Pope Affirms Apostleship of the Sea’s Work

Pope Francis has affirmed seafarers’ charity Apostleship of the Sea’s (AoS’) ministry with peoples of the sea in his address in the Vatican, as churches around the world celebrated Sea Sunday.

In his address on July 13 in St Peter’s Square, Pope Francis said, “Today we celebrate Sea Sunday. I turn my thoughts to seafarers, fishermen and their families. I urge Christian communities, particularly the coastal ones, to be attentive and sensitive towards them.”

The Pontiff added, “I call on the chaplains and volunteers of the Apostleship of the Sea to continue with their commitment to the pastoral care of these brothers and sisters. I entrust all, especially those who are in trouble and away from home, to the maternal protection of Mary, Star of the Sea.”

Many churches in Great Britain and around the world marked Sea Sunday this year by remembering seafarers and praying for them, their families and those who support them. Proceeds from the Sea Sunday collection at Mass will ensure the work of AoS with seafarers and fishermen can continue.

In January, Pope Francis paid tribute to the work of AoS when he addressed the Regional Coordinators of AoS who met in Rome.

At his General Audience in the Vatican the Pontiff called on those who work for the wellbeing of seafarers and their families to “be the voice of those workers who live far from their loved ones and face dangerous and difficult situations.”

apostleshipofthesea.org.uk