St. Michael Catholic Church

St. Michael Catholic ChurchSt. Michael Catholic ChurchSt. Michael Catholic Church

St. Michael Catholic Church

St. Michael Catholic ChurchSt. Michael Catholic ChurchSt. Michael Catholic Church
  • Home
  • Bulletin
  • Calendar/Events
  • Give/Donate/10k Giveaway
  • Ministries/Teams
  • RCIA
  • Blessing of the Fleet
  • Family Life Center
  • Knights of Columbus
  • SVDP
  • Diocese
  • Contact Us
St. Michael Catholic Church and the City of Biloxi

Blessing of the Fleet and Shrimp Festival

Monsignor Dominick Fullam blessing the shrimp boat Gunsmoke, marking the beginning of the 2021 fishing season. Even though it had its origins in ancient times in Europe, the first Blessing of the Fleet in the Biloxi Bay was given in 1929, and now takes place annually in a colorful procession in the Mississippi Sound.

2021 Highlights!

Shrimp King and Queen

The Official 2021 Blessing of the Fleet poster by Samantha Savage

The Official 2021 Blessing of the Fleet poster by Samantha Savage

Our new Shrimp Queen 2021 

Miss Leah Crabtree and her 

King Ricky Ross.

The Official 2021 Blessing of the Fleet poster by Samantha Savage

The Official 2021 Blessing of the Fleet poster by Samantha Savage

The Official 2021 Blessing of the Fleet poster by Samantha Savage

On Sale at the Biloxi Visitors Center or at St Michael Catholic Church

Shrimp Queen Pageant

The Official 2021 Blessing of the Fleet poster by Samantha Savage

Shrimp Queen Pageant

Congratulations to all the contestants in the 2021 Shrimp Queen Pageant.  Look for applications for next year.

Best Decorated Boat

Best Decorated Boat

Shrimp Queen Pageant

Kenny B, Captained by Greg Baker

2nd Best Decorated

Best Decorated Boat

2nd Best Decorated

Barbara K, Captained by John Kopsyzwa

Best Participation

Best Decorated Boat

2nd Best Decorated

 My Sons, Captained by Charles Duhon 

2021 Coronation Program

Download 2021's Program

    Blessing of the Fleet and Shrimp Festival

    A ceremonial blessing, given by a local Catholic priest, marks the beginning of the shrimp fishing season. Even though it had its origins in ancient times in Europe, the first Blessing of the Fleet in the Biloxi Bay was given in 1929, and now takes place annually in a colorful procession in the Mississippi Sound.

    The ceremony begins with the dropping of an evergreen wreath into the Sound in remembrance of fishermen who have been lost at sea. Then a procession of more than 30 shrimp boats files past the anchored “Blessing Boat” where the officiating priest stands, sprinkling holy water on each of the boats and giving a blessing for each one, asking a safe and prosperous fishing season.


    2022 Blessing of Fleet Calendar

    Dates coming Soon!


    2022 Shrimp Queen/Coronation Forms and Program

    2022 Queen Application (pdf)Download
    2022 Queen's Application Rules (pdf)Download
    2022 Poster Contest Invitation and Rules (jpg)Download

    Copyright © 2022 St. Michael Catholic Church - All Rights Reserved.


    Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder