Author: Sarah Eustace

Award for AoS International Director

Posted on January 25, 2018 by Sarah Eustace -

On January 24, 2018 in Taipei, Taiwan H.E. Dr. David Tawei Lee, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), awarded the Friend of Foreign Service Medal to Fr. Bruno Ciceri, who is International Director of the Apostleship of the Sea, part of the Vatican’s of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
The Medal was awarded to Fr. Ciceri in recognition for his outstanding contributions to strengthening the diplomatic relations between The Holy See and R.O.C. Taiwan, the Minister said.
Fr. Ciceri is a Scalabrinian Missionary who previously worked in the Philippines (1985-1996) and was the Port Chaplain and the Director of the Stella Maris centre in Kaohsiung, Taiwan from 1996 to 2008, before being called to work in the Vatican.

Last October, Fr. Ciceri organised the XXIV Apostleship of the Sea World Congress in Kaohsiung, with 250 delegates from 50 countries tackling the issue of human trafficking and forced labour in the maritime industry.
Fr. Ciceri said, “The news of this medal was a surprise and totally unexpected”. At the same time he said he; “felt privileged and honoured to be nominated by the government of Taiwan for this award”.

In accepting the Medal at a ceremony Fr. Ciceri said, “I’m accepting this medal on behalf of the hundreds of AoS chaplains and volunteers that every day in ports around the world, build bridges and destroy prejudices by welcoming seafarers and fishermen of different nationalities and religions without any discrimination, creating within the maritime industry a new order based on the principle of love, charity and solidarity”.

Vancouver: Celebration turns to tragedy

Posted on February 5, 2018 by Sarah Eustace -

AoS Vancouver chaplain Deacon Dileep Athaide (photo) told us of his shock after a ship he had visited in late January suffered a serious fire that left it disabled.
The incident occurred just two days after his visit where he met the crew and blessed the ship's captain and his wife who were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary.
Several of the crew he had met were injured and two had serious burns and were airlifted to hospital.
Deacon Dileep had met the crew of the container ship two days before it suffered a fire in the engine room on February 1 off the coast of British Columbia, Canada, while the ship was en route from Vancouver to Tokyo, Japan.
The ship is now understood to be disabled and awaiting tugs to tow it to port.

According to media reports five crew were injured, with two of them airlifted by helicopter with serious burns to hospital.
“This was a ship visit I won’t forget. On Monday 29th January I routinely boarded the container-ship at Deltaport, and was surprised to be told by the Captain and his wife who was sailing with him that it was their 40th wedding anniversary. I gave them a special blessing to mark the happy occasion.”
He added that “This incident highlights that, despite all the modern technology on ships, being a seafarer can be a very dangerous job. I am now especially praying for the full recovery of the injured crew members.”
Dileep himself makes more than 300 ship visits per year in the port of Vancouver, assisting seafarers with practical information, support and a listening ear.
In 2017 seafarers’ charity Apostleship of the Sea visited more than 70,000 ships in over 300 ports around the world.

*Visit AoS Canada website here.
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Ash Wednesday on board

Posted on February 20, 2018 by Sarah Eustace -

On Ash Wednesday, our South Coast port chaplain Rev Roger Stone BEM went on board M/T Atlantic Mate in Fawley, marking the start of Lent for the Filipino officers and crew who could not go ashore.
Imposition of Ashes and an explanation of the meaning of Lent were particularly welcomed by the faithful Catholic seafarers.
The next day he went on board Grande Anversa at Southampton to do the same.
"Remember man that you are dust and to dust you shall return".
"Between the imposition of Ashes today and the day we die, let us try and repent and believe the gospel. By believing let us joyfully love one another as Jesus loves us," says Roger.

Meanwhile at the Seafarers Centre in Tilbury, our port chaplain Wojciech Holub held a prayer service and distributed ash to seafarers and colleagues in the chapel at the Seafarers' Centre on Ash Wednesday. Wojciech sent us this reflection; "Not even a full year has gone and all the hosanna we sung waving palms have turned into dust! One day we ourselves will be like this dust too. In all this – not in the dust – but in the risen Christ, we will rise to such a life that we will be beyond this earthly struggle, pain and worries."

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Fr Colum meets Pope Francis

Posted on February 20, 2018 by Sarah Eustace -

Our Immingham port chaplain Fr Colum Kelly was honoured to meet the Holy Father during the Santa Marta conference on human trafficking and modern day slavery in Rome last week.
You can read about the meeting here http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-02/pope-santa-marta-group-human-trafficking.html
The story was also covered in The Grimsby Telegraph and Ulster Herald. Here are the links so you can read the articles.
https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/local-news/imminghams-port-chaplain-meets-pope-1214060
http://ulsterherald.com/2018/02/18/omagh-priest-receives-audience-pope-francis/

Photo: Copyright Vatican Media

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World Fisheries Day Message

Posted on November 20, 2020 by Sarah Eustace -

World Fisheries Day is celebrated annually to highlight the importance of this marine based labour sector, which provides a source of employment to an estimated 59.5 million people. Strikingly one out of two workers is a woman. Asia has the highest number of workers, in this sector, and contributes some 85 percent of the world total labor force; and with 3.1 million vessels, it accounts for 68 per cent of the global total fishing fleet.

This year’s celebration falls at an exceptional time, when the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have spread swiftly around the world, with dramatic consequences for the economies of many countries and a severe impact upon more vulnerable sectors such as fisheries.

Below you can read the full World Fisheries Day message from Cardinal Peter K.A. Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

Challenges in the fishing industry

Beside the effects of the pandemic on the fishing industry, there are chronic problems which bedevil the industry and before which the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pale out.
These chronic problems, which constitute “fisheries crime”, are the problems of Overfishing and Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing which continue around the world under different flags and by groups who dispose of powerful fleets and are better resourced. These disregard international and national laws and regulations. This state of affairs victimizes authentic fishers and fishing communities with unfair competition and depletes fish-stocks at a rate that the does not allow the fishes to recover. It is a practice that is not sustainable and that leads to decreased fish population and to reduced future production. The damage done by IUU and Overfishing extends beyond the coastal population, because billions of people rely on fish for protein, and fishing is the principal livelihood for millions of people around the world.

Fishing industry and COVID-19

COVID-19’s impact on the industry is essentially in the area of governments’ strategic responses to the pandemic, such as, social distancing, and the closure of fishing markets, reduced patronage of hotels and restaurants. This has created challenges for the sale of fresh fish and related products, principally in the collapse in the demand for fishing products and the lowering of prices offered for the catch. So, in the current situation, fishing, fish-processing, consumption and trade have steadily decreased.

Fisher’s conditions and Covid-19

Working conditions and the safety of the fishers at sea have been affected by the closure of fishing ports due to the pandemic and the impossibility of making crew changes. Additionally, the lack of Personal Protective Equipment has increased the risk of transmitting the virus because fishers work in restricted and enclosed spaces.
As a direct consequence, several crew members have been infected in a number of fishing vessels, and unable to receive immediate medical assistance, they perished and were quickly buried at sea by their worried companions. Often the families know nothing about the fate of their loved one.

Other migrant fishers are deprived of the opportunity to work. Without any income to support their families and to repay their debts, they run the risk of becoming victims of human trafficking or forced labour. They may also be stranded in foreign countries and be forced to live in refugees/migrants camps, cramped together with poor sanitation.
Furthermore, the vast majority of fishers around the world have been, for different reasons, excluded from the basic “social protection” provided by some national governments and have been forced to rely upon the generosity of charitable organizations or the assistance of the local community for survival.

The problems of forced labour and human trafficking have always bedeviled the fisheries sector and remain particularly serious. These are aggravated by extreme poverty conditions in certain countries, which are induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, and which spark waves of distressed people who have lost jobs as fishers and who come from rural areas. Such displaced populations are prone to being cheated and compelled by brokers and recruitment agencies to work on board vessels under the threat of force or by means of debt bondage.

The word of the Church

In this time of pandemic, I would like to appeal for a greater solidarity with the most marginalized people, as it is explained in Fratelli Tutti by Pope Francis: “Solidarity finds concrete expression in service, which can take a variety of forms in an effort to care for others. And service in great part means “caring for vulnerability, for the vulnerable members of our families, our society, our people”(#115).
The path to full protection of human and labour rights of all categories of fishers remains a long and winding road. Yet again, we raise our voice to call for a renewed effort from international organizations and governments, to strengthen their commitment to implement legislations to improve the living and working conditions of fishers and their families and to toughen their fight against forced labour and human trafficking.

The time for talking is over. It is time to act! “When the dignity of the human person is respected, and his or her rights recognized and guaranteed, creativity and interdependence thrive, and the creativity of the human personality is released through actions that further the common good” (Pope Francis, Address to the Civil Authorities, Tirana, Albania (21 September 2014).

Finally, on this World Fisheries Day, my thoughts are with all the fishers around the world who are experiencing hardships and difficulties. In particular, I would like to mention the eighteen fishers of different nationalities from Mazara del Vallo – Sicilia, who have been held incommunicado in Libya since September 2. Their families continue to wait anxiously for information about their where about and the opportunity to talk with their loved ones. Most of all they long to be reunited with them.

For this simple, humanitarian reason, I appeal to the appropriate national governments and authorities to resolve this acute situation, and find a positive solution through open and sincere dialogue.

Centenary Message from Cardinal Turkson

Posted on October 4, 2020 by Sarah Eustace -

This video message from Cardinal Peter Turkson Cardinal Peter Turkson, Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, to mark the start of our Centenary Year on October 4th, is read by Fr Bruno Ciceri, International Director, Stella Maris. You can view the video by clicking here

You can read the full text below:

Dear Bishops Promoters, Regional Coordinators, National Directors, Chaplains and Volunteers,

Since March 2020 when the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is no longer the same.
As it was previously announced, I would have liked very much to welcome you personally in Glasgow, Scotland on this October 4th for the XXV World Congress and the Centennial Celebration of Stella Maris. Instead, we are all “confined” in our countries, with limited freedom of movement not knowing if and when we shall have a definitive solution to this crisis.

In spite of the limitations imposed on us by the pandemic of COVID-19, we still would like to celebrate the humble beginning of Stella Maris. I would like to invite everyone to remember and highlight this day in the country with different activities. For suggestions, you can revisit my letter with the announcement of the XXV World Congress of the Stella Maris/Apostleship of the Sea and the Centenary Celebration dated 14th July 2019.

Our origins
One hundred years ago, few lay people gathered at Catholic Institute, in Cochrane Street, Glasgow – Scotland with the intention to reorganize the Sailor’s Branch of the Apostleship of Prayer into the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) .

These people felt they were “Apostles” entrusted with a mission from the Church “to reveal Christ to those who go down the sea in ships, and do business in great waters, with the object of bringing them to a deeper knowledge of Christ and his Church”.

On the April 17, 1922 through a letter signed by Cardinal Gasparri, Secretary of State they received “the approval and encouragement” of Pope Pius XI, wishing that, “with the certain knowledge that so noble an enterprise, ably seconded by the zeal of priestly souls both secular and regular, will spread more and more along the shores of both hemispheres …”.

Our reality today
Hundred years later, we can say without doubt that the desire of Pope Pius XI, supported and sustained by the all-succeeding Pontiffs, is a wonderful reality, with hundreds of chaplains and many more volunteers present in around 300 ports, carrying out at least 70,000 ship visits a year and reaching out to more than a million seafarers .

In this centenary year, while we look back at our history we would like to give thanks for the countless “Apostles” of all nationalities who with dedication and commitment in different ports of the world, since the beginning of this ministry, have spent their lives at the service of the people of the sea and now have reached the safe harbor of heaven.

We should continue our services rooted in their tradition, inspired by their examples and guided by the Church that “… wish today to renew the ecclesial mandate that places you, in communion with your local Churches, in the front line in the evangelization of so many men and women from different nations who pass through your ports. Be apostles faithful to the mission of pro claiming the Gospel, show the loving face of the Church which also welcomes and makes herself close to this portion of the People of God; respond without hesitation to maritime people who wait for you on board to appease the deep longing of their soul and make them feel active members of the community.

The challenges ahead
Throughout the years, the maritime industry has changed enormously with the building of new larger and computerized ships, manned by smaller multinational, multicultural and multireligious crew, docking in ports far away from cities. These circumstances together with piracy, criminalization, abandonment and lastly the COVID-19 have increased the stress, the fatigue and the isolation of the crew. Looking at the present we recognized how also our ministry has evolved adopting new technology to respond to the material and spiritual needs of the seafarers , fishers and their families.

However, today more than before in charting the future of our Apostolate we are called to be open to the Spirit of renewal and find new ways and means to be the Church sailing with the people of the sea.

The new logo
After one hundred years, the familiar logo of the Stella Maris has been redesigned to respond to the signs of the time. The new Stella Maris logo has been designed by affirming our Catholic roots and maintaining the distinctive symbolism of the past. The logo is not only a nice sticker but it represents our unity and common identity, it should be our guide and source of our inspiration for our commitment at the service of the maritime world:

The anchor is the symbol of Hope . We are called to be bring Hope, in a world of despair of isolation.
The lifesaver is the symbol of Faith. We have to announce the Christian Faith, to nourish and strengthen the trust in the Lord, of many Catholic crew members .
The Sacred Heart of Jesus is the symbol of Chari ty. We should show Charity to welcome everyone without prejudice for their nationality, race, gender, religious or cultural background, always respecting the person’s culture and religion .
The rays of light is the symbol of the Light of Christ. We must shine the light of Christ to denounce a world of injustices, abuses and the exploitation.
And a new element: the waves of the sea, highlighting the new conscience of caring for the sea, as the environment in which the people of the sea live and work.

The involvement of the local church

Though our service is a global one and is constituted by a worldwide network of Centers, the practical implementation of maritime pastoral ministry in any region, nation, diocese or port, is the responsibility of the local Church. On the occasion of the centennial celebration, we would like to invite every Bishop’s Conference to appoint a Bishop Promoter responsible to foster the care for the people of the sea in the country, while we call on the bishops of a maritime dioceses to appoint chaplains and consider the seafaring ministry an integral part of the pastoral responsibilities of the diocese and the parishes located near the ports to “see that people of the sea are provided abundantly with whatever is required to lead holy life” .

The ships visit and personal contact with the people of the sea

One of the distinctive characteristic of the work done by the pioneers of the Stella Maris, was ships visit carried out with dedication and enthusiasm, first along the banks of the River Clyde and after according to the development of the apostolate all over the world. Since then the structures and designs of the ports have changed but not the needs of the seafarers and fishers, who every time they dock are yearning to contact their families, to seek advice for a contractual problems or simply they would like to talk. Because of the many restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, our practical way of ministering has changed dramatically, but what should not change is the substance of our service that is a “ministry of presence” . Let us make use of all the instruments that the technology offers us to be present in the lives of the people of the sea offering friendship, support, encouragement and continuous prayers.

Prayers

At the International Conference held in Rome in 1958, Mr. A. Gannon, the General Secretary of AOS, observed: “I would like to add here that without the prayers, offerings and the individual assistance of many thousands of members (especially religious in a great number of convents) the wonderful development of AOS in such a short time would not have been possible”. Prayers were an essential part of the development of our apostolate. Looking at the future, if we would like to continue grow, as a maritime welfare organization, is vital to rediscover the significance of prayers and the creation of support groups to strengthen the commitment and dedication of our chaplains and volunteers.

A renewed appeal

The travel restrictions, borders closure and quarantine measures imposed by many governments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has triggered a humanitarian emergency crisis at sea. It is estimated that more than 300,000 seafarers and marine personnel are currently stranded at sea, their contracts extended far more than the 11- months limit set out in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), away from their loved ones, under mental stress and physical fatigue.

Unfortunately, the appeals from international organizations, industry, unions and faith based GO’s to considered the seafarers “key workers” and as such to create “special channels” to facilitate the crew change until now remained unheard.

Once again, as Stella Maris has done since its origins, we would like to express our solidarity to the people of the sea and raise our voice to request the governments together with international, national organizations and port authorities to cooperate to solve this dramatic situation by implementing the IMO-approved Protocols to allow for safe and secure crew changes.

We would like to see the seafarers stranded at sea back in their countries and reunited with their love ones!

Centenary prayer to Mary Star of the Sea

Let us entrust our work to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Stella Maris with the special prayer composed for the Centenary . Personally or with the people of the sea let us pray that in the maritime world, our Apostolate will continue to be a beacon of hope and a secure port for seafarers, fishers and their families, for many years more.

O Mary, Star of the Sea, as we celebrate with prayer and devotion the Centenary of this apostolate of silent service with the greatest of compassion and love, we humbly ask you, 0 holy Mother of God, to guide always and everywhere all people of the sea and those who care and minister to them.

O Virgin most powerful, as we sail upon the stormy seas of life, we pray, come to our aide, help us to remain steadfast, and be for all seafarers and fishers across the waters of this earth, and their families, the Ark of the covenant gently navigating the Ship of Faith, the Church, to a port of safe haven in Jesus Christ.

O Mary of the morning star, continue to be the consolation and sure hope to enlighten our hearts and minds so that we may never lose or stumble in our Faith in keeping a firm and fixed compass bearing on your Son, Our Lord, who is, who was and will ever be our true and only salvation for all eternity without end. Amen.

Our Lady Star of the Sea, Pray for us.

Pope’s August prayer intention: people of the sea

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Sarah Eustace -

During the month of August, Pope Francis has asked us to pray for seafarers, fishers, people of the sea and their families.

In a video message on the Pope Video website (part of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network), the Holy Father talks specifically about “all those who work and live from the sea” and asks that we pray for them and their families.

Pope Francis says, “The life of sailors or fishermen and their families is very difficult. Sometimes they are victims of forced labour or are left behind in distant ports. The competition of industrial fishing and the problem of pollution make their work even more complicated. Without the people of the sea, many parts of the world would starve. Let us pray for all those who work and live from the sea, among them sailors, fishermen and their families.”

Our society depends, probably more than many of us imagine, on the hard work of maritime workers and their families who have to face not only the dangers of nature —storms, hurricanes, etc.— but also human threats, such as piracy.

The Pope’s prayer video was made in collaboration with Stella Maris, which celebrates its centenary in October. Fr. Bruno Ciceri, Stella Maris International Director says, “Since the declaration of the pandemic by the World Health Organization, it’s evident that the life of sailors, fishermen, and their families has been affected significantly. As the situation continues evolving, our chaplains and volunteers are striving to work to support the needs of the people of the sea, and to ensure that they are not mistreated for their service to others while the pandemic lasts.”

Download the press release about the Pope’s video for August

Stella Maris welcomes crew change at Felixstowe Port

Posted on July 23, 2020 by Sarah Eustace -

Seven seafarers from a container ship are bound for home after spending almost 14 months working at sea.

During a visit to Felixstowe port last Friday 24 July, our East Anglia chaplain Julian Wong learnt that seven crew members from the container ship APL Norway would be going home after working at sea and being away from their families in the Philippines for nearly 14 months.

This was great news for the seafarers and Julian was delighted for them and that the crew change was able to take place.

To celebrate the occasion, Julian bought chocolate and freshly made doughnuts, filling up seven bags with the goodies, copies of Stella Maris magazines and packs of prayer cards for the seafarers.

Their transport arrived later that evening to take them to the airport. Julian said a quick prayer for their safe journey home. The crew are are scheduled to board their flight home tomorrow 30 July. Upon arrival in Metro Manila, they will have to go into quarantine for 14 days.

Julian provided them his contact details so they could continue to keep in touch with him. He says, “I feel very blessed as a Stella Maris Regional Port Chaplain to be able to share this joyful moment after the last few months of lockdown. I am able to maintain contact with many seafarers, thanks to modern technology and social media. I hope the crew change situation will continue to improve to enable seafarers to fly home from any country where they sign off. May God bless all seafarers and their families.”

Julian continues, “Seafarers are hero key workers in this coronavirus pandemic. They are invisible to the general public. Without them and the shipping industry, our supermarkets would have been empty long ago. So, many thanks to them and all who work in the shipping industry. Huge thanks also to the port workers in big container ports like Felixstowe Port that operates 24/7. Without all these people and in particular seafarers we would not be able to get all the supplies that we need every day during the lockdown and all through the year.”

Separately on 4 July, Julian was informed that five Filipino seafarers from the Maersk Serangoon were able to return home following a crew change at Felixstowe Port.

Huge thanks to Felixstowe Port and the UK Government for enabling crew change to take place.

Aberdeen chaplain supports hospitalised fisherman

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Sarah Eustace -

A Filipino fisherman hospitalised in Aberdeen since the start of lockdown after a suspected stroke has thanked Stella Maris for providing virtual support while in hospital.

Twenty-three-year-old Jericho who was working on a vessel in the North of Scotland had to be airlifted to the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for emergency treatment after taking ill suddenly.

Stella Maris port chaplain Reverend Doug Duncan was informed about the incident. Over the weeks Doug picked up, washed and delivered Jericho’s clothes and supplied fruit, chocolates and magazines to the hospital.

Doug also communicated regularly with Jericho via social media, helping keep his spirits up and reassuring him.

On 13 July two days before he was due to fly home to the Philippines, Covid-19 restrictions were lifted at the Infirmary. Doug was named as the allotted person who could visit Jericho.

Following all safety precautions Doug visited Jericho who was delighted to see a friendly and welcoming face. They chatted and prayed, and Doug gave Jericho a blessing.

Doug said, “Having gone through so much and still extremely weak down his left side Jericho’s only complaint was the hospital didn’t serve rice at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

“Thankfully, a local Filipino lady helped out with some local dishes and assisted him with his local dialect.”

On 15 July, Doug waved off Jericho at the hospital and the fisherman finally flew home to the Philippines where he is now receiving further treatment in hospital.

Sea Sunday 2020 Prayer and Message

Posted on July 7, 2020 by Sarah Eustace -

Cardinal Peter Turkson Prefect of the Dicastery for Promotion of Integral Human Development at the Vatican has sent a message ahead of Sea Sunday which falls on 12 July this year. The Vatican has also released a prayer inspired by the Message for Sea Sunday.

On 12 July Christians around the world will celebrate Sea Sunday. Due to the uncertainties around Covid-19, Stella Maris in the UK will celebrate Sea Sunday in December instead of this weekend. The date has not yet been finalised, but it is likely to be either Sunday 13 or Sunday 20 December. We will update you as soon as we have more information.

Nevertheless we would urge you to please continue to pray for seafarers, fishers and their families, many of whom have had their employment period extended, resulting in fatigue, prolonged absence from their families and poor mental health. Estimates suggest that, every month, 100,000 seafarers who finish their contracts and look forward to flying home are prevented from doing so by the outbreak of Covid-19 and the subsequent closure of borders and flights.

Click the download button below to read and reflect upon the Cardinal’s Sea Sunday message.

Download the Sea Sunday Message

Sea Sunday Prayer

Holy Virgin Mary, sign of the maternal face of God,
with filial confidence we turn to you in the current pandemic. Keep in your Immaculate Heart the seafarers, the fishermen and their families, who with their work are ensuring the human family with food and other basic needs.

Sign of the closeness of the Father,
support them in their trials and protect them from all dangers: isolation and severe physical and mental stress, long periods spent on board ships, distance from their family, friends and from their own country, fear of contamination, piracy attacks and attempted attacks, armed robberies.

Sign of the mercy of the Son,
help Stella Maris chaplains and volunteers to listen to the people of the sea, trying to respond to their material and spiritual needs, standing by their side, raising their concerns, upholding their labor rights and preventing discrimination.

Sign of the fruitfulness of the Spirit and advocate of seafarers,
bring unscrupulous ship-owners, crewing agencies and managers back to the way of justice who, using the excuse of the pandemic, dismiss their obligations towards seafarers Let us stand in solidarity with those who have lost their income.

Sign of consolation and sure hope,
tenderly embraces coronavirus victims, especially the seafarers who committed suicide.

Star of the Sea, pray for us. Amen!