Boaters will carry on a centuriesold tradition started in southern Europe when the fourth annual Blessing of the Fleet is held here on Saturday, May 10.

In European fishing communities, a blessing from the local priest was thought to ensure a safe and bountiful fishing season.

Bishop Edmond Carmody of the Catholic Diocese of Corpus Christi will return to participate in the ceremony that will begin at 2 p.m.

Clergy will be aboard the Clean Sweep that will be docked at Teal Harbor Condominiums.

On board the boat with Carmody will be Father John Xaviour, Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Port Aransas; the Rev. Richard Safford, Community Presbyterian Church, Port Aransas; and Father Al Leveridge, Trinity-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, Port Aransas.

Boaters are invited to parade around the Port Aransas harbor before and after being blessed.

Sharon Miller of Corpus Christi and Port Aransas, who initiated the Blessing of the Fleet, said spectators are invited to watch the blessing and boat parade from vantage points around the harbor.