Author: Sarah Eustace

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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Bryony Watson, our port chaplain in Immingham, was been featured on BBC Radio Humberside's Pause for Thought on January 27.
             She reminds us that the most precious cargo on board ships are the human lives – the seafarers who go about their jobs bringing us almost everything we use in our daily lives.
             It's well worth a listen. Listen here. (Audio copyright BBC Humberside).

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Our Malta port chaplain Fr Joe Borg has been instrumental in providing a safe haven for a group of seafarers who were left stranded when their ship ran aground in Qawra Point, Malta. 
              The seven crew members from the bunkering tanker Hephaestus, were left with nothing but the clothes on their backs after their ship ran aground on February 10, the day when Malta commemorates the shipwreck of St Paul on the Island at almost the spot some 2,000 years ago.
              Fr Joe, who runs the Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) Seafarers' Centre in Valetta gave them accommodation at Centre, and looked after them while arrangements were made for their return home. 
              The men had access to the Internet, WiFi, television and a fully-equipped kitchen in the Centre, named Dar MV Moor, after the ship which sank in World War II resulting in the loss of 28 Maltese seafarers. 
     
             Fr Joe also received donations of clothes, food and toiletries from friends and the local community after making appeals at Mass.
             These provisions ensured that the crew’s 18-day stay at the Centre was made as comfortable as possible and their basic needs were catered for.
             The Togo-registered ship ran into trouble when it was hit by strong winds and rough seas. To add to their woes, the crew, comprising four Bangladeshi, two Russians and an Egyptian had also not been paid their wages for several months. 

Home away from home the Dar MV Moor Seafarers Centre.               

               Fr Joe said, “Their plight has ended on a positive note. They were paid the wages owed to them and have returned home to their families. Before leaving, the captain, on behalf of the crew, thanked me and the Maltese people for our generosity.” 
             He added, “I never expected that the Seafarers’ Centre would have to accommodate shipwrecked seafarers. Although they had been through a terrible ordeal, the men were grateful to find safe shelter, food and friendship provided by AoS and the local community.”

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