Squalicum Harbor Fishermen's Memorial
Dedication Ceremony
May 31, 1999
Transcribed by Jerri Williams
Blessing of the Memorial Speaker: Father Bone Prcela, OFM
Tom Glenn. This committee is keenly aware that a great number of Slavic peoples – families and individuals who came to Bellingham generations ago bringing their fishing instincts and skills from several countries in the general region of the Eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. And we sought to invite a catholic priest with similar roots. We didn’t know where to turn so we gave it to Peter Zuanich. And as usual Pete came up with the perfect answer. A genuine Croatian Catholic priest from Vancouver BC. Father Bona Procella O.F.M. Father Procella. [applause as priest takes podium]
Father
Procella:
I prefer to pray in Croatia or in *** but I am here to pray in English
because everyone here understands. But the most important to God
understands all languages that this language allows. Special today are those
that gave their lives in the oceans those who gave their lives so that we
can live together today now let us pray for those who were called to God
before us and let us pray also for all living and the dead. In the name of
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Jesus Christ
is risen from the dead and lives always to intercede for us *** Lord hear our
prayer. Lord hear our prayer. Savior of
human race ** our sin and death our brothers and sisters share in your
victory. Lord hear our prayer.
Judge of the living and the dead, you are merciful and forgiving. And bless our brothers and sisters with you tender love. We pray to the Lord.
Light of the World, you here called our Brothers and Sisters from the dead to life. Surround them with light from the Heavens ***. Lord hear our prayer.
Caring and gentle Lord, you shared the burdens of those who morn. Give us your gift of comfort and peace, we pray to the Lord.
Son of God, you have the word of everlasting light open our ears to hear your ways and deepen our longing for the coming of your Kingdom. We pray to the Lord.
Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive our trespasses as you forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. The Lord be with you. God *** wrote out the living and the dead you know before him that those who pray for ** them as your own. We pray for those who belong to this present world and for those who have passed to the world to come. Grant them pardon for all their sins. We ask you graciously to hear our prayers to the possession of all things and for your mercy sake for you are God for ever and ever.
Let us thank God for sharing his gifts of beauty with us with this work of art. All praise of thanks are yours Lord of God, maker of the universe and father of all us. We praise you and thank you for letting us to see the beauty of your creation and share it with us through works of art. Bless this monument and let it be a reminder to all who have merit that you are our God and our Father. Teach us to reflect your truth of goodness in our lives each day and so give you honor and glory. Bless our Lord love God forever and ever. May God bless you, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Tom Glenn: In recognition of the first peoples who fished the waters of this region long, long before westerners brought theirs nets and hooks, we now present a long time leader of the Lummi Nation, Mr. Vern Lane who will introduce the Lummi Offering in our dedication. Vernon Lane. Native American Blessing