Huntington Beach comes together for Blessing of the Waves

The ocean can be a unifying thing in Surf City — and it was just that Sunday morning, as city officials and religious leaders gathered for the 14th annual Blessing of the Waves at the Huntington Beach Pier.

Christy Hernandez of Saints Simon & Jude Catholic Church performs during the Blessing of the Waves on Sunday morning.

(Sarahi Apaez)

The event, which seeks to recognize the spiritual qualities of water, is organized each year by the Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council.

Rabbi Stephen J. Einstein of Congregation B’nai Tzedek performed the invocation, before religious leaders from across the city offered their prayers. Blessings were given for both the waves and the event’s attendees.

Jeff Whiting opens the 14th annual Blessing of the Waves ceremony with the ceremonial blowing of the conch shell.

(Sarahi Apaez)

Huntington Beach Mayor Barbara Delgleize, celebrating her birthday on Sunday, offered some words. The event also served to celebrate local surfing legend Brett Simpson, a two-time U.S. Open of Surfing winner who was inducted into the Surfing Walk of Fame this summer.

Guests enjoyed music from the Huntington Beach Marine Safety Band, “Crew 52,” and Father Mike Rizzon of Saints Simon & Jude Catholic Church performed the benediction.

Former mayors and community leaders reveal a happy birthday banner made for Huntington Beach Mayor Barbara Delgleize as she steps up to the podium Sunday.

(Sarahi Apaez)

The Blessing of the Waves was originally started as a Catholic-led event through the Diocese of Orange in 2008, before the Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council started organizing it in 2013.

In part, the event recognizes how the ocean is a common theme in many religions.

Father Mike Rizzon of Saints Simon & Jude Catholic Church performs a blessing ceremony, blessing the audience, including Dave Garofalo, right, Chair of the Blessing of the Waves.

(Sarahi Apaez)

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