Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


                   Interfaith Worshipers Celebrate Sea, Surf

   by Mike O'Sullivan

   A recent interfaith worship service on a California beach an hour south
   of Los Angeles celebrated the ocean and the state's surfing culture.
   Christians, Muslims, Jews and others in attendance believe the ocean
   teaches lessons about life and faith.
   Each morning at Huntington Beach, which calls itself Surf City, the
   surfers are out early to catch the waves.
   It is a passion and a lifestyle, said veteran surfer Tom Morey, who
   invented a modified surfboard called the boogie board.
   "Surfing for me is creation's most succinct metaphor, best metaphor,
   for how to live your life. Surf your life," said Morey.
   Hang 10
   These surfers say their goal is to catch a wave and ride it. Once a
   year, an interfaith service called the "Blessing of the Waves" draws
   surfers and others to talk about their love of the ocean.
   A Muslim leads an Islamic prayer. A synagogue member blows the Jewish
   ram's horn called the shofar.
   Zoroastrian Maneck Bhujwala reads a prayer in the ancient Avestan
   language.
   "So we actually have prayers for all the major elements of nature,
   including the water," said Bhujwala.
   Heaven on Earth
   A choir of immigrants from the island nation of Tonga and other local
   artists provide music.
   Two Catholic priests also presided over the service. Both are avid
   surfers who are at home on this beachfront. After the service, both
   went in for a swim.
   Father Christian Mondor, 87-years old, was helped onto a surfboard and
   caught a small breaking wave. He was happy to get in the water.
   "It takes a lot of skill, but it is a wonderful feeling when you are
   moving with the ocean, especially when you get to stand up and ride
   them [waves] wherever you want. Just to be in the water is such an
   invigorating experience. It is great to be back, all wet again," said
   Mondor.
   There is much to be thankful for, said Dean Torrence, who was half of
   the 1960s pop duo Jan and Dean. They helped to popularize surf music
   with songs like Surf City.
   "The sand, the ocean, the blue sky, the weather. I mean, what could be
   better? I am very, very, very blessed to be here in a place that we
   call Surf City," said Torrence.
   Those who gathered here say for those of any faith, this beachfront
   setting is inspirational.
     __________________________________________________________________

   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/interfaith_worshipers_celebrate_sea_s
   urf/1527835.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/interfaith_worshipers_celebrate_sea_surf/1527835.html