Originall Boradcast 30 November – 5 December 2020 - Episode 29

The first of three special programmes with Stella Maris (formerly known as The Apostleship of the Sea) on its work with seafarers.

Stella Maris

Stella Maris is the largest ship-visiting network in the world and the official Maritime charity of the Catholic Church, which supports Seafarers, Fishers, and their families.  Seafarers are often away from their families and communities for months at a time, and life at sea can be difficult.  They can often suffer from loneliness, depression, spiritual deprivation and even exploitation, but Stella Maris aims to provide a ‘friend in every port’ for seafarers and fishers.  This 100-year-old charity extends friendship and welcome from chaplains and volunteers and visits hundreds of thousands of seafarers and fishers every year to provide help and support in many ways, be it ensuring that their rights are upheld, or simply being a listening ear or someone to chat to.  They organise mass onboard ships and also provide practical help such as organising Wi-Fi onboard so seafarers can call home.  The Mission statement of Stella Maris is: ‘Our mission is to support seafarers and fishers spiritually, practically, and emotionally. Our Catholic faith is at the heart of Stella Maris, it inspires, enlivens, and motivates our work, and is expressed through a loving care of the people of the sea of all faiths and none’.  For more information please visit stellamaris.org.uk