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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2010-10-27 Daily Xml
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BLESSING OF THE FLEET

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (15:47): On the weekend of 7 and 8 September, it was my pleasure to represent the Premier at the Blessing of the Fleet celebrations in Port Pirie. The feast commences with a Mass on the Tuesday prior to the celebration weekend and concludes with a High Mass, a procession from St Mark's Cathedral to St Anthony's Church for the final benediction, with community festivities and lunch at Flinders Park, on the foreshore, and a cruise on the harbour with the statue of Our Lady of Martyrs.

The history of the feast is a fascinating one. A small group of Italian fishermen, who arrived from Molfetta in the 1890s, settled and established themselves in Port Pirie. Others followed in the years to come, particularly post World War II. The Blessing of the Fleet celebrations were commenced some 81 years ago with those Italian migrants who came from the town of Molfetta in the Puglia region of Italy. The welcoming note on the parish newsletter told all that:

Our Lady of Martyrs, traditionally, veneration has been given to the Blessed Virgin under this title following the refuge given to wounded crusaders in Molfetta in 1188 AD. This care by the Molfettese of the ill had previously seen a hospice established in 1162 AD. The crusaders who died in the seaport were honoured as Martyrs for the Faith.

The fact that those dedicated migrants, all those years ago, wanted to retain and celebrate their faith and traditions makes us as a country all the more fortunate.

The early Molfettese migrants to Port Pirie get a special mention in the book No Need to be Afraid by respected Cavaliere Professor Desmond O'Connor, Professor of Italian at Flinders University. The book chronicles the history and contribution of the early Italian migrants to our state and, given their early arrival, includes the Molfettese of Port Pirie. From those early beginnings, beginnings that often included struggle and many prejudices, those of Molfettese heritage are now an important and respected part of the Port Pirie community. One of the places where the procession stopped along the foreshore to pray was at the memorial of early pioneer Italian families of Port Pirie.

A very special highlight of the celebrations is the tradition of the debutante ball, which is held on the Saturday evening. This year, the 12 debutantes and their partners were presented to Bishop the Most Reverend Gregory O'Kelly SJ, Mrs Marie Capurso and Mrs Liz Gadaleta.

One can only describe the debutantes as a credit to their families, friends and the wider community. They were dignified, graceful and beautifully prepared in their presentation and formal dancing. The guidance and support they had received should also be acknowledged. As is the tradition, they took part in all the religious celebrations throughout the entire week. The debutantes and their partners represented a wonderful celebration of faith and family.

I was pleased to be able to share the celebrations with other members of parliament: the federal member for Grey, Mr Rowan Ramsay MHR, who was present at the debutante ball; Mr Geoff Brock MP, the member for Frome from the other place; as well as the Mayor of the Port Pirie Regional Council, Mr Brenton Vanstone.

In his speeches, Mayor Vanstone demonstrated his passion for the regional council as a whole and paid tribute to the contribution in Port Pirie by those of Italian heritage. He announced that the council has agreed on a site to house a restored 18-foot plank boat at the boat ramp site. He told those present that the iconic display will tell the story of the early Italian settlers by stories depicted on the walls of the display.

I take this opportunity to congratulate councillor Dino Gadaleta, the President of the Fleet Committee, and his wife Liz, who is the secretary, as well as past and present committee members. I make particular mention of Nick and Marie Capurso. Clearly, so many people work hard to ensure the success of the Blessing of the Fleet. Whilst the celebrations are important religious and social events every year in Port Pirie, they hold special significance to all South Australians as well, with visitors coming from all over the state to be part of this wonderful tradition.

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