History Lives On in Ulladulla WHAT IS THE BLESSING OF THE FLEET The Blessing of the Fleet Festival is an old and revered tradition which has been passed down from generation to generation originating in Sicily and as ancient as biblical times This centuries Old Italian rite calls on divine providence to safe guard ships and crews from the danger of the seas. The ceremony was also to ensure that the fishermen would return to port and have a bountiful catch. This Blessing was essential to commence the years fishing expeditions and ensure the safety of the boats as they traveled to and from the harbour. Thus the festival activities are impermissible without this important annual religious ceremony. ULLADULLA'S FIRST BLESSING In 1956 Italian fishermen and their families (Greco, Puglisi, Lavalle, Costa, Salafia, Campisi, Canon and Basile) organized Ulladulla's first Blessing of the Fleet, with St. Peter being chosen as the patron Saint of Fishermen. A crowd of 2500 people watched the actual blessing of vessels, which was delivered by Bishop T. McCabe of Wollongong. Local Catholic Priest Father Weatheral gave the opening address with the assistance of alterboys Humphries and Gow. After prayers on the fishing vessel the Australia Star, which was locally built and completed for this inaugural event, the following vessels were blessed: Australia Star, Arcadia Star, Elizabeth Star, John Dory, Leeton Star, Little Michael, Prima Marina, Rosa Maria, San Bartalomino, Sea Queen, St. Christaphano, St. Joseph Star, St. Michael, The Aurora, Two Freddies and Ulladulla Star. When the Blessing was completed visitors were taken for short cruises to the open sea and later the crowds joined in the Italian community's Family Picnic Day. Activities included the spaghetti-eating contest, climbing of the greasy pole, apple on a string, greasy pig and the naming of the Fishermen's Princess Josie Greco, traditions which you now continue some 48 years on. THE STATUE OF ST PETER Due to some families coming from difference provinces in Italy who have their own chosen saint, the fishermen nominated St Peter to be the Patron Saint of the fishermen. The statue carved by Englebert Piccolruaz of Sydney is displayed in the Ulladulla Catholic Church. Standing on a handcrafted Tasmanian Oak mount the statue serves to remind the community of the blessing which are bestowed on the fishing fleet, their crews, the harbour surrounds and the township at Festival time.

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