prayed in remembrance of those who went to sea and rest, exploring the biblical power the sea holds, for Jesus got into a boat and taught his followers a lesson on faith. Jesus provided the people with fish, as our local fishermen continue to do so for the Gulf Coast.
In honor of the deceased, fishing King, Mister T, and a helicopter dropped a beautiful red and yellow wreath into the sea. King T, a local Vietnamese fisherman who came to the United States in 1978, was an honored guest at the event. After years of pleading, close friend Ward 3 Alderman Kirk Kimball finally made Mister T the fishing King.
With humble origins as a shunned immigrant, his work ethic did not go unnoticed for long. As Kimball narrated, a beloved fisherman, Mister T, built his boats by hand, welding and bringing his image to life. Mister T persevered after Hurricane Katrina, rebuilding his boat and home. He is also dedicated to the church and always ready to help others.
Just recently, his brother-in-law’s boat burned, and he went out in the rain and brought him back in. As Kimball stated, “It’s a testament to what people do when they’re tested and how they operate because Captain T is a wonderful man,” I believe we all can agree. “Everyone loves T.”
An event full of praise for all, Father Jazz had the honor of preaching at the Blessing of the Fleet for the second year in a row. Such a momentous event that brought the community together, as Father Jazz explained, “ I think it’s very important for me as a pastor because I am one leader of this community and I really want people to come together. We come from diff erent backgrounds, come from different religions, different people, and when we come together like this, it’s a beautiful thing to see, because the people can just be together. People cook, share the food, people eating together, dancing, you see dancing, and basically just a happy time for the people.”
A humble pastor open to all religions and people, “That’s why today I asked one of the priests from the episcopal church to read the scripture…Just because I am the pastor of Mother Mercy and here they give me the authority to do everything, but I want to share this with them and let them know that we take part together in this kind of event.”
This event and the people of Pass Christian set a beautiful example the world should follow, foregoing differences and coming together to remember, honor, and celebrate the community and God. Listen to the Beatles and come together!
