Benaulim traditional fishermen gearing up for the new fishing season after invoking the Almighty to bless the activity on Saturday.
Photo Credits: Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO
The stage is finally set for the commencement of the new fishing season for the traditional fishermen along the Benaulim coast.
Saturday saw the fishermen gearing up to launch the new fishing season by offering prayers to the Almighty. Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Church, Benaulim, Fr Ligorinho Da Costa and Assistant Parish Priest Fr Clifford Fernandes blessed the country-made fishing canoes after offering prayers for a good fishing season and for the safety of the fishermen.
Fisherman Pele Fernandes told the media that the fishermen are all geared up to venture out in the sea depending on the weather conditions. “Presently the weather conditions are conducive for fishing. We may go out in the sea in a day or two if weather permits,” he said.
Elaborating on the prayers offered by the fishermen, Pele said their ancestors had showed us the way to seek blessings of the Almighty before venturing out for fishing. We are following the rich tradition by invoking the Almighty to bless our activity and keep us safe in the sea,” he added.
Fr Clifford Fernandes offered prayers at the Holy Cross at the Benaulim beach and blessed the fishing canoes on Saturday morning. “We have blessed the activity today. The traditional fishermen will start their new fishing season. The fishermen and the youth have maintained the traditional occupation. We have prayed for the safety of the fishermen,” he added.
