Blessing of the Waves
September 10, 2017, 8:30 a.m.
Huntington Beach Pier Plaza
400 Pacific Coast Highway
2017 Line Up
1 Minute Symbolic Aloha Welcome
Welcome from HB Interfaith Council
Invocation from Pastor Sumo Sato, H2O Church
Welcome from Mayor Barbara Delgleize
2 Minute Reflections -- The Symbol of Water in Our Faiths
A Moment with Visit HB's Kelly Miller, President & CEO
Special Recognition Edison High School Surfing Team
Benediction with Fr. Christian Mondor
Salt Water Blessing
City of Huntington Beach Marine Safety Lt. Mike Beuerlein - Permission for Paddle Out
Blessing of the Waves: Blessings have included: Priests; Imams; Rabbis; Pastors; etc,...in addition to musical contributions by Tongan choirs; Samoan chorals; Ukulele performances; Christian Rock and Surf Bands; Schofar, and ceremonial Conch...
This event was created by the Diocese in 2008 to bring together surfers and ocean-minded people, regardless of their faith tradition, to show spiritual appreciation for the ocean and all that it gives the planet and its population. The event has grown over the years and is now hosted and organized by the Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council.
Environmental protection and curbing climate change is a matter of social justice that demands immediate action, said Rev. Christian Mondor, OFM, PhD, event founder and Vicar Emeritus of Sts. Simon and Jude Parish. Pope Benedict commented during his 2009 Easter message that it is necessary to make courageous decisions that can recreate a strong alliance between humankind and the earth. California will lose an estimated 41 square miles of coastline due to erosion by 2100, according to the California Climate Change Center.
The Diocese of Orange organized this first-of-its-kind interreligious event in 2008 drew more than 400 participants to the Huntington Beach pier to take part in this community activity lead by Catholic clergy, Diocesan youth groups, and participants of various faith traditions. Last year's event drew more than 3,000 participants. The interfaith event features an opening prayer service, pledge to protect of our oceans and beaches, messages from surfing legends, blessing of waves and attendees, acknowledgment of marine safety representatives, and will close with a ceremonial paddle-out.
Surfing industry world champions, Long Boarders, men, women and children of all ages, walks of life and believe systems. Time: 9 am at Pier Plaza, Huntington Beach, CA. Among the attendees we hope to see Father Christian Mondor, the Surfing Padre.
Location: Pier Plaza in downtown Huntington Beach, CA.
Admission is free
