Author: Sarah Eustace

Small gestures which have an enormous impact on the lives of seafarers who spend weeks and months at sea. This is what Apostleship of the Sea's (AoS) work with seafarers is about. 
             Our Southampton Port Chaplain Peter Morgan went on board the Florida Highway one July morning and while chatting to the messman, discovered that it was his birthday.
             The seafarer was 32 that very day, but Peter noticed that the room was bare and bereft of any decorations.
             So Peter drove back into town and bought balloons and a cake to celebrate the messman's birthday. 
             "You can't have a birthday without cake and balloons," said Peter. Needless to say the messman was delighted and thanked Peter for helping make his birthday a wee bit more special.
             A couple of weeks before this, Peter took a crucifix on board the Caroline A. The ship's 3rd officer had asked for the crucifix so he could place it on the ship's bridge.
             All were small gestures, but taken together they make a huge difference to seafarers.  

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Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) has produced a booklet about St Peter Claver (1581-1654), patron Saint of seafarers, and a major inspiration to the charity.
             The booklet is being sent to all AoS supporters in time for St Peter’s feast day on 9th September. (The booklet can be downloaded here)
             Peter was a Spanish Jesuit priest. At the age of 30, he sailed to Cartagena in Colombia, where he worked for 44 years caring for the thousands of slaves who made the horrific sea journey from West Africa.
             Every day, after spending time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, he would go with a small group of helpers to meet each slave ship as it arrived and tend to the slaves calming them and bringing them medicine, food and clothing; dressing their sores; and doing everything he could to alleviate their immense sufferings.
             But most of all, Peter brought them to God, teaching them the truths of the faith and explaining that God loved them more than man abused them. 
             Peter’s legacy lives on in the work of Apostleship of the Sea’s Port Chaplains, ship visitors and volunteers as they reach out to those in need of friendship and material support in the name of the Catholic Church – and above all offering the gift of the Sacraments and the Gospel.
             His spirit of selfless service also manifests itself in those generous individuals and communities that give of their time, prayer and money to support the Apostleship of the Sea. 

             In September 2017, Pope Francis visited Cartagena in Colombia and prayed at the tomb of St Peter.
             Pope Francis said the legacy of the Spanish priest should serve as a model for the Catholic Church today to "promote the dignity of all our brothers and sisters, particularly the poor and the excluded of society, those who are abandoned, immigrants and those who suffer violence and human trafficking." 
             AoS has established the League of St Peter, giving honorary membership to those who support Apostleship of the Sea with a gift in their Will.
             After providing for their loved ones, supporters are encouraged to consider leaving a proportion of what is left to AoS.
             Any gift, large or small, helps support seafarers and their families, thus continuing the remarkable legacy of St Peter Claver. 
             To get a hardcopy of the booklet please contact AoS Legacy Officer Alastair Emblem by email [email protected] or telephone 0207 901 1931
             For more information about leaving a gift in your Will to AoS follow this link, or contact AoS on 0207 901 1931.

To download the booklet click here.

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Crew members from two cruise ships – P&O Ventura and Cunard Queen Victoria – had the unique opportunity to celebrate Mass in the Vatican on the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, September 8th. 
              Both ships were docked in Civitavecchia at the time, so Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) in the Vatican and AoS in Great Britain arranged for the 200-strong crew to celebrate Mass and to visit St Peter's Basilica. 
              The crew were led in morning prayer en route to Rome, and upon arrival, entered St Peter's Basilica where they enjoyed a free guided tour arranged by H.E. Cardinal Angelo Comastri courtesy of the Vatican. 
              After the tour, the crew celebrated Mass in St Joseph's Chapel inside the Basilica. Father Bruno Ciceri, International Director for AoS in the Vatican, presided at the Mass and was assisted by Reverend Roger Stone BEM, Senior Regional Port Chaplain (Wales & West Country) of AoS Great Britain. 
             
              Several members of the ships' crew provided the music, read the readings of the day and offered prayers in several different languages, in their mother tongues. 
              In his homily Fr Bruno urged the crew to be witnesses to their faith; in their lives at home and on board the ships to both colleagues and guests.
              He invited everyone to keep Mary, Star of the Sea, as the guiding light for their lives. After Mass, the crew enjoyed some time exploring the Basilica and St Peter's Piazza before returning to the ship. 
              On behalf of the ships' crew, Elvis Dias gave a vote of thanks to H.E. Cardinal Angelo Comastri and AoS for arranging the day which, he said, would "remain in our hearts for the rest of our lives". 
              The Mass and visit was part of AoS' work supporting the spiritual needs of cruise ship crew members through its unique Cruise Chaplaincy ministry. For more information about AoS' dedicated cruise chaplaincy visit www.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk/cruise-chaplaincy

Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) ship visitor Pam Millar was commissioned at a Mass held in St Mary’s Cathedral, Aberdeen on September 11. 
                  Mass was celebrated by Bishop Stephen Robson, AoS Bishop Promoter for Scotland, who was assisted by priests from the Cathedral. 
                  AoS Aberdeen Port Chaplain Deacon Doug Duncan and AoS Senior Regional Port Chaplain for Scotland Deacon Joe O’Donnell also assisted in the celebration. 
                  The Mass, held to commemorate the feast of Stella Maris, Our Lady Star of the Sea, was attended by AoS West Coast Scotland Port Chaplain Deacon Tom Wynn, AoS Scotland Development Officer Euan McArthur, ship visitors, volunteers, supporters, head office staff and local parishioners. 

                  In his homily, Bishop Robson spoke of how often the sea features in the Gospels and how boats and ships are often used as a metaphor for the Church – a place where we find Jesus, a place of safety. 
                  He spoke about the life of St Peter Claver, patron saint for seafarers, drawing a parallel between his work and the ministry of AoS’ port chaplains and ship visitors, who care for seafarers and bring Christ to them. 
                  Bishop Robson said through prayer, AoS chaplains and ship visitors are able to bring seafarers comfort in their religion, as well as provide them with practical support.

* More photos can be seen and downloaded here https://www.flickr.com/photos/apostleshipofthesea/albums/72157701283035875

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Two port chaplains and seven ship visitors from Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) in Nottingham Diocese were commissioned by Fr Andrew Cole during Mass at St Mary on the Sea Grimsby on September 5th.
                  The Mass was the first in a series of 15 to be held across Great Britain in September and October to commemorate the feast of Stella Maris, Our Lady Star of the Sea.
                  Those commissioned were AoS Immingham and Grimsby Port Chaplains Steven Willows and Bryony Watson, and ship visitors Tony Collins, Aileen Heald, Deacon Richard Jones, Joanna Perry, Savino Romagnuolo, Anne Marie Smith and Theresa Watson. 
                  Nearly 100 people, comprising ship visitors, parish contacts, supporters and parishioners of Grimsby, Immingham and Cleethorpes joined in the Mass to pray for the ministry of AoS and for seafarers.

                  Mass was concelebrated by Fr Andrew and AoS Immingham Port Chaplain Fr Colum Kelly. Delivering the homily, Fr Colum spoke of how AoS had become an integral part of St Mary’s Church and parish life, and not just a side issue. 
                  He said, “You became a part of the AoS story and over the years that story has been enriched by the fact you became a part of it. You joined in our work, became ship visitors, brought in clothes for seafarers, packed shoeboxes at Christmas time for them.”
                  He added, “You prayed for AoS, engaged with our ministry and responded to it. The story isn’t just a series of words but is now a part of you, and it has become richer because of the wonderful work done in this parish.”

* More photos are available here https://www.flickr.com/photos/apostleshipofthesea/sets/72157673762615928/

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Three ship visitors from Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) who support seafarers arriving at ports in Arundel & Brighton were commissioned at a Mass held in Arundel Cathedral on September 12. 
                  Patrick Byrne, Michael Cranfield and Allan Veness were commissioned by Monsignor Richard B Madders who celebrated the Mass which was held to commemorate the feast of Stella Maris, Our Lady Star of the Sea. Patrick, Michael and Allan go on board ships to welcome seafarers, offering spiritual and practical support as well as a listening ear to ships’ crews. 
                  The inaugural Mass held in the Diocese was attended by AoS Portsmouth Port Chaplain Peter Morgan, AoS supporters, volunteers, parish contacts, head office staff and local parishioners. 

                  AoS continues to boost its ship visiting ministry in the Diocese as it prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2020.
                  AoS provided support to 80 seafarers arriving at Shoreham Port during the first six months of this year.
                  For the whole of last year, the charity reached out to 300 seafarers from 14 ships in Shoreham. 
                  AoS is the Catholic Church’s maritime agency and through its network of port chaplains and ship visitors reach out to seafarers and those who work at sea by bringing the Church to their place of work.

* More photos are available on our Flick site at https://www.flickr.com/photos/apostleshipofthesea/albums/72157700110021551

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Words and photos by Józef Łopuszyński 
                   St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham, was the venue for the fourth in a series of special Stella Maris (Star of the Sea) Masses taking place around Britain’s “port” cathedrals and churches to thank God for the work of the Apostleship of the Sea and to pray for the welfare of seafarers.
                  The Apostleship of the Sea is the fully recognised worldwide Catholic organisation for which a collection is made throughout Britain each year to support the work done by them in supporting seafarers when in port, arranging Masses for them where possible, and giving general pastoral care.
                  Many of the mariners spend many months at sea, away from their homes, and without having the opportunity of attending Mass, etc., and so the help given by the AoS is of very important.

Photo Copyright Józef Łopuszyński
                 
                  At the invitation of His Grace Archbishop Bernard Longley, this is the first time that the Birmingham Cathedral the Mass of “Our Blessed Virgin Mary Stella Maris” for the AoS. 
                  Birmingham may not be a port, but the AoS has many supporters living within the Archdiocese. 
                  Apostleship of the Sea National Director Martin Foley said, “We were delighted to celebrate our first Stella Maris Mass in the Archdiocese of Birmingham and would like to thank Archbishop Bernard and the Cathedral Dean, Canon Gerry Breen, for their hospitality.”
                  “The Archdiocese of Birmingham has always been a very generous supporter of the work of AoS so it was wonderful to have the opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to our supporters and those priests who have served as Apostleship of the Sea cruise chaplains in the diocese.”

* Photos can be viewed at https://www.flickr.com/photos/apostleshipofthesea/sets/72157701704109824 

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Bishop Philip Egan of Portsmouth Diocese celebrated the Stella Maris Mass for the Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) in honour of our patron Our Lady Star of the Sea.
                   In his homily he explained the nautical themes contained within his Episcopal Coat of Arms. 
                   Bishop Philip said, "Please keep the Apostleship of the Sea and all seafarers in your prayers, through the intercession of Our Lady, Star of the Sea."
                   The Mass was attended by AoS Port Chaplains for South Coast Ports, Fr John Lavers and Peter Morgan, AoS ship visitors and parish contacts (including AoS Jersey), vounteers, supporters, head office staff and local parishioners.
                   Also present were students from St George's Catholic College in Southampton.
                   Mass was followed by a reception in the hall.
 
* Photos from the Mass can be found here https://www.flickr.com/photos/apostleshipofthesea/sets/72157671853386877

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Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) held a Mass to commemorate the Feast of Stella Maris, Our Lady Star of the Sea in St Bede’s Church South Shields on September 19. 
                  The main celebrant was Bishop Seamus Cunningham.
                  Mass was well-attended by AoS Senior Regional Port Chaplain (Northeast England and Humber) Anne McLaren, AoS Tyne Port Chaplain Paul Atkinson, AoS ship visitors, supporters, head office staff and local parishioners. 
                  AoS North Tees ship visitor Mary Ward was commissioned during Mass.
                  As a ship visitor Mary goes on board ships to provide a warm welcome, a listening ear and practical support to seafarers arriving at ports in the Diocese. 
                  Bishop Seamus reminded all present about the vital ministry AoS provides seafarers, of reaching out to those on the margins.

* More photos are on our Flickr site https://www.flickr.com/photos/apostleshipofthesea/sets/72157700110749251/  

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AoS (former) Chair of Trustees Simon O’Toole, Vice-Chair Capt Esteban Pacha and National Director Martin Foley represented AoS at the recent 2018 World Maritime Day ceremony hosted by the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization Mr Kitack Lim and his wife.
              They also had the opportunity to meet the day before to express support for the Human Element policy being promoted by IMO which includes occupational health, welfare and wellbeing of seafarers on board ships.
              This is very much in line with AoS' values and ministry.

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