Author: Sarah Eustace

Global maritime charity Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) has reached out to cruise ship crew members as many are left stranded on board with vessels not being allowed to berth at ports.

In a letter sent to cruise companies Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises and Grandi Navi Veloci, Stella Maris Genoa  Director Deacon Massimo Franzi told crew members, “You are not alone… you are not abandoned. Do not lose hope.”

“In this difficult period, full of fear and uncertainty, we remind you that even if you feel yourself prisoners you must not lose hope. Even if your difficult life has become even more difficult, even if you are worried about sick colleagues … you are not alone,” Deacon Franzi wrote.

It is estimated that at least nine cruise ships with nearly 8,000 passengers and thousands of crew members are stranded at sea as ports deny those vessels access amid the Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak.

Several cruise companies have also temporarily suspended sailings, leaving crew members on board their ships. Larger cruise ships normally have around 1,000 crew members, often living in close quarters below decks.

 As well as their physical safety, Deacon Franzi also expressed concern over the mental and emotional wellbeing of crew members left on board those ships.

“Many seafarers and many ships in the world are experiencing a moment of difficulty. You have seen your ship, your home (your whole world, when you are on board) ‘closing’, becoming even more isolated from your families, not knowing when this difficult period will end,” he said.

Deacon Franzi said although Stella Maris chaplains are currently not able to visit cruise ships and minister in person to crew members due to social distancing measures, “our hearts are with you.”

“Even if it is not possible to relieve the pain you feel while staying away from those you love … we want to remind you that you have a family in every Stella Maris centre in the world,” he said.

“We embrace you and remind you that you will always have a ‘Home away from Home’. This is a moment of trial, however [be assured] that Mary, Star of the Sea, will lead you to a safe harbour and to your families when the storm is over,” he added.

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 just one example of how are chaplains and ship visitors in Great Britain are supporting seafarers and fishers.

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.

And here's an example of how are chaplains and ship visitors around the world are supporting seafarers and fishers.

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.

More examples of how our Stella Maris is helping seafarers and fishers around the world can be found here.

Can our chaplains help?

Get contact details of our chaplains in over 40 countries here.

Resources for seafarers

Faith resources for seafarers during Covid-19.

Practical advise and how to stay safe and well during Covid-19.

Sharing and reflections by Fr Colum Kelly our Chaplain for Pastoral Formation to sustain us spiritually 

Sunday Gospel readings, sharings and prayer by Charles Stuart our Southampton port chaplain and John Fogarty Dover & Medway port chaplain – visit our YouTube channel here.

By Greg Watts

With seafarers in the front line of maintaining the world’s supply of food, fuel and medical supplies and equipment through the Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak, Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) port chaplains are continuing to provide them with practical help and pastoral care.

Its 230 chaplains, who work in over 300 ports in 41 countries, are using the telephone, social media and the port authorities to keep in contact with seafarers and to provide them with sim cards, so they can contact their families; toiletries; and other basic items.

In the Philippines, where around a third of the world’s 1.5 million seafarers come from, port chaplain in Manila and Stella Maris regional coordinator, Fr Paulo Prigol and his team are accommodating 120 seafarers in three seafarers’ centres during lockdown and providing them with daily meals.

“As of now food supply is available and we are allowed to go to the supermarket once or twice a week only. The local government units have issued identification cards for each centre.”

He added that the centres, which are cleaned daily with disinfectant, each have a gym, cable TV, and a good internet service with free Wi-Fi.

“At this moment of national lockdown, there is no way of visiting the fishers, said Fr. Rico Talisic, port chaplain in Cape Town, South Africa. “But I have contact with some of them who are on the dock. Everyday I send messages to them asking how are they, giving them updates of what is going on here in Cape and asking them to be careful and stay safe.”

Fr Talisic has been providing seafarers with data and Sim cards. “With the communication I have with them, I learned there is nothing to worry about except that many of them have no more cell phone credits to continue their communication with their family and friends and to have access the outside world beyond the port.”

In Taiwan, Fr Yance Guntur, port chaplain in Kaohsiung, has distributed hand sanitisers and face masks to a group of fishermen, who have been barred from leaving their vessels.

While the seamen's club in Ghent, Belgium, has been closed, port chaplain Fr André Quintelier and his team of volunteer ship visitors are still allowed to continue visiting vessels, but must adhere to strict health and safety guidelines.

In the UK, port chaplain to the Tyne Paul Atkinson has been putting together packages of toiletries, chocolate and prayer books for seafarers. These are delivered to ships by the harbour master, port pilots, or 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.

Elsewhere, Steve Willows, a port chaplain in Immingham, Lincolnshire, is making rosaries with twine for seafarers, after watching a You Tube video explaining how to do it.

Esteban Pacha, chair of trustees for Stella Maris in Great Britain, and a former ship’s captain, said, “In this time of societal upheaval, ensuring the continuity of maritime trade is vital for the global supply chain and global trade flows, including currently crucial items such as vital medical supplies and equipment, as well as food and energy.

“We would not have these items were it not for seafarers. They might not be visible to us, but our lives depend on them, especially at this critical period for our world.”

* To find out more about how Stella Maris is supporting seafarers during coronavirus in Great Britain click here.

* To see how our global port chaplains are supporting seafarers during this pandemic go here.

Here’s a message from Don Bruno Bignami National Director of National Office for Social Problems and Work of the Italian Bishops Conference through the National Office of Stella Maris in Rome. The original document is in Italian and although it refers to Italy, offers interesting points for reflection for all of us.

The Church and the People of the Sea

For many seafarers – often prevented from being able to disembark – it will be a hard working Easter, without the pastoral service provided by priests on board. The difficulties resulting from the Covid-19 emergency have also the face of fishermen and their dry nets. Last but not least, it is impossible not to share the concern for those who, across the sea, seek an alternative to a life of violence and today are facing our ports closed. The General Secretariat of the Italian Bishop Conference (CEI), through the National Office of Stella Maris, asks for care and solidarity for these tragedies and offers some proposals to the [issue].

The image of the boat is antique: it derives from the Gospel. On March 27, in the extraordinary moment of prayer in an empty Saint Peter’s Square, Pope Francis referred to it: “We have realized that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented, but at the same time important and needed, all of us called to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other. In this boat … are all of us”. The vessel is the living and working environment for many seafarers. This image reminds us that we all belong to the same destiny, we experience the interdependence of problems, we live a deep sharing even in the crisis originated by Covid-19. The health emergency has shattered the working environment. Numerous sectors suffer. Many of them are at the center of government politics to support companies in this time of shutdown or to boost their restart.

The paradox could be to say that we are on the same boat, but to forget that “on that boat” there are also those who live and work at the sea. 90% of the goods arriving in our markets are transported at sea by commercial shipping, and it is not an insignificant sector of the economy. In practice, seafarers ask to be designated as “key workers” for the role they play, essential for goods to reach our cities and homes.

Unfortunately, in normal times those who work on merchant ships, cruise ship and crews of ferries and transport vessels are already at risk of being overlooked. In the time of Covid-19 the condition of suffering increases. “We are on the same boat” means accepting that the miscellaneous world of those who work at sea or in ports is also at the center of attention and solidarity of the civil community.

The Church’s pastoral concern for seafarers is alive and does not fail, especially now that seafarers are in danger of being among the poorest categories. For the first time, because of the storm caused by Covid-19, the chaplains do not get on board as they usually do. The Italian Church had to give up the usual religious service for Holy Week on cruise ships. The crisis in the tourism sector is also striking this area and has not allowed the normal celebration of religious services. A service appreciated because it allows many passengers, and especially crew members, to celebrate Easter.

In addition, many seafarers who in recent weeks have been at sea could not sign off from the “boat”: the presence of infected people has kept them away from their homes, their families and even from docking to a port. The refusal to offer a landing pier for ships flying Italian flag, vessels that cannot find a port to allow crews to quarantine on land or to reach their families, seems inexplicable. There are crews that, for the lack of possible replacements, are working twice as hard, beyond any criteria of justice. The decision to close Italian ports to humanitarian ships appears also inappropriate and could turn into a boomerang of greater insecurity for everyone: it pose the danger of depriving those who are fleeing from war or prison camps of an alternative, exposing them to drowning in the Mediterranean. Our solidarity embraces all those who feel abandoned.

On the boat could not get on board, the fishermen who decided to stop their activity because it is impossible to guarantee the safety distances and for lack of adequate protection devices. The crisis in the world of tourism and catering has reduced a good portion of their sale, putting them on their knees and discouraging future investments.

The Italian Church expresses solidarity to the persons who are in these days overwhelmed by the Covid-19 emergency, all the more to the seafarers who are so numerous in our peninsula surrounded by the sea. The Christian community feels challenged. In the 2020 Centenary Year of Stella Maris, we want to renew our ecclesial support to seafarers in their workplaces and their families.

We would like to suggest to the maritime dioceses which are sensible to this pastoral activity the followings:
• enhance where they are existing, the services of the Stella Maris Centers, as a concrete sign of support to the maritime world;
• express gratitude to seafarers who, in this moment of emergency, continue to work for the common good, both in trade and in other activities;
• share the good practices, in support of Stella Maris, already existing in different dioceses. In the Centenary Year, new initiatives of prayers and solidarity should start. Sea Sunday which will be celebrated on July 12, 2020, can be an occasion to make the ecclesial support felt in all the sector of maritime industry;
• send a message of prayer and solidarity to fishers and their families who experience the uncertainty of their work in this time and in the next months. May they feel part of a community that welcomes and accompanies them on their journey.

What Pope Francis recommended during the audience to the fishers of San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy, on January 18, 2020, can be applied to all seafarers: “I like to think that even today, those of you who are Christians feel the spiritual presence of the Lord beside you. Your faith animates precious values: popular religiosity which is expressed in trust in God, in the sense of prayer and in the Christian education of children; esteem for the family; a sense of solidarity, so that you feel the need to help one another and to help each other in need. Do not lose these values!”.

Without doubt, locally and in the dioceses there will be appropriate ways for the concrete solidarity of the Church to reach the seafarers: they who feel being on the same boat at sea on a daily basis may experience it also in being part of the diocesan life. May the time of trial also become time of hope. In the face of the adversity and uncertainty of life, nobody should lack the courage to dare fraternal charity and concrete solidarity. The same courage that drives many seafarers to take the risk of going out at sea must be shared with all people of good will who understand that each of us is closely interdependent upon the other. The empathy with those who work at sea, who are often subjected to hard and stressful rhythms, bring us look with gratitude at the unknown commitment of thousands of people who find the source of life in the sea.

~ General Secretariat of the Italian Bishop Conference (CEI), through the National Office of Stella Maris, Rome, April 8, 2020

Global maritime charity Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) is working with P&O Cruises and Cunard to ensure their cruise ship workers who are isolating on ships off the South Coast of England during Coronavirus continue to receive pastoral support and care.

The charity's Director of Chaplaincy Fr John Lavers said, "This is one way in which we are responding to their needs and we are grateful to the company who have approached us and encouraged us to provide this assistance which is most welcomed by cruise ship workers." 

Part of this outreach includes producing weekly video recordings of Sunday Gospel Readings, reflection and prayer conducted by the charity's chaplains for the company's cruise ship workers, offering a novel way of supporting their faith and pastoral needs during lockdown.

Stella Maris also organised for the head of Portsmouth Catholic Diocese to send a message of support and prayer for the cruise ship workers. 

In a video recorded at St John's Cathedral, Portsmouth, Bishop Philip Egan said his thoughts and prayers were very much with them at this time of crisis. 

"Many are in lockdown and we learnt that you too on ships are confined. I am very aware that many of you are here in England, a long way from your home and your families. As a Catholic community we are very conscious of this, and we want to express to you our love and promise of prayers for you; we pray for you all the time," he said. 

The video recording includes a prayer, scripture reading and Benediction and will be broadcast to the cruise ship workers social distancing on board. 

Bishop Egan also said that he was proud to have the work of Stella Maris in the Diocese whose chaplains are supporting cruise ship workers and are looking out for them.

Stella Maris GB Chief Executive Martin Foley said the organisation was delighted to be working with Carnival UK and that this current outreach was an extension of a long-term partnership already in place with the cruise line. 

Through its cruise chaplaincy programme, Stella Maris has, until the recent controls imposed due to the pandemic, been deploying chaplains on board the cruise ships to minister to the needs of crew and guests. 

"Despite the ongoing Coronavirus restrictions, Stella Maris chaplains in Great Britain and around the world continue to provide support to seafarers, cruise ship workers and their families during this pandemic by working in close partnership the maritime industry, trades unions and others," he said. 

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9SCTEW-2qY] . 

Sr Mary Scholastica, our ship visitor in Sunderland, has been featured in an episode of Sea Cities, Sunderland, which was broadcast on national telly on February 15 on BBC 2. Here's a clip from the show with the wonderful Sr Scholastica. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05y0dhp

Image: © BBC
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A stricken seafarer's family have been so moved they’ve offered to volunteer in return their services for Apostleship of the Sea after the charity assisted them in their hour of need. 
              Zlatko Kosack, 50, from Croatia was badly burned while working in a confined space on an oil tanker in Grangemouth towards the end of January which caused burns from the waist down and required a skin graft operation in Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
              Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) Port Chaplain for Clydeport, Joe O'Donnell, received an initial phone call from the Harbour Master informing him Zlatko, an engineer on board the ship, had been transferred to hospital and from then on, he offered such a level of practical and spiritual care which made a long-lasting impression upon the Catholic couple. 
              After his wife Vesna had experienced some initial accommodation problems, Deacon Joe from St Mungo’s arranged for a suitable place to stay instead with the help of AoS. 
              It soon became clear that Zlatko's body was rejecting the hospital food and, on hearing of this from wife Vesna, Joe arranged for her to use the cooking facilities at nearby St Mungo's on a daily basis. 
              Touched by all that was done for her, the seafarer's wife expressed here sincere thanks for AoS' support and a genuine offer to help out when they return to Scotland sometime in the future. 

              Vesna said: "Joe has done so much for us during our time in Scotland. He has been with us every step of the way since my husband entered hospital. 
              "Every day without fail, he picked me up from the hotel where I was staying before taking me to the supermarket and then up to St Mungo's where I could cook Zlatko's meals. 
              "He has been there for us in such a huge way that we would both love to try and give something back to AoS by volunteering in some way when everything is back to normal." 
              Zlatko, who turned 50 only last week, enjoyed a surprise birthday celebration while still in hospital where he was presented with a signed-Artist’s portrait of former Celtic manager Neil Lennon.
              A fan of Hadjuk Split, he took time to offer his heart-felt gratitude to Joe and the AoS for their care and attention during his traumatic three-week spell.
              He said: "It's something you never really expect to happen when you're so far away from home. 
              "But Vesna and I have had to deal with the unexpected and without Joe's assistance it would have been extremely difficult. 
              "We have been shown so much generosity and certainly didn't expect this marvellous birthday present! 
              "I am a big football fan and it’s safe to say will be looking out for Celtic's results every week from on.” 

              The experienced seafarer travelled back to his native homeland along with his wife last Saturday, and is now convalescing in a hospital in the Croatian Capital of Zagreb where it's expected he'll take between eight and twelve months to recover fully. 
              Port Chaplain Joe, who also covers Greenock, Leith, Hunterston and Troon, said: "We're really just doing what we're here to do and helping this lovely couple was the main thing all along. 
              "We're very grateful to Fr Frank Keevins of St Mungo's, Fr Gareth and all parishioners for showing their kindness and understanding. 
              "This is precisely why we exist as a charity, to offer such help and support when seafarers need it most, often thousands of miles from their home like Zlatco and Vesna."

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Dundee University Catholic Society are keen to develop their relationship with Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) after soaking up the charity’s message recently. 
              In a talk entitled 'Why is charity important in our faith development?' at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Dundee, AoS Scottish Development Officer, Euan McArthur, joined students from various nationalities to share with them some stories including the plight of Croatian seafarer Zlatko Kosack.
              Zlatko had just returned home following weeks of support from Joe O’Donnell, AoS Clyde port chaplain, in hospital in Glasgow having suffered severe burns while on board an oil tanker in Grangemouth. 

              Joined by Fr Gregory Murphy from St Pius X, Dundee and Deacon Charlie Hendry from St Peter and Paul’s, Dundee the students had no shortage of questions before offering AoS a return visit in the future. 
              Vice-President, Erin Timmoney, the daughter of Parish Contact Jim Timmoney of Our Lady and St Mark’s Alexandria, said, "We all really enjoyed hearing about the work of Apostleship of the Sea, and would welcome an update talk in the coming months."
              Jim said, "It’s great to see AoS spreading their message to some of the brightest young minds in the country. These are the future leaders of society."
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“Be sure to ask me again”. 
             These were Fr John Lumley’s parting words as Deacon Peter Barrigan, Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) Tees Port Chaplain dropped him off at St Gabriel’s presbytery, after he had celebrated Mass on board ship for the first time.
             The visit to Teesport was somewhat more poignant for Fr John, as he had celebrated Mass in the general area where his own father had earned his living, having spent his working life at Smiths Dock and the nearby steel works. 
             As soon as the general cargo ship ‘IYO Sea’ had berthed, Hugh and Mary Ward, volunteer ship visitors with AoS climbed the gangway to bring the warm smile and outstretched hand of welcome to the 22 Filipino crewmembers on board. 
             They also met the ship’s Master, Captain Elemia Roel Araneta who asked if they could arrange for Mass to be celebrated on the ship during their stay.
             This request was passed on to Deacon Peter who then contacted Fr John who readily agreed to celebrate Mass the following evening. 
             
             This was the in the first few days of Lent so Fr John carefully chose the Mass of Ash Wednesday during which, much to their delight, all the crewmembers received the ashes. 
             After Mass Fr John gave each of the seafarers a copy of Mark’s Gospel, and blessed various religious items for them, while Mary and Hugh gave rosary beads to all. 
             This was followed by the customary hospitality, in this case pizza and coffee, and an opportunity for the visitors to chat to crewmembers, some of whom were visiting the UK for the first time.
             Captain Elemia remarked how spiritually uplifting the Mass had been for himself and his crew. 
             Before leaving, a supply of chocolate, generously paid for by Fr John and the parishioners of St Gabriel’s, was distributed, again much to the delight of the crewmembers. 

             The ‘IYO Sea’ was in port for a few days so Deacon Peter and his AoS team were able to assist with other practical needs including trips to the supermarket.
             One seafarer also had a visit from a family member who lives in Southampton. The ship subsequently sailed to Murmansk. 
             The Apostleship of the Sea receives tremendous support from several local parishes, as demonstrated by Fr John and members of his flock, who also give so generously at Christmas and attend the annual AoS Pilgrimage to Holy Island (which this year is to be held on Saturday 2nd June). See details here.
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