Author: Sarah Eustace

Fr David Burke, a former port chaplain with Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) celebrated Mass for seafarers, their families and all who support them at the church of Our Lady of the Assumption, Warwick Street, Soho on September 26. 
              Fr David, now parish priest of Sacred Heart in Berkhamsted, previously served as a port chaplain in the ports of Hull and Goole before becoming a priest. 
              In his homily Fr David said, “During my time as port chaplain I had the privilege to visit many ships; and despite the hardship, loneliness and isolation felt by the seafarers, those on board were always full of smiles of gratitude that someone from the Apostleship of the Sea had come to visit, with a word, a prayer, some news, a phone card, a bible, a woolly hat, a trip to local seafarers centre or opportunity to go into town, or the opportunity to have Mass on board that evening.” 

Fr David Burke, during his days as AoS Hull & Goole Port Chaplain

              Nearly 70 percent of seafarers are estimated to be Catholic, coming from places like the Philippines, Poland and Goa. Apostleship of the Sea network of port chaplains, ship visitors and volunteers provide spiritual and practical assistance to seafarers by being a friend in port.
              In his homily, Fr David also spoke of ‘kabayan’ – a Filipino word used when one Filipino meets another they haven’t met before. It asks generally if the other is a countryman and informs a stranger that they are friends that they have not yet met. It conveys a sense of fraternity, friendship, a closeness established between seafarers, and a connection that they are children of God, said Fr David. 
              “At this Mass we celebrate for all seafarers, families and those who support them, we also celebrate the ‘kabayan’ of the Apostleship of the Sea around the world and in the UK; ‘kabayan’ showed to all seafarers, our ‘kabayan’ as Apostleship of the Sea,” said Fr David. 
              “Our ship visit, our welcome, the small gesture, the friendship, the chat, the rosary, the sharing of a biscuit – these can never be underestimated because it is often in these encounters that God works,” he added. 
              Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) celebrates its centenary in October next year, which kicks-off with its 25th World Congress in Glasgow where it was founded. Watch the welcome video here https://youtu.be/5Jazc5ObbqI

Bishop Terence Drainey commissioned ship visitor Keith Rodgers, 74, during a special Mass held in St Charles Borromeo in October to commemorate the feast of Our Lady Star of the Sea. 
              Keith has been a ship visitor with Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) since 2012 and goes on board ships arriving in the ports of Hull and Goole to support seafarers. 
              The Mass was attended by all the Apostleship of the Sea Chaplains from the North East region, their volunteers, supporters and local parishioners.
             
              In May 2016 Keith supported a 22-year-old Indian seafarer who had sustained injuries at sea. The seafarer was hospitalised, and Keith visited him in hospital almost every day and sometimes twice a day.
              Keith put into action Apostleship of the Sea’s local ‘emergency plan’ and gave the seafarer a mobile phone so he could contact his parents who initially had no real knowledge of what had happened to their son. 
              During many hours together Keith and the injured seafarer spoke about the young man’s hopes and aspirations and helped to encourage him in his positive outlook. He left hospital in much better spirits. 
              Nearly 70 percent of seafarers are estimated to be Catholic, coming from places like the Philippines, Poland and Goa. Apostleship of the Sea network of port chaplains, ship visitors and volunteers provide spiritual and practical assistance to seafarers by being a friend in port. 
              Apostleship of the Sea celebrates its centenary in October next year, which kicks-off with its 25th World Congress in Glasgow where it was founded. Watch a welcome video at https://youtu.be/5Jazc5ObbqI

Global maritime charity Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) has welcomed the signing of a Declaration which will boost fishing vessel safety and help curb illegal and unregulated fishing. 
              Forty eight countries have signed the Torremolinos Declaration, indicating their determination to ratify the 2012 Cape Town Agreement on fishing vessel safety during a Ministerial Conference this week led by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
              The Torremolinos Ministerial Conference on Fishing Vessel Safety and Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing was held from October 21 to 23 in Torremolinos, Spain. 
              “Stella Maris commends and welcomes the Declaration and Resolution. We look forward to working with the IMO, International Labour Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization and IMO Member States to eradicate IUU fishing and provide better welfare support to fishers and their families on whom we depend for so much,” said the Charity’s National Director Martin Foley. 
              Foley said IUU fishing affects not only fish stocks and the environment but also the just and fair employment of many of thousands of fishers. “Cases of severe physical maltreatment, employment abuses such as non-payment of wages and bonded labour have also been encountered by Stella Maris port chaplains and other agencies supporting crew working in the fishing sector,” he said. 

              Foley said fishers work in one of the most dangerous environments and yet all too often governments and authorities turn a blind eye to the appalling conditions many are forced to endure. 
              Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) is committed to fighting trafficking in the fishing industry and is actively involved in assisting fishers who are in danger of being exploited and abused by unscrupulous owners by providing spiritual and material assistance to the fishers and their families. 
              Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) Chair of Trustees Dr Esteban Pacha, who is also part of Spain’s Delegation to the IMO, attended the Conference which saw participation from some 120 States, 70 ministerial-level representatives, 30 international organisations and 500 delegates.
              He said, “We need all parties to commit to ensuring safer seas and decent working conditions for fishers, and with this Declaration, we are closer than ever to this objective. We urge all Member States to ratify the Cape Town Agreement.” 

              In a communique published on their website, IMO says that 48 Members States have signed the Torremolinos Declaration, publicly indicating their determination to ensure that the 2012 Cape Town Agreement on fishing vessel safety will enter into force by the tenth anniversary of its adoption on October 11 2022. 
              The Cape Town Agreement includes mandatory safety measures for fishing vessels of 24 m in length and over. It covers key parameters such as stability and associated seaworthiness, machinery and electrical installations, life-saving appliances, communications equipment, fire protection and fishing vessel construction. 
              Although adopted in 2012, it will only enter into force after at least 22 States, with an aggregate 3,600 fishing vessels of 24 m in length and over, have expressed their consent to be bound by it.
* A prayer for fishers and their families.
 

Bishop Robert Byrne from Hexham & Newcastle Diocese recently joined our Port Chaplains Deacon Peter Barrigan and Paul Atkinson on a port and ship visit (his first) in Tyne port on October 23.
               He went on board a DFDS ferry and saw for himself how our chaplains support seafarers and cruise ship crew members. He also met several crew members.
              The crew were delighted to welcome the Bishop and the captain spoke highly of Paul who visits the ship regularly and has become a friend to many of those on board.
               Bishop Robert described how Stella Maris' (Apostleship of the Sea) ministry of ship visiting akin to that of a 'parish at sea', seafarers are like parishioners we haven't seen in a while.
               He also likened the role of chaplains to that of lightning conductors; everything that goes on around comes through the chaplains who make sure all things pass peacefully.

               
You can see some photos by following this link below. Photos are by Iain Gelston/Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle

Two seafarers from the Navigator Genesis, docked at Fawley terminal recently, enjoyed a welcomed break on land at the Stella Maris Seafarers’ Centre at St Bernard’s Church in Holbury, Hampshire.
             The seafarers explained to our volunteers at the centre that they were at anchor off of the Isle of Wright for 30 days.
             Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) South Coast Regional Port Chaplain Fr John Lavers says AoS Stella Maris has been monitoring the length of time ships have remained at anchor before entering port at Southampton and Portsmouth.
             "For seafarers this is becoming more of a regular occurrence in remaining at anchor for many days before entering port," Fr John says. He adds, "Without access to the internet this time at anchor for long periods of time can be very stressful for seafarers."
             Please pray for the seafarers on ships at anchor….Our Lady Star of the Sea (Stella Maris)…Pray for them.

An award-winning acapella male choir will kick off a series of carol services for seafarers in Great Britain organised by Catholic charity Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea). 
             The charity’s inaugural carol service in Glasgow on Sunday December 8 will feature the CloseShave Chorus who will bring their unique barbershop vocal harmonies to the event at Glasgow University Catholic Chaplaincy. 
             Three more Stella Maris carol services will follow; in Southampton (9 December), South Shields (11 December) and London (12 December), allowing supporters and local parishioners in those areas to come together and raise their voices for seafarers.
             “Many seafarers will not be home for Christmas this year, working at sea and in ports during the festive period. But that doesn't mean that they'll be forgotten,” Stella Maris Development Director John Green said.
             “This year we'll be holding Christmas Carol Services in Glasgow, Southampton, London and South Shields, paying tribute to seafarers for all they do – including bringing us the goods that make up our Christmas presents,” he added. 

             John said, “Seafarers are the ones who deliver the Christmas presents we open and the food that make our Christmas meals – but their Christmas will just be another long and lonely working day on the ocean.” 
             He added, "Stella Maris – through its extensive network of more than 200 port chaplains, ship visitors and volunteers in Great Britain and around the world – ensure that seafarers are not left out of the Christmas festivities by going on board ships to distribute shoeboxes filled with woolly hats, toiletries, socks, chocolates, and prayer books and Stella Maris faith magazines to the many crew members they meet." 
              Details including times and venues of Stella Maris Christmas Carol services can be found at https://www.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk/carol-services 
              All are invited to come along and join in the singing and traditional refreshments afterwards including mince pies and mulled wine.

On World Maritime Day in September, Britannia P&I staff visited ports, ships and crew in Southampton, Felixstowe, Hong Kong and Tokyo, to experience first-hand the important work carried out by Apostleship of the Sea (Stella Maris).
              They’ve written about their experience in CrewWatch, the company’s newsletter, which you can find here https://britanniapandi.com/public…/crew-watch-november-2019/ 

The Holy See has called on shipping’s main global regulatory body to improve the safety of fishers and to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. 
              Under the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Safety of Life at Sea Convention the safety of the world’s 1.5 million seafarers are protected, but there is no such protective regulation for the 40 million fishers, said Cardinal Peter Turkson. 
              Cardinal Turkson was addressing the IMO General Assembly held today in London where he led the Holy See’s delegation. 
              In a press briefing, IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim reiterated the Organization's commitment to fishing vessel safety and safety at sea. 
              Cardinal Turkson said the Holy See was grateful for the leading role the IMO and other organisations have played in ratifying and implementing global conventions that seek to promote the rights of seafarers and fishers. 
              He applauded global maritime charity Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) whose work has been at the forefront of providing welfare, practical and pastoral support to seafarers and fishers.
             
              Earlier this year Stella Maris in the Seychelles reported an incident in which four Filipino fishermen whose work contracts had expired were desperate to return home to their families. However, the Captain of the trawler refused to let them go and pay for flight tickets to the Philippines. Following the intervention of Stella Maris and other agencies the men were eventually paid and repatriated. 
              Martin Foley Stella Maris European Regional Coordinator said, “We are delighted that Cardinal Turkson, representing the Holy See, has addressed the IMO General Assembly. His call to member states to uphold the human rights of those working at sea, particularly fishers, is most welcome, as is his support for the work of Stella Maris with seafarers and fishers in over 300 ports globally.” 
              Cardinal Turkson also conveyed Pope Francis’ appreciation for the IMO’s commitment to develop measures to control shipping emissions, which include regulations that mandate the use of cleaner fuel at sea. 
              “This places shipping at the forefront of efforts to decarbonise the global economy and promote investments in clean energy for sustainable shipping,” he said.

Fr John Lavers (Stella Maris South Coast Regional Port Chaplain), Tebaldo Vinciguerra (from the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development), Cardinal Turkson, Dr Esteban Pacha (Stella Maris Chair of Trustees), Martin Foley (Stella Maris European Regional Coordinator) and Monsignor Vincent Brady (from the Apostolic Nunciature in the UK)

Cardinal Turkson being received at IMO Headquarters by Juvenal Shiundu, Director of IMO Technical Cooperation Division and former trustee, Stella Maris Chair of Trustees Esteban Pacha, Trustee William Azuh and members of the Holy See delegation Stella Maris National Director/European Regional Coordinator Martin Foley and Stella Maris South Coast Regional Port Chaplain Fr John Lavers.
 

Our East Anglia Port Chaplain Patricia Ezra writes…

Sunday the 1st Dec was a first for me. My ship visitor Julian Wong had contacted me earlier in the week to say he was arranging for Mass to be said on the CPO Baltimore on a Sunday morning!
              I wondered how he had managed this bearing the mind the shortage of priests and the fact that the Port Chaplain Fr John Barnes would indeed be saying Mass for his parish on a Sunday morning. It turned out that Julian’s parish currently has an assistance priest who has only arrived recently from India so currently is not fully committed for Sunday Masses and Fr Bineesh was eager to help. It turned out that his father was a retired fisherman so he was wanted to understand more about life at sea. 

Julian and Fr Bineesh

              Meanwhile, Julian had been in contact with the Captain of the MV Barry that had berthed next to the CPO Baltimore and mentioned that they could have Mass on board if they would like, as we were already saying Mass on the ship ‘next door’, so to speak.
               He was pleased to accept this offer so the scene was set for two Masses to be said, both on a Sunday morning, on container ships, in Felixstowe. I collected Julian and Fr Bineesh from Ipswich and we headed to the port. 
              A pass was obtained for Fr Bineesh, from Adrian, a very helpful member of the port police and them we could go through security and on to the dock. Pulling up by the ship it was clear we were expected and the seafarers helped us bring our bags aboard. 
              Julian had kindly arranged Christmas presents for the crew and also some food ‘goodies’ for them.  We were shown into the crew mess where a table had already been set up for us to use as an altar. 
              We set up for the Mass and a call was put out to the crew to come along. Before the Mass go underway Julian said thank you to the captain and crew for inviting us to say Mass for them and to Fr Bineesh for offering to help. As you can see there a plenty of smiling faces. 

With crew of CPO Baltimore

              The captain told us that it was probably more than fifteen years since he had been able to have Mass on his ship. The captain kindly gave us lunch and told us that ten of the crew were off to London for the afternoon.
              He has a wellbeing budget and he uses it to arrange trips like this for the crew. They were very excited at the prospect of even a brief trip to London. Bearing in mind that they needed to get away for their London trip we then left the CPO Baltimore and went to visit the MV Barry.
              We were a little early for Mass on the MV Barry as we had planned it for 1pm but no one seemed to mind and a table was prepared for us to use as the altar. Several of the seafarers also brought statues and icons to be blessed by Father. During the Mass we all exchanged the sign of peace and this was lovely as everyone wanted to shake everyone’s hand. 

WIth the crew of mv Barry

              The crew then gave us drinks and cake to say thank you and also a small hamper.  We are planning to give this a raffle prize for the forthcoming AoS Carol Concert at Felixstowe labelled as ‘genuine seafarers’ food!’ 
              So as we left the ship there was a general sense that we had provided a real service to the seafarers.  Both of the ships we visited were extremely friendly and welcoming and it was a pleasure to be able to serve them.
              Particular thanks must go to Julian and Fr Beineesh for being prepared to undertake this ministry.

Patricia with Fr Bineesh