The explanatory notes appended by the translator, Fr. Philip Weller, note that a similar ritual is performed at Chioggia in the Veneto which traces its origin to the Venetian political senza, even if rather different in character. At the same time, he describes the following rite as drawn up by Holy See, as an accession to "a request that have come in from many quarters of the globe." Fr. Weller continues, describing the three collects that conclude the rite, "the first of which asks that, in view of the magnitude of the waters, we may become enraptured with contemplating the 'secrets' of God, the second, which is directed to Christ, begs that all ocean-voyagers may be saved from the dangers of the tempestuous waters; the third asks God's blessing and success on fishermen who earn their daily sustenance from the sea."
[All capitalization and punctuation as in the original]
The priest intones the following antiphon, which is then followed by psalm 28:
[Psalm 28 is then recited, with the above antiphon repeated.] Then the priest concludes:
Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy. Our Father the rest inaudibly until
P: And lead us not into temptation.
All: But deliver us from evil.
P: All you fountains of waters bless the Lord.
All: All you seas and waves bless the Lord.
P: Our help is in the name of the Lord.
All: Who made heaven and earth.
P: Lord, heed my prayer.
All: And let my cry be heard by you.
P: The Lord be with you.
All: May He also be with youy.
Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, Father of incomprehensible majesty, whose invisible power can be glimpsed from your visible creation; O God, whose Spirit hovered over the waters in the beginning of the world, grant to us, your servants, that as often as we behold with our bodily eyes the mighty waters swelling out in billows on the heavenly horizon, we may be enraptured in contemplation of your hidden mysteries. Let such a sight and the thoughts it arouses prompt us to invoke and to glorify with due praise your holy name, and to render to you, to whose empire all creatures are subject, the homage of our minds in true humility and devotion; through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
Let us pray.
Lord Jesus Christ, who once walked upon the waters, who uttered a word of command to the raging tempest of wind and sea and there came a great calm; let your piteous glance fall upon us, your servants, who find themselves surrounded by the many perils of this life; and grant that by the power of your blessing + poured out on these waters all wicked spirits may be repelled, the danger of the tempestuous winds may subside, and that all who are on voyage on the seas, through the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin, your Mother, may safely reach their destination, and finally return unharmed to their homes. We ask this of you who live and reign forever and ever.
All: Amen.
Let us pray.
Lord, who said, "In the sweat of your brow you shall eat your bread"; kindly heed our prayers and bestow your blessing + on this sea, so that all who are obliged to earn their daily bread for themselves and their families by traversing these waters may be enriched with your bounty and offer you due gratitude for your goodness; through Christ Our Lord.
All: Amen.
The sea is sprinkled with holy water.
