The University of Notre Dame Australia was delighted to have the annual Blessing of the Fleet procession pass through the heart of our Fremantle campus on Sunday, as it made its way towards Fishing Boat Harbour.
In recognition of the University’s ongoing support for this important community event, organisers amended the route for this year’s procession to include Mouat Street, which is home to the University’s Vice Chancellery and other major buildings.
A special Family Fiesta was held in Molloy Courtyard to mark the occasion, where invited guests were treated to food and entertainment as they waited for the procession to arrive.
The procession stopped briefly outside the courtyard, enabling Notre Dame’s Chancellor, The Honourable Christopher Ellison, to present Blessing of the Fleet organising committee President John Minutillo with a small jarrah cross, similar to those presented to our students at graduation ceremonies.
“Notre Dame is very proud to be part of this tradition, which has been part of the heritage of Fremantle for some 75 years now,” Mr Ellison told Mr Minutillo. “On behalf of our Univerisity I want to say safe fishing and sailing, and to each and every one of your families, God bless you all.”
In response, Mr Minutillo said: “From the Fishing Fleet Festival, we would like to thank Notre Dame. Over the last couple of years, we have had a great association together and I just hope it continues for another 75 years.”
The Blessing of the Fleet is a wonderful Fremantle tradition that highlights the strength of faith that has helped to sustain the City’s fisherman over many generations. That same faith is what sustains our University, so it is both an honour and a privilege that we can play an active part in what is truly a highlight of the Fremantle community calendar.
