Author: Mark Banks

Stella Maris joins calls to end piracy threat in Gulf of Guinea

Posted on May 26, 2021 by Mark Banks -

Stella Maris has signed up to the Gulf of Guinea Declaration on the Suppression of Piracy, demonstrating its commitment to eradicating the scourge of piracy.

Stella Maris International Network Director Fr Bruno Ciceri, who is based in the Vatican, signed the Declaration on behalf of the charity.

“We fully support the efforts by all parties in the fight against piracy. It is unacceptable that seafarers, unsung heroes who keep world trade moving, continue to be subjected to pirate attacks. Aside from disrupting the global economy, the persistent threat of danger and harm puts considerable stress on seafarers and their families,” said Fr Bruno.

The Declaration was drafted in response to growing concerns and increasing attacks in the region and has been signed by organisations across the maritime industry including flag state administrations, ship owners, charterers, and shipping associations.

The Gulf of Guinea accounted for nearly half (43 percent) of all reported piracy incidents in the first three months of 2021, according to the ICC International Maritime Bureau. The region accounted for all 40 kidnapped crew incidents, as well as the sole crew fatality.

In 2020, Stella Maris chaplains supported seafarers in three piracy cases, providing vital pastoral care to the crew members affected by the attacks.

In one case in Lagos, Nigeria, the charity’s chaplains boarded a ship following an attack at sea to meet with the crew members.

The crew had been left extremely traumatised, and the support provided by Stella Maris helped allay their fears and anxieties.

Stella Maris hopes governments and enforcement agencies will be able to find a more permanent and long-term solution to the problem of piracy and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We urge hijacked seafarers and fishers not to lose hope that they will be soon reunited with their loved ones and to remain strong in their faith. Families of the hijacked seafarers and fishers can also contact us for assistance and support.”

“We encourage the faithful to pray to Our Lady, Star of the Sea, to protect seafarers and fishers from all dangers and to support those who have been, and continue to be, affected by piracy,” said Fr Bruno.

Stella Maris Chaplains’ Diary… April & May, 2021

Posted on June 2, 2021 by Mark Banks -

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Chaplain John Fogarty at the Port of Northfleet, hands out resources to seafarers from the ‘Wuchang’ vessel

Throughout the Easter season our chaplains have been providing much-needed resources, as well as a friendly face to seafarers who are far from home.

May

Port: Felixstowe… Our East Anglia port chaplain, Julian Wong, met a seafarer on the ‘Ever Goods’ container ship, who was craving for some chocolates, but was unable to go ashore. So Julian bought a good supple of chocolates from the seafarers’ centre and gave them to him as a present. He assured Julian that he was going to share them with the crew. Julian reported that needless to say, he was very pleased. He’s from Sri Lanka and a Buddhist, but thankful when Julian prayed for him.

A few days previously, also at Felixstowe, Julian was on the deck of ‘MSC Carouge’ container ship, where he met a 25-yrs-old Filipino Third Officer, as well as an OS (Ordinary Seaman). After handing them rosary prayer cards and the Chaplet of The Divine Mercy Prayer cards and rosaries, the OS asked about the Chaplet of Divine Mercy prayer.

After explaining to them how to pray the Chaplet, Julian led them in praying the whole Chaplet of the Divine Mercy. Normally, Julian says that he would have prayed the rosary and the Chaplet of The Divine Mercy at home after breakfast, but as he had to get to the port by 8am, he didn’t on this occasion…. “It’s amazing how things turned out. God is good!”

Julian said that they had told him that their families are fine at home. They wrote their prayer requests in his note-book; praying for good health, well-being and protection from Covid for their families and the crew on-board. They hope to get vaccinated when they get home.

Chaplain, Julian Wong, at Felixstowe port, meeting seafarers onboard the ‘Ever Goods’ and ‘MSC Carouge’ container ships.

Port: Dover… After more than one year John Fogarty, our Medway and Dover Regional Port Chaplain, was back visiting both freight and cruise vessels in Dover.

After getting lateral flow tests (to ensure he was clear of Covid), John visited the Disney Magic cruise ship, which was docked in port, with fellow chaplain David Slater, the lead chaplain for the ecumenical chaplaincy team in Dover.

John said, “It was good to be back and good to meet so many people that we haven’t seen for so long. I shared with David about my ministry of presence during the lockdown, and David shared with me his ministry of silent prayer for all he sees and all who work in the offices in the port as well as on board.”

They agreed to do both going forward – a ministry of ‘Prayerful Presence’ as they visit seafarers, fishers, and maritime workers.

Port: Ipswich… The seafarers pictured below were grateful and delighted when our chaplain, Julian Wong, handed them these MiFi units to use on his recent visit to Ipswich.

Like all of us, being able to communicate with family is so important, especially when we haven’t physically seen them for many months, and so these small devices that let multiple users share a mobile broadband internet connection, are more than just the latest gadget – they are an essential link to family, friends and loved ones back home.

Seafarers at Ipswich Port displaying their Mi-Fi units; as given to them by our East Anglia port chaplain, Julian Wong

April

Port: Northfleet… prior to his return to the port of Dover (see above), John Fogarty paid his monthly visit to Northfleet, where he usually catches up with a deep-sea arrival from Australia. This month, the vessel was Wuchang, a Hong Kong flagged vessel with 19 seafarers of various nationalities. These included Captain Mario from Croatia, as well as crew members from China, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Ukraine.

In order to be ready for their visit, John had been in touch with the vessel for over a week since she cleared the Suez Canal. He had to order various items for the chief cook in addition to several other items for the crew. These included 20 phone cards. This meant John had quite a task in making several visits to the exchange bureau; changing foreign currency to and from Pound Sterling and US Dollars.

John reported that he had a great day, chatting and ministering to the crews; which included a prayer service from the quayside. The men were not allowed outside of the port at the time, however after such a long time at sea (49 days), it was clear that the seafarers just found it nice to chat… as well as to visit the boot of John’s car several time for some goodies!

That night, John also had a long chat with the Captain and Chief Engineer, as they explained to him about their transit through the Suez Canal. Although there was a six-day delay in their overall voyage, it had no effect on the cargo, as they were lead blocks! John reported that it was a very interesting time and he and the Captain discussed the Captain’s family and small children back in Croatia, as well as praying together – socially distanced, of course.

Chaplain John Fogarty at Northfleet port, meeting crew members and the Captain of the ‘Wuchang’ vessel

Earlier in the month, over the Easter weekend, our Chaplains at ports throughout the United Kingdom, had also been busy paying visits to seafarers to wish them a Happy Easter.

Port: Ipswich… Our East Anglia Regional Port Chaplain Julian Wong visited four ships at Ipswich Port on Easter Sunday, giving an Easter chocolate egg to each seafarer on board. Most of them were Russians and Ukrainians, who celebrate Easter next month, however they were pleased with the eggs.

Port: Rosyth… Our Clyde Regional Port Chaplain, Deacon Joe O’Donnell, organised for Fr Antony from St Mungo’s church to celebrate Mass on board the Balmoral cruise ship docked in Rosyth. The crew renewed their baptismal vows and Mass was very well received. Chocolates were distributed to the crew!

Port: Southampton… It was a very Happy Easter on the dockside in Southampton with Palm Crosses and Easter Eggs donated by the Parish of St Patrick’s in Woolston. These were handed out by our Regional Port Chaplains. The all-Filipino crew had an Easter Service onboard when the ship sailed later on in the day.

Charles Stuart hands out Palm Crosses on Palm Sunday; Fr Anthony says Mass on board the Balmoral; and seafarers receive their Easter Eggs.

Stella Maris appoints three new Trustees

Posted on April 21, 2021 by Mark Banks -

Catholic charity Stella Maris has appointed three new Trustees as the organisation forges ahead with its work supporting seafarers and fishers.

Joining the Charity’s Board are Fr David Burke, John Hood and James Brennan.

Their appointments help bolster Stella Maris’ ministry in the United Kingdom and abroad as Covid-19 continues to impact the lives of many ship crews and their families.

Stella Maris Chair of Trustees Esteban Pacha said, “We welcome the new Trustees and thank them for their availability and commitment to serve Stella Maris. With Fr David, James and John, the Board reaches its full composition bringing together high calibre professionals from different backgrounds fully committed to advance the mission of Stella Maris into its next centenary,” said Captain Pacha.

Fr David Burke is a Catholic priest with the Westminster Archdiocese and leads the parishes of Sacred Heart, Berkhamsted and Corpus Christi, Tring. He previously worked as lay port chaplain for Stella Maris in the ports of Hull and Goole.

Former seafarer, Hood is responsible for Advocacy at The Seafarers’ Charity (formerly Seafarers UK) and is a long-standing parish promoter for Stella Maris in Scotland.

James Brennan is Portfolio Director in the Charity team at Cazenove Capital and has served on Stella Maris’ Board in the past.

Fr David Burke said, “It is a great privilege and honour to be invited to be a Stella Maris Trustee. I joined the charity over 17 years ago as a lay chaplain in the ports of Hull and Goole and it is with great joy that I return to Stella Maris.

“The experience of being ‘Church’ to seafarers who are far away from home, often in hazardous conditions, was a formative and life changing one which shapes my ministry as a priest to this day. The work of Stella Maris through its chaplains, ship visitors and volunteers is often demonstrated in immediate, small and seemingly insignificant ways, which nevertheless are crucial for the well-being of the seafarer and their family. Please continue to support and pray for the seafarer, Stella Maris and this vitally important ministry.”

John Hood said, “I am proud and humbled to be joining this wonderful charity as a Trustee. As a retired seafarer I have seen the care and compassion of Stella Maris clergy and lay teams throughout the world acting as “Good Samaritans” to the people of the sea in so many ways.”

James Brennan said, “Having worked with the organisation since 2011 in various guises, I am delighted to be back as a Trustee of Stella Maris. I hope to build upon the excellent work done by the organisation in recent years and use my strategic and financial experience to help drive Stella Maris forward.”

The full list of our Trustees can be found here.

Stella Maris Chaplains’ Diary… January to March, 2021

Posted on March 31, 2021 by Mark Banks -

Rev. Doug Duncan with two Filipino seafarers onboard a survey vessel at the Port of Aberdeen (warm clothing gifts included!)

Stella Maris chaplains have been as busy as ever, helping seafarers at ports across the country.

March

Ports: Ipswich and Felixstowe… Julian Wong, Regional Port Chaplain for East Anglia and Haven Ports, recently delivered ‘Mi-fi’ devices (small, wireless devices that let multiple users share a mobile broadband internet connection) to seafarers on-board ‘Arklow Rebel’ and ‘IJBorg’, docked at Ipswich, who found them very helpful and were very appreciative of them. In fact, the Filipinos used up all of their allowance in one day mainly by downloading movies, to help keep them entertained during the months ahead at sea!

On the morning of Palm Sunday, Julian called at St. Mark’s Church in Ipswich to pick up the Palm Crosses which had been blessed. He delivered them to ‘Ever Glory’ (not the one blocking the Suez Canal!) and ‘MSC Katie’ at Felixstowe Port, as well as crew members on-board ‘IJBorg’, at Ipswich Port.

Port: Southampton… Southampton Regional Port Chaplain, Charles Stuart, recently collected some items knitted items from a dedicated supporter, Rebecca, to deliver to seafarers on one of his upcoming visits. After the visit, Charles wrote to Rebecca, thanking her for the items. This is what he had to say to her:

I was able to deliver to ships in the Port of Southampton within an hour of receiving them and made a point of telling the recipients of their origin. Apart from being a really practical gift, I said they are a symbol of the high regard which so many in this country hold for seafarers and the sacrifices they make for us… I had long chats with these guys… (one of them) is a lovely Filipino AB (Able seaman) who told me he had been onboard since September 2019! I asked him in detail how he was getting on and he appeared in good shape despite his great feat of endurance. He hopes to go home in April to his wife and eight-year-old daughter. So you see, your kind work means a lot to people of the sea. Many thanks for keeping seafarers in mind.

Port visits to: Ipswich & Felixstowe (first three pics); Southampton (next three pics) and Aberdeen (final three pics). March 2021.

Port: Aberdeen… Earlier in March, Rev Doug Duncan, Port Chaplain for Aberdeen, reported that several seafarers had approached him and said that they would like to be able to receive the Sacrament of Confession before Easter. Furthermore, time was of the essence, since the seafarers’ vessel, on arriving in Aberdeen, was required within two days to go back out to another location in the North Sea to carry out an oil exploration contract.

Deacon Doug contacted local priest Fr Gábor, and although it was his day off, he was delighted that he was able to help out by carrying out the Sacrament of Reconciliation on the port. Utilising full Covid PPE, the seafarers went into the rear of the Stella Maris ‘People Carrier’ vehicle, with Fr Gábor sitting in the front, listening to them. Following each Confession, the vehicle was fully sanitised. The seafarers were delighted that their needs were met at such short notice and confirmed that the Lord had truly provided for them.

Also at the Port of Aberdeen, having been on location in the North Sea for the past three weeks, a survey vessel with five Filipinos on board, requested a visit from one of our local port chaplains. Rev Doug was again on hand to help out. One seafarer, Raymond, made a request for a Benedictine medal and three sets of rosary beads for his wife and two children. The man was delighted when he received the items, as well as an icon of the Holy Family, which he was going to display in his cabin. In addition to the items requested, warm clothes, gloves and toiletries were distributed to the seafarers.

February

Port: Tees (North-east England)… Crew members from the MV Kaszuby bulk carrier ship, were chatting to our chaplain for Tees and Hartlepool, Deacon Peter Barrigan, and mentioned that their next port of call was in Finland, where temperatures were forecast to be heading down to -17c!

Deacon Peter said that he had a supply of warm clothing from woolly hats to woolly socks and everything in between and they were welcome to it. The two crew members said they would be happy to accept the items, but could they also take some for other crew members?… to which the answer was of course, “Yes, help yourselves!”. Peter gave them the gifts, including a welcome/welfare pack, which had been prepared by a Stella Maris volunteer, and the crew were very appreciative.

Ports: Glasgow, Greenock and Grangemouth… Elsewhere, in February, Deacon Joe O’Donnell was able to distribute some gifts for crew member of the ‘Azamara Journey’ cruise ship, berthed in Glasgow. Deacon Joe also handed rosaries, medals and prayer cards to crew of the ‘Elbspirit’ container ship, who were in Greenock. And whilst paying a visit to the ‘Ragna’ container ship docked at Grangemouth, Joe was also able to give one of the cooks onboard a rosary and prayer card.

Port visits to: Tees (first photo), Glasgow (second photo), Greenock (third photo) and Grangemouth (fourth photo). February 2021.

January

Ports: Tees and Hartlepool… Chaplain Deacon Peter Barrigan made a visit to the ‘Containerships VII’ vessel; delivering a welcome pack containing books, magazines, warm clothes, socks, faith items (including small bottles of holy water), and a few bars of chocolates. Peter also delivered top-ups for the crew members’ mobile phones.

Regarding the current situation, Deacon Peter commented: “It’s difficult to conduct a visit these days with the restrictions due to Covid-19, but it’s still important to attend as and when we can. Even though we can’t board the vessel and the meeting takes place on a freezing-cold quayside, the crews still like to see us and have a chat”.

Peter’s visit was very much appreciated, as he received the following message via email the next day, from the ship’s Chief Cook, Joseph: “Dear Sir Peter. We really appreciate yesterday. More power to you and to Stella Maris. Keep in touch, God Bless.”

Ports: East Anglia and Haven… In mid-January, Chaplain Julian Wong received 500 copies of bibles at his door. Francis, a Stella Maris supporter, had kindly sent the bibles to Julian, to be given to seafarers at ports throughout East Anglia. Julian started handing them over to seafarers the very next day; giving out 40 copies. The following morning, he had handed out another 60 copies before 10am. The seafarers were very pleased to receive them. In response to Julian thanking Francis for the donation, Francis simply replied “Don’t thank me, thank God”. Well, God is good and so is Francis.

Julian also asked Joshwa, one of the seafarers (see photo below), to write his prayer request for him, so that Julian could pray for him. He wrote his request as well as the Apostle Creed! God indeed is good. Amen

Ports: Blyth, Tyne & Sunderland… Elsewhere, as the New Year commenced amid continued Coronavirus restrictions, Chaplain Paul Atkinson continued his visits to seafarers at Ports in Blyth, Tyne & Sunderland – delivering much-appreciated gifts and faith resources.

Port visits to: Tees & Hartlepool (left); East Anglia & Haven (centre); and Blyth, Tyne & Sunderland (right). January 2021.

Video: Barbara Dickson OBE expresses support for Stella Maris

Posted on March 16, 2021 by Mark Banks -

Scottish singer and actress Barbara Dickson OBE expresses her support for Stella Maris

In a recent video appeal for Catholic seafarer’s charity, Stella Maris, Scottish singer, songwriter, musician and actress, Barbara Dickson OBE, has appealed for people to give generously in supporting people who need help, and who are “a long, long way from home”.

Barbara told how she was brought up as a child in Dunfermline, Scotland, very near to which was a huge naval dockyard, which at one point employed some 9,000 people – one of whom was her own father.

Barbara’s father was a cook on a large ocean-going tug, however, unlike the people that Stella Maris help, Barbara explained, “my Dad never spent any time on the ocean at all. He didn’t go away from home. He wasn’t left on the other side of the world for a long, long time. He came back to his family every single night – and we were very grateful for that.”

Stella Maris was founded in 1920, in Scotland, on the banks of the Clyde, however, Barbara recalled how she first heard of the charity’s work when she worked in Lincolnshire, in England, “Immingham and Grimsby were great big ports, with lots and lots of seafarers coming and going; and they did receive a lot of support, and we were very aware of the work of Stella Maris there”, she said.

Barbara spoke of the work that Stella Maris undertake in helping those in need, and who are “a long, long way from home”, and appealed for those who can, to please give generously.

Inverness Catenians happy to support the work of Stella Maris

Posted on March 2, 2021 by Mark Banks -

Inverness Catenian President Peter McCann, with the Moray Firth in the background.

Inverness Catenian President Peter McCann has hailed the work of Stella Maris – and made them his nominated Charity for the year.

Peter, who is originally from the seaside town of Helensburgh in Argyll and Bute, was thrilled to offer the support of his Circle in the Highlands as they made a recent £500 donation. Peter said:

“We are delighted to give our full support to Stella Maris.
“It’s such an important charity offering practical and spiritual support.
“We’ve all witnessed recently so many seafarers still stranded across the world and the great work that Stella Maris are doing to help them.”

Peter is pictured above displaying the new Stella Maris flag, with the Moray Firth in the background.

The Inverness Catenian Circle has several former seafarers within its membership who have experienced the dangers of work at sea.

The Inverness Circle is a local branch of The Catenian Association – an international association of Catholic laymen who are committed to faith, family and friendship.

Stella Maris highlights plight of stranded seafarers (BBC radio interview)

Posted on February 10, 2021 by Mark Banks -

Container ship at Southampton dock (photo credit: Maria Brosnan)

Stella Maris contributed to the BBC World Service radio programme ‘Stormy Seas for Global Shipping’, to help highlight the plight of stranded seafarers.

A Samoan seafarer, Adam*, who has now been stranded at sea for 21 months – and with whom Stella Maris chaplain, Julian Wong, has recently worked to try and secure his repatriation – spoke to Vivienne Nunis, presenter of BBC World Service programme ‘Stormy Seas for Global Shipping’ (go to 02:58), telling her of his lengthy ordeal, and his agony of being separated from his family for so long.

Adam spoke of how he had joined his ship in Rotterdam to work as a deck-hand, in May 2019. His contract was supposed to finish nine months later, however now, approaching almost two years later, he is still stranded at sea. The efforts of his company to repatriate him were continually thwarted by international bureaucracy and the ever-changing border closures because of the very fluid pandemic situation. Adam told Vivienne of the extremely hard time that he is having: “… every night I cannot sleep, because I feel like I don’t know when. I miss my family so much, especially my wife and my daughter.” He said that when he left home, his wife was four months pregnant, and now his little daughter is about one year and four months old, but she hasn’t yet seen her father, “…that’s the worst part of my life.”

There is some sign of hope for Adam, given that his country is now arranging special flights for seafarers to get back home – a service that his fellow workers have used. Adam has asked his captain about this flight, but so far it is proving hard to arrange. Adam’s next stop is Long Beach, California. His one consolation is that his company are still paying him as long as he is on the ship, however, he adds, “… for the truth, I don’t need money now, I need to go home.”

Speaking further of Stella Maris’s worldwide work with seafarers, Ian Stokes, Head of Corporate Engagement and Partnerships, told Vivienne of the help that Stella Maris has recently been providing to different groups of Kiribati seafarers – many of whom are now far from their native Pacific Island home, in places such as Santos in Brazil, in Fiji and Jakarta, and in European ports such as Copenhagen and Hamburg.

Adding his voice to the particularly grave plight of the estimated 200,000 stranded seafarers currently stuck in dire situations around the world, Ian highlighted the fact that “these guys should be on the ship for six to nine months, (but) some are now 15, 18, 21 months on ship… and that’s their workplace, that’s their home, that’s their exercise, and other things as well… what if they need the doctor? what if they need the dentist?”.

Above all, Ian noted that perhaps the worst thing for these workers is the continued uncertainty: “They don’t mind a bit of delay as long as they can say, “well perhaps I’ll be delayed two weeks and then I’ll be going home on Feb 22nd”, but no one can say that to them, I’m afraid. A lot of them are in limbo, that’s the thing that eats away at them.”

Vivienne ended the programme highlighting the fact that some 300 companies, unions and NGOs related to the global shipping industry, have recently signed the ‘Neptune Declaration’, aiming to put pressure on governments to help find a solution to help stranded mariners by designating them key-workers and prioritising them for vaccines. However, Stephen Cotton, general secretary of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), noted that not all companies and organisations have been forthcoming in offering their support to this initiative – confirming that some have opted instead, as Vivienne suggested, to “choose profits, over getting some of these stranded seafarers home”.

* not the seafarer’s real name

Programme broadcast: Monday 8th February, 2021

Stella Maris joins calls for seafarer “key worker” status

Posted on February 3, 2021 by Mark Banks -

A seafarer at Portsmouth Port talks to representatives from Stella Maris, 2019 (photo credit: Ana Dobeson / Portsmouth Diocese)

Martin Foley, Chief Executive of Stella Maris, has joined growing international calls to give seafarers designated “key worker” status during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking in an interview to Lydia O’Kane from Vatican News, Martin added his voice to the more than 300 NGOs, companies and trade unions that have in recent weeks signed the “Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Well-being and Crew Change”, which calls for seafarers to be recognised as “key workers” during the Covid-19 pandemic.

An estimated 400,000 seafarers are currently at sea or docked on board vessels in ports around the world, who do not know when they will be able to return home. Indeed, Martin told Lydia that on the same morning as the day of their interview, he had just been in contact with a seafarer from Samoa, who had been on board his vessel since May 2019 and was desperate to get home to see his family.

Regarding the vital role that seafarers continue to play during these challenging times, Martin also highlighted the fact that “the vaccinations that we’re all depending upon are brought to our shores on ships, by seafarers” adding that “it seems to me slightly unfair, that the very individuals who are transporting these vaccinations to our shores… are not themselves at the front of the queue for these vaccinations.”

Martin also spoke of the fact that our supermarket shelves have continued to be stocked throughout this pandemic, stating that this “is a testament to the hard work of seafarers and is another argument in favour of recognising seafarers as key workers.”

The interview with Vatican News came on the same day that the BBC reported on the plight of seafarers stuck at sea. The BBC article quoted Margi Van Gogh from the World Economic Forum (WEF), who labelled the situation as a “deepening humanitarian and economic crisis.” She also said that “Unified, prompt action from governments and other key stakeholders is needed to protect the lives and livelihoods of the 1.6 million seafaring men and women who serve us all across the seas, and who continue to face extreme risk to their safety and earnings.”

Both the Vatican News interview and the BBC article highlighted the heightened risk to the physical and mental health and well-being of seafarers, who have been kept on board their vessels in many cases for much longer than their original contracts.

In his interview, Martin told Lydia that “there is a reason why seafarers contracts are normally around six to twelve months; and that’s because a seafarer, during his or her contract, is working seven days a week – and that work exerts quite a psychological, as well as physical toll on seafarers. And the longer they are remaining on board after the expiry of their contracts, the greater the likelihood that they will succumb to either some kind of psychological trauma, or physical trauma, or that there will be an accident on board their vessel. So it’s really important for seafarers whose contracts have expired, that they are repatriated to their countries of origin as soon as is possible.”

The comments from the World Economic Forum and Stella Maris follow on from a statement made the previous week (19^th January) by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), who renewed their call to governments to put seafarers and frontline maritime shore workers at the head of the vaccine queue and to designate seafarers as key workers.

The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted a resolution (without a vote) on 1^st December 2020, urging Member States to designate the world’s two million seafarers and other maritime personnel as key workers in the context of the COVID‑19 pandemic.

Christmas outreach in Europe’s busiest ports

Posted on December 30, 2020 by Mark Banks -

Crew members with clergy and chaplains, onboard the “Silver Whisper” Cruise Liner, Marseille, December 2020

Stella Maris’s international network of priests, chaplains and volunteers have been busy bringing the Christmas message of hope and joy to hard-working seafarers hailing from all nations of the world. Here we report from three of Europe’s busiest shipping ports.

In eastern Europe, our Ukrainian chaplain, Rostik, recently went aboard the Sea Pearl vessel, docked at the Port of Odessa – the largest Ukrainian seaport and one of the largest ports in the Black Sea basin – to bring Christmas goodie bags, including Stella Maris calendars, to the international crews. These tired and hard-working men have been braving the high seas and low temperatures of the winter months, and were very happy to see Rostik, who was able to wish them a Merry Christmas and provide them with helpful resources for their stay in port, as well as for their months ahead back at sea.

Meanwhile, in Barcelona, chaplain Ricardo was able to deliver 15 bags of assorted ‘turrones’ (typical Spanish Christmas sweets) and chocolates to seafarers on a number of vessels docked at the Port of Barcelona – one of Europe’s biggest ports in the Mediterranean. As is the custom at Christmas, Ricardo and his team were also able to give small nativity cribs to each ship as well. Ricardo reported that all of the crews were very happy and grateful to have their visitor onboard and to receive their Christmas gifts.

Chaplains Ricardo and Rostik bring Christmas gifts to seafarers in Odessa, Ukraine, and Barcelona, Spain (December 2020)

Finally, in the south of France, at the Port of Marseille, Stella Maris chaplains Jean-Philippe and Marie-Agnès had the challenging task of organising masses to be said for the seafarers on-board the seven “Silversea” Cruise Liners. These vessels had been held in the port of Marseille for the past several months and the weary seafarers were keen to have Christmas masses celebrated on-board.

Originally, it was planned that seven masses would be said on-board the seven liners, on 24^th and 26^th December. Therefore Jean-Philippe, Marie-Agnès and their team rushed around trying to find enough priests who were able to celebrate the different masses.

A Filipino priest, Percival, was found. A diocesan priest, Christophe, was also available. As too was another parish priest. However, given the priests’ busy schedules, this was still not enough to celebrate all of the masses. Another priest, Father Thomas, who lived in the Philippines for two years, was also contacted, and he reacted with enthusiasm to the appeal for help. However, this was still not enough. Finally, Jean-Philippe and Marie-Agnès forwarded their search for priests to their Archbishop and the Vicar General… both of whom spontaneously offered to come and participate themselves!! All was looking good.

At the same time, Jean-Philippe and Marie-Agnès procured 1,000 medals from Notre Dame de la Garde; they made Christmas cards; had the Mass liturgies printed in English; and printed out carol sheets also. They had to organise the distribution of the chasubles of the Apostolatus Maris, and to arrange for the Child Jesus to be placed on the altars. A seminarian, Louis, also asked Catechism children from two schools in the northern districts of Marseille to make cards that would be distributed to the seafarers. These Christmas cards made by the children were a real success; especially because the seafarers were so far from their own families. The team from Stella Maris met with a lot of emotion, even tears, from the seafarers, who were grateful for this time of celebration during these difficult times.

Priests celebrate mass for the crew on-board six of the “Silversea” Cruise Liners docked in the Port of Marseille (December 2020)

Eventually, six masses were celebrated, including one by the Archbishop on Christmas Day. However, of the seven ships, one vessel, the “Silver Moon”, found itself in a special situation whereby, due to the Covid situation, access to the ship was completely forbidden. At the last minute it appeared that the 170 crew members on-board were going to be deprived of Christmas celebrations! It was unimaginable and inconceivable.

Jean-Philippe and Marie-Agnès arranged for the Archbishop to bless during his mass the medals intended for the seafarers on-board the Silver Moon, and these were given to them. However, another solution had to be found. Thankfully, the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde was equipped with all the necessary equipment to livestream mass – as it had recently been doing so every morning. Thanks to the rector of the Basilica and the diocese’s IT service, Father Percival, accompanied by members of the Philippine community of Marseille, was able to celebrate a mass on 26^th December at 10am – and this was broadcast via YouTube to the 170 crew members on-board the Silver Moon.

This communion between the Filipino community in the Basilica, singing in Tagalog to Our Lady of the Guard, and the isolated seafarers on-board their ships, had an incredible spiritual atmosphere. The baby Jesus from the cot who could not reach the “Silver Moon” had led Jean-Philippe and Marie-Agnès and their team to Notre Dame de la Garde, who in turn sent her son on board the ships.

Jean-Philippe and Marie-Agnès were over-joyed that despite all of the restrictions, challenges and obstacles that they faced at the Port of Marseille, all of the seafarers were able to participate in joyfully celebrating the birth of Jesus at Christmas – for “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5).

Stella Maris expands its chaplaincy service in Europe

Posted on January 20, 2021 by Mark Banks -

Deacon David Noval, National Director of Stella Maris Denmark

Stella Maris has expanded its ministry to seafarers and fishers in Europe with the start of chaplaincy services in Denmark from January.

Deacon David Noval has been appointed as National Director of Stella Maris’ Danish mission.

The launch comes at a time when the pastoral and welfare needs of seafarers are paramount amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in increasing isolation and time spent away from families, says Martin Foley, Stella Maris European Regional Coordinator.

“Now more than ever we need to be present and visible to seafarers and fishers, and while faced with restrictions due to the health crisis, our work supporting seafarers and fishers continue through ship gangway ministry and the use of digital media to support their faith and pastoral needs. This ability to provide a personal, human touch and take the Church to them remains fundamental to Stella Maris.” he said.

Throughout the pandemic, Pope Francis has on several occasions expressed the Church’s concern for seafarers and fishers. In December, the Holy Father voiced his concern for stranded seafarers affected by the crew change crisis brought about by Covid-19 restrictions and urged governments to do all they can to repatriate them.

In June, he sent a video message of encouragement to seafarers, acknowledging the difficulties they face as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Pontifex also dedicated his prayer intention for the month of August to people of the sea, asking the faithful to pray for seafarers, fishers, and their families.

David says ship and port visiting have already begun in Copenhagen, and the plan this year is to establish teams of ship visitors covering other ports in the country.

“Within the next five years we want to have chaplains based in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Danish archipelago, including Greenland and the Faroe Islands,” he said.

Denmark is the fifth largest maritime nation, with a merchant fleet of 65 million gross tonnes. The country has more than 400 islands and a total coastline of over 7,000 kilometres. Up to 75 percent of all imports to Denmark arrives by sea.

David was ordained a Deacon last August, having completed his formation in Oscott College in Birmingham, United Kingdom. He is a trained ambulance technician and firefighter. In recent years he worked as operation manager in a non-profit housing association and has worked in management and organisational development for 20 years, primarily in organisations with volunteers.

“I am very happy and grateful to have been given this assignment by Stella Maris,” says David. It’s an amazing mission that I look at with awe. The last time there was activity under Stella Maris in Denmark was in the 1960s and it was led by the priest who baptised me in 1970,” he said.

In Europe, Stella Maris has chaplaincy teams serving over 150 ports in 13 countries. Globally, the charity works in 326 ports in 56 countries and has over 1,000 chaplains and volunteers worldwide.

David can be contacted by e-mail: [email protected] and phone: +45 5032 3056.

* David has also been featured in publications in Denmark, such as Katolsk Orientering and Folketindende. You can read the English translation of the Katolsk Orientering article by clicking the pdf link below.

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