Author: Sarah Eustace

On February 28, we marked the establishment of our Southampton Stella Maris Centre with a liturgy and blessing. 
              Bishop Philip Egan of Portsmouth Diocese blessed the Centre based in St Joseph’s Church, Southampton. He also blessed a newly-commissioned Stella Maris Icon specially designed as we celebrate our Centenary this year. 
              St Joseph’s, a short walk from the port and the city centre, has always been closely linked with seafarers and now hosts an ideal base for Stella Maris and a comfortable pastoral centre to welcome seafarers in the Solent area. 
              In blessing the icon, Bishop Philip reflected on Our Lady as Star of the Sea, the steady guiding light for mariners and perpetual source of comfort and intercession. 
              He also spoke of the work of Chaplains and volunteers looking after the practical, welfare and spiritual needs of seafarers which can be likened to the role of a field hospital, taking immediate care of casualties. 

              Also attending the blessing were Martin Foley, Stella Maris CEO, Captain Esteban Pacha, Stella Maris Chair of Trustees and Fr John Lavers, Stella Maris Director of Chaplaincy.
              Joining in the celebration were Monsignor Canon Vincent Harvey Parish Priest for St Joseph’s and St Edmund’s Churches, Stella Maris chaplains, ship visitors, volunteers, supporters, members of clergy, Verbum Dei and Franciscan Missionary Sisters.
             The liturgy was followed by a reception which provided an opportunity for Bishop Philip to meet everyone. It was a great opportunity to share a wealth of stories and experiences. 

(Words by Charles Stuart and pics by Paul Owen – Stella Maris Southampton ship visitors)

* More photos can be viewed on our Flickr site here.

Here is a message from Fr John Lavers, Stella Maris Director of Chaplaincy.

*** Urgent Appeal for Seafarers ****

Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) has seen a dramatic impact on the life of seafarers due to the spread of the coronavirus.

Many seafarers are being restricted to ships and are unable to visit shops and obtain personal items.

Apostleship of the Sea has long been known as Stella Maris by seafarers and fishers across the globe and so, as part of our Centenary this year, we are refreshing our logo and updating our name to better reflect the way we are known by those we serve.  Over the coming weeks and months, you will begin to see this change on our social media channels, emails, website, and information you receive in the post.

We have developed our new logo to fit comfortably within the maritime sector. The bold clear symbols make our logo easy to recognise when visibility is compromised by weather or distance.

The elements within the symbol characterise our mission:

• The anchor symbolises Hope: when the anchor is dropped at sea, it holds fast to keep the ship and crew safe – just as we hold fast to our hope in God to keep us safe.
• The lifesaver symbolises Faith: when a seafarer falls into the sea, they put their trust in the lifesaver to save them – just as we put our faith in God for eternal salvation.
• The heart symbolises Charity: the heart of Christ is full of love for all – our charitable works are animated by the love of Christ.
• The rays of light symbolise the Light of Christ: the light emanates from the Heart of Christ (the heart), shines towards our Faith (the lifesaver) and is rooted in Hope (the anchor).
• And finally, the waves of the sea mark the environment for our mission – a source of livelihood for seafarers, but also a reminder of danger and death. Accepting and believing in Faith, Hope and Charity leads seafarers and their families to the safe harbour of Heaven.

Dear supporters and friends, due to the ongoing Coronovirus situation we are now working remotely as our head office is temporarily shut until further notice. While our day-to-day operations continue, we may not be able to immediately;
* deal with incoming phone calls,
* process incoming post,
* send out cards and other items that you may have ordered from us, and
* thank you for your generous donations.

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. We will do our best to resume normal administrative service as soon as we are able to. Our welfare services to seafarers and fishers remain active and our chaplains and ship visitors continue to support people of the sea via phone, email, social media and other Apps.

You can still contact us via email at [email protected] or via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/StellaMarisOrg or by Twitter at @StellaMarisOrg

Thank you for your understanding and stay safe and well.

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT OUR WELFARE SERVICES TO PEOPLE OF THE SEA

Stella Maris’ (Apostleship of the Sea) welfare services to seafarers and fishers continue to be active in the UK and overseas during this Coronavirus pandemic.

While our chaplains and ship visitors have been instructed to stop ship visiting immediately until further notice, our support for seafarers has not ended and our chaplains and ship visitors continue to make themselves available to support the People of the Sea via social media, email, mobile phone and WhatsApp.

Our chaplains are putting together support packages for the People of the Sea comprising faith materials (particularly important for Christian seafarers as we approach Easter), basic toiletries, chocolate, woolly hats and other useful items.

Over the course of the coming days and weeks Stella Maris will also be providing useful information and signposting seafarers and fishers to appropriate resources so they can stay safe, well and positive throughout this uncertain time.

We would like to reassure the People of the Sea and all those working in the maritime industry of our prayers for them at this time.

Here are our chaplains’ contact details;

Scotland

Senior Regional Port Chaplain
Rev Joe O' Donnell
Email: [email protected]
07793 489 193

Aberdeen, Fraserburgh & Peterhead
Douglas Duncan
Email: [email protected]
07757 042 722

Greenock, Grangemouth, Leith, Hunterston & Troon
Rev Joe O' Donnell
Email: [email protected]
07793 489 193

West Coast Scotland (Fort WIlliams to Troon)
Rev Tom Wynne
Email: [email protected]
07922 573 834

Western Isles Scotland
Rev Martin Matheson
Email: [email protected]
07712 534 407
++++++++++

North East England & Humber

Senior Regional Port Chaplain
Anne McLaren
Email: [email protected]
07906 661 633

Blyth & Tyne
Paul Atkinson
Email: [email protected]
07906 212 426

Goole & Hull
Anne McLaren
Email: [email protected]
07906 661 633

Tees & Hartlepool, Seaham
Rev Peter Barrigan
Email: [email protected]
07713 924 504
Immingham & Trent River

Steven Willows
Email: [email protected]
07793 488 971

Bryony Watson
Email: [email protected]
07738 128 175
++++++++++

Wales & West Country

Falmouth & Fowey
John Pinhay
Email: [email protected]
07738 761 157

Milford Haven & Pembroke Dock
Fr Paul Osunyikanmi
Email: [email protected]
07738 761 155

Fr Valentine Mobuogwu
Email: [email protected]
07757 042 723

Plymouth & Teignmouth
Ann Donnelly (part time)
Email: [email protected]
07718 268 904

Bristol
Peter Morgan
Email: [email protected]
07595 453 063
++++++++++

Southampton & South Coast
Fr John Lavers
Email: [email protected]
07720 093 156

++++++++++

Tilbury & Thames
Wojciech Holub
Email: [email protected]
07963 199 924

++++++++++

Felixstowe, Ipswich & Kings Lynn
Julian Wong
E-mail:  [email protected]
Mobile: 07758 356 372

+++++++++++

Medway & Dover
John Fogarty
Email: [email protected]
07986 723 015

Seafarers and fishers will play a pivotal role in responding to, and eventually overcoming, the Coronavirus pandemic. As such, Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) is adapting its provision of welfare services during the pandemic so that seafarers and fishers continue to be supported during this critical time.

Whilst its chaplains and ship visitors have stopped ship visiting immediately until further notice, the global maritime charity remains active in providing care and assistance to the People of the Sea in the UK and overseas.

“Seafarers and fishers around the world are among the heroes of this pandemic. Our chaplains and ship visitors continue to make themselves available to support the People of the Sea via social media, email, mobile phone and WhatsApp,” stressed Stella Maris CEO Martin Foley.

“Our chaplains are putting together support packages for seafarers and fishers comprising faith materials (particularly important for Christian seafarers as Easter approaches), basic toiletries, SIM cards, chocolate, woolly hats and other useful items as well as messages and cards of encouragement.

“We will work closely with port authorities to ensure these packages reach seafarers and fishers safely and securely. I would like to thank our supporters who have responded so generously to our request for help with these packages.”

Martin added that over the course of the coming days and weeks Stella Maris will also be providing useful information and signposting seafarers and fishers to appropriate resources so they can stay safe, well and positive throughout this uncertain time. These will be made available on its social media channels, e-newsletters and website.

“We would like to reassure the People of the Sea and all those working in the maritime industry of our prayers and ongoing support for them at this challenging and uncertain time.”

Contact details of Stella Maris’ global port chaplains can be found at https://www.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk/aos-worldwide

Deacon Joe O’Donnell, Senior Regional Port Chaplain for Stella Maris in Scotland waved goodbye to a crew of five fisherman who took a step closer to returning to their loved ones by flying home earlier on March 16.

The men had spent the past eight months in Scotland which included a court case against their skipper who in January was found guilty and fined at Peterhead Sheriff’ Court of assault and racially-aggravated harassment of the men over a period of six years.

The Filipinos departed Glasgow Airport expressing their sincere thanks for the support of our charity throughout their ordeal. They will be reunited with their families soon however will have to spend one month in quarantine in their native country due to strict measures introduced by the Philippines to curb the spread of Coronavirus.

There was an overwhelming sense of relief within the crew who were driven to the airport by Deacon Joe.

One crew member said, "It's been a very difficult time. We have had to suffer a lot.

"But it would have been a lot worse if it hadn't been for the support and assistance from Stella Maris. They have been like a family to us.

"Deacon Joe has been there for us every step of the way. He made sure we were alright and has always been in touch to help with our worries.

"One of the highlights came when he arranged for Bishop John Keenan, of Paisley, to come and visit us. We would love to return to Scotland one day, and Stella Maris will always have a place in our hearts."

Deacon Joe, who ensured the crew received a final blessing at St Mungo’s church the night before they travelled, said, “It’s been so tough for the fishermen but they have shown great bravery in dealing with their situation. I can only imagine what it must have been like for them being cut off from their families and loved ones for such a long time, and even now they’re being quarantined for a month because of the pandemic.

“Yet this is why Stella Maris exists to provide such help and assistance in times of crisis. I’ll be keeping in contact with them and hopefully they’ll all get back to some sort of normality in the near future.”

Stella Maris chaplains continue to provide support to seafarers, fishers and their families during the Covid-19 crisis, working in close partnership with Stella Maris colleagues around the world, the maritime industry, trades unions and others.

This includes undertaking port visits in order to provide welfare packages and other support to seafarers and fishers, with the permission of port authorities and in full compliance with Government directives. We also continue to support seafarers, fishers and their families via telephone social media.

Please continue to pray for seafarers, fishers, their families and the mission of Stella Maris.

Here’s a look at how our some of our Stella Maris colleagues globally are supporting seafarers and fishers in spite of the restrictions placed on ship visiting and the fast-moving situation of the Covid-19 virus.
(To see how we're supporting seafarers and fishers in Great Britain go here.)

Stella Maris Kaohsiung port chaplain Fr Yance Guntur and volunteers packing face masks for distribution to fishermen. Fr Yance later went on board several vessels to distribute the masks. Thank you everyone who've helped keep fishermen safe during this time.

Good work from our Stella Maris colleagues in Charleston, South Carolina who delivered some shopping to these crew who needed to top up on supplies. The seafarers were not allowed shore leave due to restrictions duirng Covid-19.

A lovely Mass celebrated by Apostleship of the Sea (Stella Maris) Australia Bishop Promoter especially for chaplains, centre managers, ship visitors, committee members and volunteers – in essence the carers who care for seafarers. 
You can watch the Mass on their Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=706851706734190&ref=watch_permalink  

Filipino seafarers in lockdown in our Stella Maris Seafarers Centres in Manila during Covid show their appreciation and gratitude to Caritas Manila and Caritas International for providing much-needed food supplies etc. Thank you for your amazing generosity!
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXN3LZH98Zg]  

Our Stella Maris colleagues in Belgium ship visiting, taking all necessary precautions and social distancing measures.

Stella Maris Abidjan port chaplain Fr Celestin Ikomba and his team distributed face masks and prayer cards to seafarers recently. Free wifi is also available to them.

Despite the much-maligned status of the Ruby Princess cruise ship in Australia, Stella Maris ensured that the crew were not forgotten, from advocating for the best medical care to sending a digital Easter message along with Easter eggs and other treats.

A message from the harbourmaster at Port Kembla, where the Ruby Princess was docked over Easter, revealed the impact of the message: “I believe that your blessing was the best thing they have received so far in terms of hope and spirituality.”

Read more about how Stella Maris in Australia supported the crew here 

https://www.catholicoutlook.org/churchs-seafarer-support-continues-during-pandemic/?fbclid=IwAR2bssposp7HDaWmsNjdMa6l0clUuvxWWn-T1udHKDbIH3GJxndB6W7PCRA        

Another article in Catholic Weekly highlights the excellent work of Sr Mary Leahy – Stella Maris Sydney port chaplain – during this pandemic. Read it here
https://www.catholicweekly.com.au/seafarers-have-a-mate-in-a-sister/?fbclid=IwAR38W88jRyRX2sCUK2iYmPk4iCs3MWWbveuYjhtwRpGiwaCmIbNT0YkBUu0    

Earlier in April, Fr Tran Van Thiet, Stella Maris port chaplain in Taipei, Taiwan, and his team handed out face masks, warm clothing, woolly hats, scarves, and leaflets on protection from Covid-19 to fishermen at the port.

A prayer shared by Fr Celestin Ikomba, Stella Maris Abidjan port chaplain in Ivory Coast and West Africa regional coordinator.

We have had a prayer request also from Fr Tamar Frandy, Stella Maris port chaplain in Montevideo, Uruguay for several seafarers hospitalised due to Covid-19 in Montevideo.

And Fr John Mission, our port chaplain in Cebu, Philippines has also asked for prayers for the seafarers under lockdown in our Stella Maris centre in Cebu. There has been news of a coronavirus outbreak near them so they are understandably anxious and worried.

In the last few weeks. Fr Yance Guntur (in white cap) Stella Maris port chaplain for Kaohsiung in Taiwan was approached by a group of fishermen who said they had not received their full wages as per their employment contracts. Fr Yance helped them fill out the necessary paperwork and submitted these to The Taiwan Fisheries Agency for further action. Not long after Fr Yance received news that the fishermen have now been paid their outstanding wages. It's a great result, however since that time another group of fishermen have approached Fr Yance with the same problem. We hope they too will get paid their outstanding wages soon.

Our Hamburg chaplain Monica Doring has had change the way she delivers items requested by seafarers in port these days as 'normal' ship visiting is no longer allowed. Monica says we all have to stay safe and be safe for others.

Our Stella Maris colleagues in Barcelona Spain continue to support seafarers amid the coronavirus outbreak through social networking, email and telephone.
Their contact details are;
email: [email protected] [email protected]
Website: www.stellamarisbarcelona.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stellamarisbcn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stellamarisbcn
Telephone & WhatsApp: 629271391

Although the seamen's club in Ghent Belgium remains closed until further notice, our Stella Maris colleagues are still ship visiting (as of April 3) and try and visit each new ship that comes into port. If necessary seafarers are provided with internet cards. It's important for seafarers to stay in touch with their families in these unprecedented time. The Stella Maris team male sure that they comply with all the necessary safety measures when visiting ships so seafarers are kept safe. 

In Hamburg, Germany, Stella Maris port chaplain Monica Döring is working together with her colleagues at Duckdalben Seafarers Centre and the German Seamans Mission to ensure seafarers aren't forgotten during this time.

Here's an article in Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse about how coronavirus Covid-19 has affected the ministry of our Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) port chaplains in US & Canada but in spite of the restrictions on ship visiting, they continue to be of service to seafarers, fishers and others in need. You can read the article here.

In Melbourne Australia, our Stella Maris colleagues get ready to make a delivery to the crew on one ship. The crew were not able to leave their vessel but our colleagues there can still deliver things to them (information as of March 28 2020). And on another ship, they dropped off telecommunications supplies to a cement carrier so that the crew are able to keep in touch with their families back home. A few snacks thrown in for good measure.

In Cape Town, South Africa National Director Nicholas Barends reports that four fishermen who were crew members of a detained fishing vessel flew home on March 20. The men were so excited about going home, says Nicholas. The vessel had berthed in Cape Town since November 30 last year. The crew had very little food and drinking water on board as the ship had run out of supplies and fuel. One of the men was also a diabetic and had run out of medication. Nicholas and his team supported them throughout. To see the back story go here.

In Manila, Stella Maris Port Chaplain and  Philippines National Director Fr Paulo Prigol says that there are many seafarers housed in the Seafarers Centre. Manila is in lockdown at the moment and the seafarers are being quarantined there. Fr Paulo and his team are keeping them safe and well. They have daily prayer and Mass and ensure the Centre is regularly sanitised and cleaned.

On 20 March Fr Yance Guntur Stella Maris port chaplain in Kaohsiung and his team distributed hand sanitisers and masks to a group of fishermen as they had none on board. Fishers have been barred from leaving their vessels because of the coronavirus situation. Fr Yance is waiting to hear when ship visits will be discontinued. However he will carry on supporting and encouraging them via phone and social media.

Fr Celestin Ikomba, Stella Maris Abidjan Port Chaplain in Ivory Coast and West Africa regional coordinator celebrated his last public Mass at the port on March 19 which is normally attended by fishers, seafarers and port workers. But Fr Celestin and his team continue to remain available to support them via other means. He has also started streaming of Mass on Facebook. Their facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/stellamaris.apostolatusmaris

In Odessa, Ukraine port chaplain Fr Alexander and ship visitor Rostik inform us that there is no shore leave for seafarers in Odessa port but ship visits continue (information correct as of March 23) so they held Mass on board this ship as requested by the crew using all necessary protection tools of course.

Stella Maris chaplains continue to provide support to seafarers, fishers and their families during the Covid-19 crisis, working in close partnership with Stella Maris colleagues around the world, the maritime industry, trades unions and others.

This includes undertaking port visits in order to provide welfare packages and other support to seafarers and fishers, with the permission of port authorities and in full compliance with Government directives. We also continue to support seafarers, fishers and their families via telephone social media.

Please continue to pray for seafarers, fishers, their families and the mission of Stella Maris.

Here are some of the many different ways in which our chaplains and ship visitors in Great Britain continue to support seafarers and fishermen. (To see how our colleagues around the world are supporting seafarers and fishers during Covid-19 go here.)

Our Immingham port chaplain Bryony Watson recently delivered some welfare packages to seafarers in port. This is one of the crew members from Arklow Day who was very grateful to receive a package. He has been onboard for 5 months and was due to be going home next month but will probably have his contract extended.

Seafarers on Navios Indigo recently contacted our East Anglia port chaplain Julian Wong when they arrived at Felixstowe Port. They were desperate for sim cards as they needed to get in touch with their loved ones back home. After getting the green light to visit their ship, Julian delivered the sim cards to the gangway along with care packages containing items such as chocolates, biscuits, religious resources and Stella Maris resources. All these were received with great delight and thanks. Many thanks also to everyone who contributed the items to make up the care packages.

Over the weekend of 2nd and 3rd May, our Medway & Dover port chaplain John Fogarty took 17 SIM cards to the crew of MV Wuhu in Norfleet port. The men needed some SIM cards as they had been at sea for 40 days and were desperate to contact their families as soon as they arrived in port. Needless to say they were absolutely delighted to receive the cards. These were delivered to the crew on the ship using a bucket and rope, observing all social distancing measures and the necessary precautions.

Tulips in Tilbury. Some weeks ago a Dutch ship captain and friend of Wojciech Holub's, our Tilbury port chaplain, brought him some tulip bulbs which Wojciech planted at the seafarers centre. Here's what they look like now – absolutely gorgeous!

The seafarers centre remains shut at the moment so Wojciech has dedicated the flowers to Our Lady and to the amazing staff who work at the centre.

Jun Li Barnett, one of our Tees ship visitors, has recorded a message of support for all Chinese seafarers. You can listen to it here: https://soundcloud.com/…/jun-li-barnett-message-to-seafarers.

The English translation is as follows:

“Hello to all Chinese Seafarers.

In early April, our East Anglia port chaplain Julian Wong was contacted by a seafarer at Ipswich port as the ship's crew needed sim cards. Julian made sure to check with the relevant parties and authorities that distributing the cards to seafarers at the port was not a problem and was given the greenlight so supplied the men with the sim cards and also handed over a welfare package plus six chocolate bars. All social distancing and safety measures were followed.

Steve Willows, our Immingham port chaplain has been on BBC Humberside's Pause for Thought this month (April 2020) where he reflects on why we should all take a moment to think about, say thank you and pray for seafarers who are without a doubt keyworkers and play a vital role in ensuring we receive supply of food, fuel and medical products during the coronavirus. You can listen to his reflection here.

Stella Maris Tees ship visitor Hugh Ward recently received a call from a seafarer on board a ship requesting six phone top up cards. The seafarer gave the name of the vessel as Brahms and said that their ship was on the anchorage. Hugh did not know this vessel, so made a few checks and discovered that the ship was not in the Tees area but in fact in anchorage off the Thames in London.

Hugh received several more messages from the crew pleading for him to send the top ups so that they could contact their families as they could not go ashore, with a further request for a total of 13 top ups.

After consulting with our Tees Port Chaplain Deacon Peter Barrigan, it was decided that the best course of action was for Hugh to buy the tops ups himself and send the crew the top up codes.

On Easter Monday, our East Anglia port chaplain Julian Wong was contacted by a seafarer at Ipswich port as the ship's crew needed sim cards. Julian made sure to check with the relevant parties and authorities that distributing the cards to seafarers at the port was not a problem and was given the greenlight so supplied the men with the sim cards and also handed over a welfare package plus six chocolate bars. All social distancing and safety measures were followed.

 

Our chaplain for Southampton and South Coast Ports Charles Stuart received the necessary permission to deliver care packages to a few ships in Southampton on Easter Saturday. He also spoke to some crew members from a ship and is happy to report that they are being well looked after and even had a crew change which means the some of the seafarers on board were able to return home and hopefully be able to see their families soon. Here's a video that Charles shares with us.
 

Our Tilbury port chaplain Wojciech Holub has been connecting with seafarers via social media and emails during this time when we are all asked to observe social distancing and to stay home. So despite no ship visits he is able to still reach out to seafarers to let them know they're not forgotten. He shared this with seafarers during this week leading up to Easter.

Julian Wong, Stella Maris East Anglia Port Chaplain gives us an update about the support he's providing seafarers in the last couple of weeks.
He writes;

The Invisible Heroes Who Help Stock Up Our Supermarkets

Seafarers are quite often invisible to the general public. During a crisis such as we have currently with Coronavirus, they play a huge part in our everyday lives. They already spend long periods, up to 9 months at a time, away from the families   in normal times.

Now, at the present time some are not able to sign off and go home to their loved ones because new crews are not able to join the ships to take over. This places a huge stress on the exiting crew and their families.

As a Regional Port Chaplain for East Anglia and the Haven Ports, I have been in contact with them on social media. Over the years I had befriended them on social media never realising that one day, Stella Maris port chaplains and ship visitors would use social media in a big way to maintain contact with seafarers, supporting them, listening to their stories and offering words of comfort and support, boosting their morale and letting them know that they are not forgotten and that we care.

Some of the seafarers I’ve been in contact with simply want mobile SIM cards so they can maintain their communications with their families.

“Sir good morning .. i would like to remind you about our arrival at felixtowe port at march 26. I dont know what time yet but if its ok 1 crew will go to seamans club ang will pick up this my3 Sim..”  from a crew member

“hello sir things are no so fine onboard because of corona virus they cancel our crew change until end of april. vessel (name removed)”

Some worry because they are not able to send money home to their families as they normally  use Western Union and at the present time,    those outlets are closed.

“A crew has asked if it's possible to send money through you.”  Crew from (name removed)

One seafarer was concerned and worried that his supply of medication wouldn’t last till he is able  to get home.

“Sir can have favor for you can you tell the massimo franzi to buy me a medicine for my maintenance because short until may go home”

I contacted Stella Maris Genoa Port Chaplain Deacon Massimo Franzi to ask if he could help as the ship’s next port would be Genoa. I also suggested to the seafarer to ask the captain to contact the ship’s agent for help to get his medication.

These are just some of the stories I have heard so far and I am sure there are many more that are not heard. Please pray for seafarers.

During this period of isolation our Immingham port chaplain Steve Willows decided that a different way he could still help seafarers was by making some rosaries for them. He was able to get some twine and watch an easy step by step YouTube video and look at a guide on how to make a rosary and it wasn’t too difficult.

The whole process of the first rosary took a while but with some practice Steve got quicker and also made some smaller bracelet types rosaries with 1 decade on them. Steve also found that it’s a good chance to pray for the seafarers whilst making the rosaries. If you have the craft material at home this is something anyone can do for a seafarer.
Here are the links to different guides:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUoSFVULn64
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Cord-Rosary  

Here's a photo of Paul Atkinson, our Tyne port chaplain who is packing items to make up our care packages for distribution to seafarers.

Paul says the packages contain religious items such as Palm Crosses, Prayer Cards, Prayer Books, Rosaries, etc and toiletries, chocolate and sweets, our monthly Stella Maris Magazine and other small appropriate items. Paul will distribute these packages via the harbour master, port pilots and shipping agents.

"This way we can show our care and support for seafarers in a ‘different way.’ And show we are still ‘alongside’ them as they continue to sail the seas to support their families," said Paul.

Meanwhile in East Anglia our port chaplain Julian Wong is working closely with port authorities to deliver these care packages to seafarers on ships. Recently he delivered five packages to King's Lynn port and another five to Ipswich port.Thanks everyone for your kind help.

Our Immingham port chaplain Bryony Watson sent this message;
"Since we’re unable to visit ships I’ve been keeping in contact with seafarers via Facebook messenger and WhatsApp. Ryan, and the boys from MV Petunia Seaways sent me this lovely video to show how they’re keeping their spirits up despite being unable to leave the ship."

Please pray for seafarers

In these challenging times we would like to ask you to pray and pray even more for seafarers and their families.

Although unable to physically visit seafarers on board ships now, our Tilbury port chaplain Wojciech Holub keeps in contact with the many seafarers he has supported over the years. He recently spoke to a Filipino officer whose wife died suddenly, cause of death yet unknown.

Wojciech says, “It has been unbelievably tough for him because he is unable to go home for her funeral and we cannot be by his side to support and comfort him.”

These Filipino fishermen who were being supported by Stella Maris finally flew home last Monday (March 16) to be reunited with their families after spending the past 8 months in Scotland.

They were involved in a court case against their skipper who in January was found guilty and fined of assault and racially-aggravated harassment of the men over a period of six years. Deacon Joe O’Donnell, Senior Regional Port Chaplain for Stella Maris in Scotland waved goodbye to the men.

They are looking forward to being with their families however will have to spend one month in quarantine in their native country due to the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. We pray they will be reunited with their families soon. You can read more of the story here.