Mary has long been associated with keeping sea travelers safe from storms, providing a guiding light to guide them home. This is why
Catholics still ask her to bless the sea. The custom originated when a bishop traveling by sea got caught in a storm on the Solemnity of the Assumption. He threw his pastoral ring into the ocean and the storm ceased. Today, the blessing is conducted by throwing a wreath of flowers onto the water.
© Andreas F. Borchert | CC BY-SA 4.0