Ascension Night, Papa Stronsay pierthe blessing of Saint Alphonsus.
(Rubric: left click pictures to see everything clearly)
Without a breath of wind, there was a solemn silence over the still sea water that was only intermittently broken by the distant voices of our nearest neighbours; they were swimming. The clouds, in sky and sea, seemed to keep the memory of Our Lord's Ascension: "And when He had said these things, while they looked on, he was raised up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight." [Acts 1]
A little altar had been set up on board: Two candles and the crucifix, the images of Our Mother of Perpetual Succour, St. Alphonsus and St Nicholas the patron saint of seafarers.
Propitare, Domine, supplicationibus nostris et bene+dic navem istam dextera tua sancta...
... and by Thy holy hand bless + this ship and its passengers, as Thou wert pleased to let your blessing hover over Noah's ark in the Deluge. Reach out ... to them, as Thou didst to blessed Peter as he walked upon the sea. Send Thy holy angel from on high to watch over it and all on board...., and to guide its course through calm waters to the desired port. ...
The seals, our nearest neighbours
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