Stella Maris - remember the hidden heroes of the sea
Stella Maris share an update on their work
Seafarers and fishers live and work at the periphery of society, spending days or months at sea.
Their lives are hidden and yet they play a crucial role in bringing us so much of the food, fuel and goods we consume. From clothing to digital devices, to bananas and tea, almost 90% of goods are transported on cargo ships crewed by thousands of seafarers from all over the world.
Seafarers and fishers make enormous sacrifices just to bring us the basic things in life that we enjoy. Their work is tough, and the shifts can be gruelling - six hours on, six hours off, day after day. They have to eat, sleep, wash and speak with loved ones in a six-hour window before they’re back on shift.
Most shipping companies provide for crew welfare, but working at sea has its own unique challenges. Life on board can be lonely and isolating, shore leave is becoming less frequent, and sailing in dangerous shipping routes is part and parcel of the job.
Seafarers and fishers also miss their family back home. They miss out on important moments that many of us take for granted – births, graduations, celebrations, funerals…
Not forgotten
But their sacrifices and hardships don’t go unrecognised, and seafarers and fishers are not forgotten. Stella Maris’ chaplains and volunteer ship visitors are present in ports around the UK to provide friendship, care, practical and spiritual support.
When a bulk cargo ship arrived at Northfleet port in Kent, the captain got in touch with Stella Maris regional port Chaplain Deacon John Fogarty as they crew needed support after being at sea for over 50 days. John provided them with SIM cards so that they could contact their families back home.
He also prayed with them on board. John also took several crew members to Our Lady of the Assumption Church and into town to do some shopping. This gave them much-needed time away from the ship. The next day he took another group to Mass and into town. John further spent time with other crew members in one-to-one prayer.
John’s support meant a lot to the crew. It gave them the chance to reconnect with their faith, speak with their families, and enjoy a sense of normality after many long weeks at sea. It showed them that they are not forgotten and that their sacrifices are recognised. It made them feel visible.
As we celebrate the season of harvest, of abundance, please remember the hidden heroes of the sea and say a prayer for them. Your kindness and support mean a lot to them.
More information about Stella Maris’ work can be found at www.stellamaris.org.uk
Article provided by Stella Marris
