Stella Maris, formerly known as Apostleship of the Sea, is the official maritime charity of the Catholic Church. Last year in the UK, Stella Maris supported 136,884 seafarers and fishers and carried out 6,222 ship visits.

It has a team of 22 chaplains and 79 ship visiting volunteers in the country, who help seafarers and fishers when they are overburdened and in need of rest.

A ship arrived at Teesport in Northeast England last year with 22 seafarers on board. Two Stella Maris ship visitors conducted a routine visit, taking with them welcome packs and bags of clothing.

It transpired that the crew was under huge mental and physical strain. One confided that, during the voyage to Teesport from the USA, he had only been getting two hours sleep a night because he was so stressed and overworked. He was also concerned that the crew were no longer able to operate the vessel safely as they were all exhausted.

The Stella Maris team contacted the relevant authorities, and a vessel detention notice was served that afternoon. As a result, the seafarers were able to go ashore for the first time in many months and spent time relaxing at the seafarers’ centre in the port. Eleven of the crew were repatriated to the Philippines later that month.

Stella Maris’ work, supported by your prayers and generosity, can make a huge difference. Stella Maris’ ship visiting can only happen because of your support. Your generous contribution will help this work to continue and grow. It will be an expression of God’s love, helping to bring rest to overburdened seafarers and fishers.

Stella Maris is appealing to Catholics throughout the UK to support Sea Sunday on 9th July. It respectfully appeals to readers to support its ministry with fishers and seafarers. Readers are invited to pray for them on Sea Sunday. To make a donation to support its work go to www.stellamaris.org.uk/donate Stella Maris will be very grateful for any support you can kindly provide.

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SOURCE:

https://www.stellamaris.org.uk