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Delayed for a week because of gathering storms, the Terrebonne Parish community of Montegut – for the second time in recent years – cheered boats of all shapes and sizes while a priest on a local yacht bestowed blessings on all.
The Montegut boat blessing, unlike many in other local communities, encourages all types of vessels, commercial crab, shrimp and oyster boats as well as pleasure craft, to participate in what is now an annual ritual.
Sunday’s boat parade on Bayou Terrebonne was led by the Genesis, a boat owned by South Central Planning Commission Director Kevin Belanger. On board, at the vessel’s rounded bow, was the Rev. John Nambusseril, pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, who sprinkled holy water from an aspergillum in the direction of vessels the Genesis passed, some of which fell into line behind the lead boat.
“We need to bring back the good traditions this community was built on“ Nambusseril said. “We pray for a good fishing season, protection from storms and hurricanes and for the safety of all those going off shore.”
Wade Hatch, a construction company owner who lives in Montegut, agreed.
“It brings the community back together to interact with each other if even for a short time whether in a boat or on the shore,” said Hatch.
Belanger said he is only too happy to lend his vessel to the celebration, which included local marina owner Steve Billiot who wore full Elvis regalia as he greeted vessels.
“The blessing of the boats is significant because it’s integral to our way of life, our history, our culture,” said Belanger, whose community spirit has also been integral to the continuation of the annual Christmas boat parade in Bourg and Montegut. “It keeps us connected to each other and our past, our roots. And Father John, he’s the one who made it happen.”
The enthusiasm of the crowds lifted spirits of commercial fishermen who have not had much to cheer about lately.
Keith Trahan wants his boat blessed for “more shrimp and more fish” and brags how his wife, Myra, has been pulling four dozen crabs a day out of Terrebonne Bay “with just our few little traps.”
Kevin LeBoeuf has been shrimping with his own boat since he was 16.
“People have done forgot about this” he says while looking out at a panorama of marsh grass made sparkling from moisture left by recent rains.“This is our heritage. I believe I’m the end of it in my generation. Kids today don’t want to do it. Commercial fishermen are a dying breed. Where you gonna get your shrimp from then people?”
The Rev. John Nambusseril of Sacred Heart Catholic Church blessed boats in Bayou Terrebonne Sunday during the Montegut boat blessing, while on board the yacht “Genesis.”
