Apostleship of the Sea...
The sea is vital to us all. 90% of world trade is carried by sea giving work to more than a million seafarers. 41 million people live from fishing.
Life at sea means separation from family and community. Globalisation can mean fierce competition, low wages and harsh working conditions. AOS works in solidarity with all those whose lives depend on the sea offerring them welfare, hospitality and spiritual support.
AOS today
Today, globalisation dominates the lives of People of the Sea. Meeting the challenges of the new globalised world was the theme of the latest International Congress of the Apostleship of the Sea (Rio de Janeiro 2002). The fierce competition of global commerce leads to exploitation of workers among the world’s poorest communities.
But there is a positive side to world developments. New technology gives us better global communications. New encounters between people of different cultures provide opportunities to learn and grow. Globalisation can and must be given a human face. This is the task which the international network of the Apostleship of the Sea gladly accepts as we remember the words of Our Lord
Do not be afraid, I am with you always.
Matthew 28, 20
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‘Mothballed’ Ship in Blyth - 29th January 2009
The effects of the economic downturn are apparent for all to see, with companies cutting back on production, laying off staff, and well known High Street names ceasing to trade.
However there are some places where these effects may not be so evident. For example, at the present time, there is a large container ship, the m/v Cala Ponente berthed at Port of Blyth which has been ‘mothballed’, ie effectively taken out of service until such time as cargoes once again become available for shipment. It is here in this lay-by berth that the ship is likely to remain for several months, isolated by the harsh realities of the current financial climate.
“The welcome from the few crewmen on board is nonetheless warm and I chat with them about how they are coping, ask if there is anything they need and generally try to lift their spirits. Fortunately for these men, they are only a few minutes walk from the town centre, but it could be said that in other ways they are a long way from civilisation”.
The Apostleship of the Sea will continue to visit the ship regularly, as long as it remains in the lay-by berth, and provide whatever assistance the crew may need throughout their potentially long stay. Paul adds, “Making the stranger welcome is undoubtedly more important in the present situation than it is during more affluent times”.
Unfortunately the instance of ships being placed in lay-by berths, as described above is being repeated elsewhere in other in ports around the country. In fact, two sister ships belonging to the same company, the Cala Portofino and the Cala Positano have been in lay-by berths at Teesport since late November.
We hope and pray that there is an upturn in the economic situation soon, so that the seafarers on board can return to their true working life at sea, and eventually home to their loved ones.
Serving the people of the sea...
Whilst the majority of the crewmembers on the ship have now been repatriated, a small number of men (four at the time of writing) remain on board as watchmen, existing in less than ideal conditions. The Apostleship of the Sea, in the guise of Lay Chaplain to Port of Blyth, Paul Atkinson, is providing whatever practical and pastoral care is needed, in order to make life on board for these men a little more bearable; this has included providing a warm air heater for the Mess room, and transport for members of this ‘skeleton’ crew to attend Mass and to town for shopping.
As Paul points out, “Visiting a ship in a lay-by berth is unlike going to a ‘working’ ship. As soon as you get to the top of the gangway, you are conscious that the only noise you can hear is your own footfall on the metal plates as you cross the deck. There are no cranes working to load or discharge cargo and no loud voices; no noise either from the engines. The thud of feet on metal only rises in volume as you climb the metal stairs to the ships accommodation. Here too, once inside, there is silence. The Cargo Control Room is vacant, as is the Galley; no noise of clattering pans, no smells of food cooking, just silence permeated in this case by music or chatter from a small radio in the crew Mess Room”.
Ship in Blyth - The m/v Cala Ponente berthed in Blyth
Visiting ship in Blyth
(l to r\0 AOS Lay Chaplain Paul Atkinson with Filipino crewmembers, Ulysses, Roman. Joe and Roger
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Our Lady Stella Maris
“Stella Maris” is the name by which many seafarers know the Apostleship of the Sea. This is because many of the AOS seafarers’ clubs and hostels around the world are named “Stella Maris”, in honour of our patron, Our Lady Stella Maris.
“Stella Maris”, “Star of the Sea”, is an ancient title for Our Lady, used by seafarers and others associated with the sea. Just as seafarers have traditionally depended on the stars for navigation, so they trust in the protection and guidance of Our Lady.
"Stella Maris", "Star of the Sea" has long been the favourite title by which People of the Sea have called on her in whose protection they have always trusted: the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Her son, Jesus Christ, accompanied his disciples in their vessels, helped them in their work and calmed the storms. And so the Church accompanies seafarers, caring for the special spiritual needs of those who for various reasons live and work in the maritime world.
Pope John Paul II, Motu Proprio "Stella Maris", 1997
Our Lady & St. Wilfrid, Blyth and St. Cuthbert, Cowpen Roman Catholic Churches
