Author: Nathaniel Xavier

Message from Stella Maris Chair of Trustees at the launch of Centenary Year

Posted on October 5, 2020 by Nathaniel Xavier -

A message from Stella Maris Great Britain Chair of Trustees Dr Esteban Pacha on the occasion of Stella Maris’ Centenary Mass held in Glasgow on October 4^th 2020.

Good afternoon, good morning and good evening to all those Stella Maris colleagues and friends from wherever you are following this live-streamed Centenary Mass.

On behalf of Stella Maris GB, I want to thank you for joining us to mark 100 years of ministry around the world, since our mission was started in the margins of river Clyde, here in Glasgow.

In this extraordinary and unprecedented circumstances, what a better way to start our Centenary Year than in prayer for seafarers, fishers and their families!

Therefore, special thanks to Archbishop Philip Tartaglia for hosting and celebrating this historic Centenary Mass, to remember those who preceded us, to pray for the people of the sea, and to inspire current and future chaplains, ship visitors and associates, to do more to expand our maritime pastoral around the world and to the peripheries of the oceans.

Today, the work of the seafarers is more essential than ever, as international shipping transports more than 80% of global trade, including food and medicines, goods and energy, to peoples and communities all over the planet.

In addition, the millions of fishers working on board the fishing fleets on the oceans and in coastal communities, supply more than one third of world’s food.

On the occasion of this year’s Day of the Seafarer, and in his prayer intention for the last month of August, Pope Francis has twice paid tribute to the people of the sea, highlighting how their lives and their work have seen significant changes due to global pandemic, and recognising their sacrifices to maintain the flow of commerce and the supply of food. And the Pope has also said to seafarers that “they are not alone and will never be forgotten”.

These words have been indeed inspirational to seafarers, as they are also inspirational to all of us and to our mission, having the Pope also made an appeal, through the work of Stella Maris, “to continue with great vigour to support all those people who work upon the sea”.

This should be our commitment for this Centenary Year and the years to come:

To tirelessly continue providing now, more than ever, long-term support to seafarers, fishers and their families; as well as supporting global efforts to promote sustainable shipping and sustainable fishing sectors, thus enhancing welfare of those who work at sea, both today and into the future.

In as many languages I can, I would like to wish you all a very Happy Centenary Year, looking forward to having the opportunity to meet you in person, here in Glasgow, in a year time, on the occasion of our postponed 25th Stella Maris World Congress.

JE VOUS SOUHAITE A TOUS A JOYEAUX CENTENAIRE

AUGURO A TUTTI VOI UN FELICE CENTENARIO

OS DESEO A TODOS UN MUY FELIZ CENTENARIO

Stella Maris celebrates 100 years of supporting seafarers

Posted on October 2, 2020 by Nathaniel Xavier -

Global seafarers’ charity Stella Maris (formerly known as Apostleship of the Sea) is celebrating 100 years of supporting the world’s seafarers.

It has grown into the largest ship visiting network in the world, providing seafarers with practical and pastoral support, information, and a friend in times of need.

Founded in Glasgow on 4 October 1920, Stella Maris is now a truly international network, with over 1,000 chaplains and volunteers in 330 ports across 60 countries. This remarkable team makes 70,000 ship visits annually to vessels of all flags and nationalities. They look after the wellbeing and welfare of seafarers, regardless of race, creed or faith.

For more information on the work of Stella Maris and how you can support us during our centenary year please contact Ian Stokes, Head of Corporate Engagement and Partnerships on 07732 682090 or email [email protected]

Seafarers’ charity unveils new look as it adapts to new normal

Posted on October 2, 2020 by Nathaniel Xavier -

Global seafarers’ charity Stella Maris (formerly known as Apostleship of the Sea) has launched a new logo, marking the start of its Centenary Year and commemorating World Maritime Day today.

The charity’s new logo and brand update unifies its global network, bringing together the various Stella Maris services worldwide into a single mission and giving it greater recognition in ports around the world.

The ‘Stella Maris’ name is recognised widely among seafarers, fishers, and their families who identify the charity’s chaplains and volunteers as “the ones from Stella Maris”.

“Our ministry has global reach and impact. Having a unified logo will help us publicise and celebrate the wonderful work being accomplished,” said Fr Bruno Ciceri, International Director of Stella Maris Network in Vatican City.

Effective immediately “Stella Maris” will be the official name of the charity, replacing “Apostleship of the Sea”.

Fr Bruno adds, “Stella Maris has greater potential for global reach and the term also translates well into non-Roman alphabet systems, including Cyrillic and Chinese. Both these language systems are important to the shipping industry and the crews of ships.”

The launch of the logo also coincides with the Feast of Stella Maris, Our Lady Star of the Sea – the charity’s patron saint – celebrated today.

The name and brand change comes amid the COVID-19 pandemic which has seen the maritime industry grappling with the challenges created by this new health crisis, including travel restrictions imposed by governments resulting in thousands of seafarers who have finished their contracts unable to return home.

“As we assume the name Stella Maris and refresh our logo our chaplains and volunteers are similarly renewing and refreshing their ministry to seafarers, fishers and their families,” says Fr Bruno.

“The traditional Stella Maris approach towards the provision of pastoral care needs to be revised in this crisis and we are finding inventive and new ways to be present on the docks and be a Church that sails with the people of the sea,” he adds.

Logo explanation

The new Stella Maris logo has been designed to sit comfortably within the maritime sector context while expressing the distinctive nature of our charitable service offering and Catholic foundations. Translated from Latin, the name “Stella Maris” means “Star of the Sea”.

The elements within the symbol characterise Stella Maris’ 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.

100 years of supporting seafarers

Stella Maris was founded in Glasgow in October 1920 and established to support seafarers in need. One hundred years later it is the largest ship visiting network in the world, providing seafarers with practical and pastoral support, information, and a friend in times of need.

To watch a video about our new logo and to download Stella Maris’ new logo and brandkit go to stellamaris.org.uk/brand

Sea Sunday 2020 postponed

Posted on June 30, 2020 by Nathaniel Xavier -

In the light of the continued uncertainty around coronavirus, the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales have decided to postpone Sea Sunday 2020 from July 12 to December. The date has not yet been finalised, but it is likely to be either Sunday 13 or Sunday 20 December.

As you know, the income generated from Sea Sunday is crucial in maintaining our support for seafarers and fishers, but it is also an excellent opportunity to spread awareness of our work to others. We are very grateful that the Bishops have found a way to rearrange Sea Sunday and we look forward to celebrating seafarers and fishers in churches with you in December.

We will update you as soon as we have more information.

Seafarers are key workers who deserve our support

Posted on June 22, 2020 by Nathaniel Xavier -

Our chief executive Martin Foley spoke to Vatican News following Pope Francis’ video message to seafarers. Martin says that seafarers are among the heroes of the pandemic and are key workers who deserve our continued support.

“This is a particularly difficult time for seafarers who have continued to work throughout the pandemic to ensure that our society continues to function; to ensure that our supermarket shelves are stocked. So, we owe a great debt of gratitude to seafarers; they are amongst the heroes of this pandemic,” said Martin.

With “the airline industry being grounded, seafarers who have come to the end of their contracts have had no other option even to extend their contracts; to stay on board their vessels until they can disembark at port from where they can then fly home,” he said.

Stella Maris continues to reach out to seafarers, to support them in whatever way they can. Due to the social distancing restrictions, our chaplains and ship visitors are having to “find ever more innovative ways to reach seafarers”.

Pope Francis sends message to seafarers and prays for them

Posted on June 22, 2020 by Nathaniel Xavier -

Pope Francis has sent a video message of encouragement to seafarers recognised the difficulties they face as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He expresses gratitude for their help in feeding humanity despite the risks involved and prays for those who work at sea and for stranded seafarers who have been unable to go ashore or those unable to go to work.

“Know that you are not alone and that you are not forgotten,” Pope Francis says. “Your work at sea often keeps you apart from others, but you are close to me in my thoughts and prayers, and in those of your chaplains and the volunteers of Stella Maris.”

Stella Maris survey reveals impact of Covid-19 on seafarers

Posted on June 16, 2020 by Nathaniel Xavier -

Putting food on the table, paying household bills and loans and ensuring job security are among the top concerns faced by seafarers as they cope with the impact that Covid-19 is having on their lives and that of their families.

A recent survey conducted by global maritime charity Stella Maris showed that such financial worries have had a profound impact on seafarers, with 69% saying that Covid-19 has impacted them financially “a lot” or “very much”.

Seafarers also said the pandemic has had a significant impact on their emotional, mental, physical and psychological wellbeing.

A total of 363 seafarers ranging from deck officers to ABs and engine crew responded to Stella Maris’ questionnaire, the majority being from the Philippines.

Providing food for extended family members was the most urgent need, and it will be even more pressing in the next few months when emergency relief goods stop being provided, and personal savings deplete.

Paying for school uniforms, supplies and tuition fees was also identified as being critical over the next few months as schools start to reopen.

The survey revealed that the cost of putting food on the table was between US$200 to US$400 a month depending on the number of people in a seafarer’s extended family, while it cost about US$200 a month for school uniforms and supplies. Around 40% of respondents were forking out US$400 a month to repay loans taken out to buy property or vehicles.

Asked what their most urgent need would be in the next six months to a year, the majority of seafarers said it was to secure a new contract and go back to work.

Stella Maris global coordinator Fr Bruno Ciceri who commissioned the report said, “Being on the frontline in ports, our chaplains and volunteers realised straightaway the very real and immediate impact the pandemic is having upon seafarers and fishers with no source of income and stranded in foreign nations or even in their own country.
“With many ports locked down, and seafarers not allowed to go ashore, Stella Maris chaplains and volunteers changed the way we work moving to “virtual chaplaincy” and, where it is still possible, from visiting ships to carrying out “gangway visits” providing care packages and support to crews,” he said.

As countries move on from the initial phase of the pandemic, Stella Maris is beginning to see a new wave of issues affecting seafarers. In particular, there are increasing concerns around mid-to long-term financial, physical and mental health.

The charity is also being made aware of stigma and fear surrounding seafarers when they return home to rural communities in Southern Asia, that they are ‘bringing the disease with them’ and being treated as pariahs, leading to distress, fear and depression for them and their families.

Fr Ciceri added that Stella Maris is now formulating an action plan based on the survey’s responses so its global network can provide the appropriate welfare and pastoral support to seafarers, fishers and their families.

“As the situation continues to evolve, Stella Maris seeks to work with all partners trying to support these developing needs of the seafarer, and ensure that they are not adversely or unfairly treated through their service to others through this pandemic”.

Stella Maris Survey: Impact of Covid-19 on seafarers PDFDownload