News from Stella Maris

Caring for seafarers in crisis 

Recent geopolitical tensions have put the plight of seafarers in the headlines.

The disruption to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz resulted in an estimated 20,000 seafarers stranded on board ships, facing heightened risk and considerable mental strain. Sadly, several have also been killed.  

Seafarers are increasingly finding themselves working in areas of conflict, far from home and uncertain about the future. Caught in the crossfire, many are fearful, anxious and lose hope. Their ordeal can negatively impact their physical and mental wellbeing. 

Meanwhile their families follow events anxiously, often with little news and no certainty about their loved ones. 

These incidents also serve as a powerful reminder of how much we all depend on seafarers to keep essential goods moving around the world. Seafarers are key workers. Yet they are often an invisible workforce who quietly and diligently go about their duties at sea, largely unseen by most of us.

Help in crisis  

Stella Maris, the official maritime agency of the Catholic Church, exists to provide pastoral and practical support to seafarers. In times of conflict and crisis that mission becomes even more urgent.

As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, Stella Maris continues to support seafarers and their families, providing essential services in extremely difficult circumstances. This includes psychological care, online financial resilience training, guidance and safety kits to help protect seafarers in dangerous waters, and support for people facing emotional strain and economic instability. Core funding from Stella Maris has also helped ensure frontline services can continue without interruption.

From our experience supporting seafarers and their families in Ukraine, we know that there will be much ongoing support needed for seafarers affected by the Middle East crisis once they leave the region, and Stella Maris chaplains and volunteers are ready to offer assistance. 

Sea Sunday  

On 12 July, churches around the world celebrate Sea Sunday, a day for people to come together to pray for seafarers, fishers, and all who work at sea, and thank them for the vital role they play in our lives. 

The Gospel on Sea Sunday is about the Parable of the Sower. Jesus delivered this parable beside the Sea of Galilee, a significant location for His ministry. 

The work of Stella Maris is like that sowing. Many seafarers find strength in faith and comfort in prayer. Each conversation with our chaplains or volunteers, each act of practical help and each prayer said with a seafarer can be a seed planted in a life.

The daily ship visits from Stella Maris chaplains and volunteers in the Diocese can become a source of hope in times of crisis. It reminds seafarers of the Church’s care for all who work at sea.

This Sea Sunday, we pray for all seafarers, fishers and those who work at sea. Lord, guide us to care for them with responsibility and respect. Stay with all who travel the seas, protect them, guide them, and bring them safely home. Amen.

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Photograph: Stella Maris chaplain with seafarer