Stella Maris - Apostleship of the Sea

Our chaplains are there to support seafarers in whatever ways they can, be it spiritually, pastorally or practically, often a combination of all three.

In Aberdeen, our Northeast Scotland regional chaplain, Deacon Doug Duncan, organised Mass to be celebrated on board the AIDAsol cruise ship by Fr Gabor St Peter's Catholic Church
A spiritual hour was held prior to the Mass allowing crew who required prayer to attend either for confession or ministry.

Separately, in Ipswich our East Anglia regional chaplain Julian Wong visited the cargo vessel Vesper which had a Filipino master and three other Filipinos who were Catholic. Julian gave them Holy Communion onboard. He also handed out some woolly hats which one of our supporters had sent over. Julian then transported them to a local supermarket to get their monthly food shop done.

Thanks very much to our summer volunteer interns Tybie Brown and Joseph Park for their great work in our London office over the last few weeks. We are sorry to see them go but we wish them all the best in their future careers.

Today is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons; an important opportunity to raise awareness and support to end human trafficking.

The maritime industry, including our busy UK ports, faces particular challenges when it comes to human trafficking. Ships can be used to transport victims across borders, while ports may serve as entry points for trafficked individuals. The isolated nature of seafaring and fishing work can make maritime workers vulnerable, and the complex jurisdictions involved in international shipping can make detection and intervention particularly difficult.

At Stella Maris, we see the devastating impact this crime can have on seafarers and fishers, which often extends far beyond the point of rescue. Our chaplains provide ongoing support to those who have been rescued, sometimes for years, as they await their cases to be heard. During this time, survivors often face isolation, unable to work to provide for their families or travel to see their loved ones. This prolonged period of uncertainty can be emotionally and financially draining, compounding the trauma they've already endured.

This is a crisis that needs our collective action. By working together - charities, industry, and government - we can make our seas safer for everyone. This is why we've initiated the UK Maritime Anti-Slavery Network, partnering with organisations across maritime, government, charity, academia, and private sectors. Excellent work is already being undertaken but more needs to be done to share knowledge, expertise, and ideas across the sectors, to increase safety and security against modern slavery in the maritime environment.

Today, we recommit ourselves to this important mission and invite you to stand with us in the fight against human trafficking at sea.

We are extremely proud of Russ Fairman who, in his capacity as a Stella Maris volunteer, has been shortlisted for the Third Sector’s Volunteer of the Year Award. This is for his incredible Sailing Pilgrimage celebrating 100+ years of Stella Maris.

Russ sailed 2,433 miles around the UK in 70 days. He also welcomed and trained 60 crew members, held live radio interviews under sail, posted daily to social media and spoke to hundreds of people about Stella Maris. This raised awareness and vital funds for our work with seafarers, fishers, and their families.

Congratulations Russ on this shortlisting, what an amazing achievement!

You can watch a video showing some highlights of this inspiring epic journey in the comments below.

Sailing Pilgrimages

https://www.thirdsectorawards.com/finalists/russ-fairman-0lc4jdfu0n6iweb

Last week, ahead of Sea Sunday at the weekend, our Tilbury and London Gateway regional port chaplain Wojciech Holub was interviewed by Radio Maria England. Wojciech spoke about his calling to become a chaplain, how Stella Maris helps seafarers and fishers, and about . You can listen to the recording here via this link. It's definitely worth a listen! https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/R5KmAd7ZaLb

This Sea Sunday, please join us in praying for seafarers and fishers

Seafarers and fishers are the unseen backbone of our global economy, spending months away from their families, often facing isolation and loneliness. Sadly this year they also face an escalating risk of violence. This is especially true of those currently working in the Black and Red Seas due to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

This is why Sea Sunday is so important. It gives us all an opportunity to show our support for those who work at sea.

Your prayers and support make an immense difference to seafarers and fishers. They know they're not forgotten, even in the most turbulent times.

Your generosity enables Stella Maris to continue to provide vital support. From offering spiritual support or a listening ear, to providing Wi-Fi for calls home, our chaplains are there when they're needed most.

You can donate in your church, by visiting www.stellamaris.org.uk/donate, or by texting ‘SEA’ to 70460 to donate £5. Thank you.

Tomorrow is Sea Sunday, a day to remember and pray for seafarers and fishers.

Cardinal Michael Czerny S.J, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development in the Vatican has issued a message for Sea Sunday which you can read in full here: https://stellamaris.org.uk/sea-sunday-message-2024/

Could you help your children celebrate ?

Why not download our special resource that turns prayers into origami boats!

This fun activity lets kids craft their own prayer boats while learning about the importance of seafarers and our connection to the sea.

You can download this, and our other resources for children by clicking on the comments.

A new report shows an increase in violence against seafarers in 2024.

Recent data from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy and Armed Robbery Report reveals a 75% increase in violent incidents against seafarers in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year. At the same time, Houthi rebels have intensified attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Our CEO, Tim Hill MBE, states: "These figures are deeply troubling. The safety of seafarers is paramount. This Sea Sunday, we call on governments to uphold their duty to protect those working at sea. Stella Maris will continue to provide much needed support to seafarers and their families in these challenging and turbulent times.”

Read the full statement on our website https://stellamaris.org.uk/concern-over-escalating-violence-against-seafarers/

Is your Parish ready for ?

Seafarers and fishers spend months away from their families, facing isolation, loneliness, challenging conditions, and sometimes extreme danger. This is especially true of those currently working in the Black and Red Seas due to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Sea Sunday, on 14th July, is an opportunity to show your support for those who work at sea.

You can still download our resources to help your parish celebrate with us at www.stellamaris.org.uk/seasunday

Sea Sunday 14th July 2024 Join us as we come together to pray for seafarers and fishers, and thank them for their vital role in our lives.

We're absolutely delighted to announce the expansion of our global network to East Africa with the opening of Stella Maris Tanzania last Friday. The new team is being spearheaded by chaplain Fr Patrick Musumbu, based in Dar es Salaam. He will work with a team of volunteers as part of a network including neighbouring centres along the East and South African coast. Their work will also take them into local fishing communities and to the island of Zanzibar.

Our new mission opens at a time when seafarers need additional support with the rising numbers of vessels diverting to the region to avoid the Red Sea, which means more crews passing through the region, and seafarers face being at sea significantly longer. The launch of Stella Maris Tanzania means more of these seafarers and local seafarers and fishers can be supported.

Archbishop Jude Ruwa-Ichi, Archbishop of Dar es Salaam, attended the launch. He said: “The life of the fisher and seafarer is very tough and they deserve the attention of the church … [the archdiocese] are willing and ready to support this noblest of endeavours. Fishers and seafarers live unseen lives and the church has a duty to reach those living on the margins. We thank Stella Maris for taking up this mission on our behalf, and we thank Stella Maris UK for their support in helping us start this mission, and their commitment to helping us.”

More information here https://stellamaris.org.uk/stella-maris-launches-tanzania-operation-as-region-feels-strain-of-red-sea-attacks/

Some short videos from our 20th annual Day of Prayer and Pilgrimage in Holy Island, Lindisfarne held over the weekend. A truly wonderful day and it was a joy to see so many of you as we came together in prayer and fellowship.

A huge thanks to our supporters and friends who turned up in full force to attend our Day of Prayer and Pilgrimage in Holy Island, Lindisfarne, over the weekend, the 20th anniversary!
It proved to be a beautiful day filled with prayer, thanksgiving, joy and fellowship, a lovely opportunity to pray for seafarers and fishers and for the work of Stella Maris, ahead of Sea Sunday on 14th July this year.
You can see photos here

Holy Island Pilgrimage 20th Annniversary Stella Maris held its 20th Day of Prayer and Pilgrimage in Holy Island, Lindisfarne, on 29th June 2024.

Here are some recent examples of how our chaplains and ship visitors go out of their way daily to ensure that seafarers calling into UK ports feel welcomed, supported and made to feel valued.

Our Southampton regional port chaplain Gregory Hogan was a visit to Maersk Newcastle, a container ship just arrived in from Colombia in the early hours after ten days at sea. On the way across the Atlantic the crew had contacted Gregory to ask if he could buy a few items for them as they would only be in port about 15 hours and wouldn't have time to go ashore.

So Gregory purchased and delivered a desk fan, a PlayStation 2 and a range of games, computer cables, a muscle massager, perfume, children's toys, mobile phones, vitamins and assorted toiletries. Some items were for personal use, others were gifts for family back home in the Philippines, India and Ukraine.

Morale was visibly boosted as the purchases were paid for and handed over to very grateful seafarers, and the captain came in to thank Gregory personally for this special favour for his crew.

Separately in Aberdeen, a ship crew made a request to Deacon Doug Duncan, our Northeast Scotland regional port chaplain, for some warmer clothing due to the colder weather they were experiencing in other parts of the world.

Doug arranged for two large holdalls of clothing to be delivered to the vessel so the seafarers could choose what they needed. Doug also arranged for four of the seafarers to be dropped off in town where they visited the Aberdeen Seafarers Centre and stocked up with essentials before heading off to their next port of call.

On this , we celebrate the vital role of the 1.9million seafarers around the world in driving international trade.

As an island nation, it’s essential that we also recognise the enormous personal sacrifices they make, often spending extended periods away from home, working in austere conditions and sometimes in danger, to move more than 80% of the world’s trade.

Today, we’re calling on the international maritime industry to invest more time and resources in improving the lived experience of seafarers with rewarding career structures and opportunities, robust policies for health, safety and welfare, mentoring, training and education, as well as fair remuneration, good living and working conditions, improved access to shore leave and reliable connectivity whilst at sea.

Excellent practices do exist, but more work needs to be done to embed a leadership culture that invests properly in its people, recognises their value and importance, and treats every individual with dignity. Not only will this improve the lives of seafarers, it will also create happier, healthier, more professional and capable crews operating safe and efficient ships, and it will increase recruitment and retention of the industry’s greatest asset.


International Maritime Organization - IMO

At Stella Maris, our work is powered by our incredible volunteers. Whether you're visiting ships, promoting our mission in your parish, knitting warm clothes for seafarers and fishers, serving as a Trustee, or helping in our offices, you make a difference every day. Thank you for your dedication and support – we couldn't do it without you!

Tim Hill, CEO of Stella Maris UK, was honoured to attend and speak about our work with seafarers and fishers at the inspiring Annual General Meeting of The Seafarers’ Charity this morning.

Only five more sleeps until our Thank You and Update webinar for supporters on 28th May 7.30pm until 9pm! If you would like to attend to hear how we have been using your donated funds to support seafarers and fishers over the last year or so, please sign up here: https://stellamaris.org.uk/thankyou2024 Hope to see you then!

2024 Thank you and Update webinar - Stella Maris Join us to hear about the impact of your generosity on the lives of seafarers, fishers, and their families

Happy International Day for Women in Maritime!

Today, we celebrate the incredible women of Stella Maris who work tirelessly to ensure seafarers and fishers feel safe and supported across the globe.

Every single day, they make a real difference in the lives of the people of the sea.

Stella Maris were honoured to attend an event at the Cutty Sark last night commemorating the 58 fishermen lost in the Triple Trawler Tragedy 56 years ago, and the Headscarf Revolutionaries, a group of brave fishwives from Hull whose subsequent campaign made fishing safer. This was part of a very special series of events held in conjunction with The Seafarers’ Charity, Fishermen's Mission, Seafish and other partners.

RIP – John Pinhay, Regional Port Chaplain (Falmouth & Fowey), Stella Maris

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of John Pinhay, Stella Maris’ regional chaplain at the ports of Falmouth and Fowey, Cornwall for more than ten years, who passed away peacefully on Friday, 10th May.

John, 77, was a ship visitor with Stella Maris for several years before being appointed port chaplain in 2013. He was a generous man who became a friend to the many seafarers he encountered during his ministry.

Through the years, John – along with his loyal ship visitor, Simon Bromage, and John’s wife Patricia, also a former ship visitor herself - was a welcome presence on the many ships they visited, and in the community they served.

Early on in his ministry, John realised how important communication, Faith materials and other resources are to seafarers. “When I go onboard a ship, I have my stock of “Bible Alive’s”, Sunday Missals, prayer cards, chocolate bars, newspapers, maps of the town, mobile Wifi unit, mobile phone SIM cards, you name it, I try and carry it,” he said.

John, a parishioner of St Mary Immaculate in Falmouth, helped organise numerous coffee mornings and Christmas gift wrapping sessions with Stella Maris supporters at the parish, raising funds and packing Christmas goodie bags for seafarers.

Last year, John supported the crew of the cargo ship Mazarine, who were in Falmouth Harbour for many months while their vessel underwent repairs, having lost power and run aground near the Isles of Scilly. John and Simon provided them with much-needed company, friendship and even delicious Cornish treats, for the duration of their stay, spending time in prayer with the bosun for his family.

Stella Maris CEO Tim Hill MBE said, “Throughout his long career in the Royal Navy and latterly with Stella Maris, John dedicated his life supporting sailors, seafarers, fishers and their families. His commitment and self-sacrifice shone as a beacon of light to us all. His loss will be sorely felt throughout our entire Stella Maris family.”

Deacon Nick O’Neill, Stella Maris Senior Area Port Chaplain for South of England and Wales said, “I have been in total admiration and awe of John’s long, committed and dedicated service to his family, the church, to Stella Maris and of course, to the hard-working seafarers. He has always been the most gentle, kind and compassionate man, and it has been an honour and privilege to have him as part of the team and to have had the chance to get to know him.”

John was a lovely man with a generous heart, who made an enormous contribution to Stella Maris and to supporting seafarers and fishers. He will be greatly missed by everyone he knew and by all at Stella Maris.

We pray for the repose of his soul and for his wife Patricia, his children, Sean and Helen, and their family at this sad time.

It's Mental Health Awareness Week.
Day in, day out, Stella Maris' chaplains and volunteer ship visitors welcome seafarers and fishers in ports, always available for a chat, some advice, and a shoulder to lean on.

As part of the National Fishing Remembrance Day events held across the UK yesterday, Ann Donnelly, our regional port chaplain (Teignmouth & Plymouth) spoke to BBC Radio Devon about the importance of celebrating the Day, the hard work and sacrifices that fishers and seafarers make, how her faith helps her ministry, and the support Stella Maris provides fishers and seafarers. Ann read the prayer for the service held in Brixham, Devon. You can listen to her interview here (Scroll to 2:08:25 for the start)

Mel Osborne on BBC Radio Devon - Rick Edwards sits in (12/05/2024) - BBC Sounds Rick Edwards sits in. An exploration of the various faiths and ethics across Devon.

What a privilege to be part of the many poignant services and wreath laying ceremonies held yesterday in towns across the UK for the first National Day.
Stella Maris was involved in nine of the memorial services, both leading and supporting them, in partnership with Fishermen's Mission and The Seafarers’ Charity
We remember the sacrifices and hard work of who have made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives at sea.
Here's a selection of some photos from the events we were involved in.

We are delighted to be attending The Catenian Association's national conference in Kenilworth. We are very grateful for all the support we get from the Catenians for our work with seafarers and fishers.

ONLY 5 days to go. We're looking forward to the new National Fishing Remembrance Day this Sunday, 12 May, with events at fishing ports around the country, led by Fishermen's Mission and us. Fishers not only help to feed the nation but are at the heart of communities around our coastline. National Fishing Remembrance Day will give loved ones, coastal communities and the wider public a chance to commemorate the lives lost at sea and pay tribute to their valuable service. You can join in the various events. To find your nearest event please go to: https://www.theseafarerscharity.org/get-involved/national-fishing-remembrance-day

The Seafarers’ Charity RNLI Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Royal Museums Greenwich

Wishing all seafarers, fishers, families, friends and supporters who celebrate Easter today according to the Julian calendar!
Here's a Easter message from Bishop Paul Chomnycky, Head of the Patriarchal Commission For Seafarers (Ukraine). Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all seafarers and fishers affected by the war in Ukraine. We also keep in prayer Fr Alexander and Rostyslav, our Stella Maris chaplains and colleagues from Apostleship of the Sea(Ukraine) who continue supporting seafarers, fishers and families despite the incredibly difficult environment.
Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London
Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family

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“Чи не палало наше серце в нас у грудях, коли Він промовляв до нас у дорозі та вияснював нам Писання?”
Луки 24:32

Сцена, коли Клеопа та його супутник поспішають до Емауса після розп’яття та смерті Ісуса, є однією з найбільш пам’ятних у всьому Святому Письмі. Намагаючись забути все, свідками чого вони були за останні кілька днів, ті двоє вирішують максимально віддалитися фізично від жахливих подій в Єрусалимі.

Багато різних емоцій пронизували їхні серця, коли вони поспішали цим самотнім шляхом: розгубленість, страх, смуток, але, перш за все, безнадія. Усі їхні прагнення та бажання щодо майбутнього закінчилися зі смертю Ісуса. Сподіватись уже не було на що.

Безвихідь, яку переживають Клеопа та його супутник, добре знайома і нам – тим, хто живе дві тисячі років потому. Люди кожного покоління знають подібні страждання.

Ми спотикаємось і падаємо у безодню безнадійності з багатьох причин: коли ми зазнаємо невдачі у своїх починаннях, коли почуваємося відчуженими чи ізольованими від інших, коли нас сковує хвороба чи обставини життя, коли ми відчуваємо безпорадність і розуміємо, що не можемо контролювати власну долю, і, особливо, коли ми знову і знову впадаємо у гріх.

Для нас, українців, почуття безнадійності посилилося внаслідок руйнівного вторгнення росіян на нашу Батьківщину. Після двох років смерті та руйнування, здається, немає світла в кінці тунелю. Коли це все закінчиться? Скільки ще страждань ми покликані витерпіти?

Клеопа та його супутник дають відповідь усім нам: усім, хто страждає від безнадії та відчаю, незалежно від того, яку форму ті приймають. І ця відповідь: Воскреслий Христос!

Воскреслий і прославлений Христос зустрічає їх на дорозі серед темряви їхнього розпачу і промовляє до них, починаючи проливати світло в темряву. Пізніше, вже в Емаусі, під час переломлення хліба відбувається повне їхнє перетворення. Їхнє життя кардинально змінюється. Ісус пропонує їм Своє Тіло, а разом з ним світло надії та світлу й певну дорогу в майбутнє.

Тоді їхні сумніви, їхній біль, їхній смуток, їхній страх тануть, як ранкова роса на сонці. Все змінюється. Настільки, що після того, як Він зникає з їхніх очей, вони вигукують одне до одного: “Хіба наші серця не горіли в нас, коли Він розмовляв з нами на нашому шляху і пояснював нам Писання?”
І тоді вони, оновлені, з новою мужністю та рішучістю дивлячись в майбутнє, повертаються до Єрусалиму, щоб свідчити про Воскреслого Христа.

Дорогі у Христі! Сьогодні Воскреслий Христос зустрічає і кожного з нас, як зустрічав Клеопу та його супутника, і йде з нами дорогою нашого життя, як ішов з ними. Він зустрічає нас, де б ми не були – навіть тих, хто працює далеко від дому на великих торгових кораблях, що курсують відкритими морями.

Своїм славетним Воскресінням із темряви могили та вічної смерті Ісус дає нам відновлену надію на вічне життя та світло для дороги, що лежить перед нами. Він дає нам впевненість і мужність для подолання будь-яких труднощів, з якими ми покликані зіткнутися в нашому житті. І Він обіцяє йти з нами, як Він йшов з Клеопою та його супутником, і Він ніколи не залишить нас, куди б не вела наша дорога.

Будьте впевнені в моїх молитвах – усі ви, хто працює на торговельних кораблях і в портах по всьому світу: в молитвах за вас і за ваших рідних, що залишились вдома, в Україні, і гостро відчувають вашу відсутність у цей важкий час. Нехай надія і світло нашого Воскреслого Господа буде над усіма вами та над нашою багатостраждальною Батьківщиною Україною в цей пасхальний час і завжди!

Христос Воскрес! Воїстину Воскрес!
Слава Україні! Героям Слава!

+ Павло, ЧСВВ
Морський єпископ УГКЦ

---- English translation:

“Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked to us on the road and explained the scriptures to us?”
-Luke 24:32

The scene of Cleopas and his companion hurrying to Emmaus following the crucifixion and death of Jesus is one of the most memorable in all of Holy Scripture. In an attempt to forget everything they had witnessed in the last few days, the pair had decided to put as much physical distance as possible between themselves and the horrific events in Jerusalem.

Many emotions were going through their hearts as they hurried along that lonely road: confusion, fear, sorrow, but above all, hopelessness. All their aspirations and desires for the future had ended with the death of Jesus. There was nothing left to hope for.

The hopelessness experienced by Cleopas and his companion are not strangers to us who live two thousand years later. People of every generation have been afflicted by these same emotions.

We stumble into the abyss of hopelessness for many reasons: when we fail at endeavors we undertake, when we feel excluded or isolated from others, when we are constrained by illness or the circumstances of life, when we feel helpless to control our own destiny, and especially, when we fall continually into sin.

For we, Ukrainians, the feelings of hopelessness have been intensified by the ravages of the Russian invasion of our homeland. After living through two years of death and destruction, there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel. When will it all end? How much more suffering are we called to endure?

Cleopas and his companion provide an answer to all of us who suffer from hopelessness and despair, no matter what form they take. And that answer is: the Resurrected Christ!

The Resurrected and Glorified Christ meets them on the road in the midst of the darkness of their despair and, as they walk, he speaks to them and begins to shed light into the darkness. Later, in Emmaus, at the breaking of the bread, their transformation is complete. Their lives are radically changed. Jesus offers them His Body, and with it, the light of hope and a bright and certain path to the future.

All their doubts, their pain, their sorrow, their fear, melt like morning dew in the sun. So much so, that after He disappears from their sight they exclaim to one another: “Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked to us on the road and explained the scriptures to us?” And with renewed courage and determination to face the future they return to Jerusalem to give witness to the Risen Christ.

Dearly beloved in Christ! Today, the Resurrected Christ meets each one of us as well, just as He met Cleopas and his companion, and He walks with us on the road of our lives just as He walked with them. He meets us wherever we are, even those who labor far from home on the great merchant ships plying the open seas.

With His glorious Resurrection from the darkness of the grave and eternal death, Jesus gives us renewed hope in eternal life, and light for the road that lies ahead of us. He gives us the confidence and courage to overcome any challenges we are called to face in our lives. And He promises to walk with us, just as he walked with Cleopas and his companion, and to never abandon us, wherever our road may lead.

Be assured of my prayers, all you who labour in merchants ships and ports all over the world, and for your families at home in Ukraine who keenly feel your absence at this difficult time. May the hope and light of our Resurrected Lord be upon all of you and upon our long-suffering homeland of Ukraine during this Paschal season and always!

Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!
Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes!

+ Paul
Maritime Bishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church