HONG KONG (SE): The Sea Sunday Message for 2022, prepared by Michael Cardinal Czerny the prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, urged people to try and imagine the life of seafarers and the daily challenges they endure for people. He was particularly concerned about the safety of seafarers at war and the deprivation of the their human right to go ashore due to the travel restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Over recent years, the maritime world has been hit by a series of crises. Increased demand for goods has led to more ships being held at anchorage for longer periods. The war in Ukraine means that ships now face the impossible task of navigating through the mines in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Many vessels have been sunk, and human lives have been lost during this unjust and immoral war,” the Cardinal Czerny said.
Christian Churches set aside Sea Sunday to remember and pray for seafarers and their families and express gratitude for their lives and work. It is officially held on the second Sunday in July every year.
The global pandemic has left over 400,000 seafarers stuck on board their ships and unable return home even after finishing their contracts. “Instead, they continue to work every day, becoming increasingly exhausted,” the cardinal said.
Longer periods on board enforced separation from their loved ones, and not being allowed to go ashore has led to seafarers feeling even more isolated and depressed than normal. We must remember that they, too, are human beings. They have the same needs as everyone else
Cardinal Czerny
Another problem caused by the pandemic is unemployment. “Replacement crews have been unable to join ships, causing economic disaster for some because they have been unable to provide for the daily needs of their loved ones. In any case, seafarers are left without a choice,” the cardinal continued.
“Longer periods on board enforced separation from their loved ones, and not being allowed to go ashore has led to seafarers feeling even more isolated and depressed than normal. We must remember that they, too, are human beings. They have the same needs as everyone else,” the cardinal said. The dicastery is particularly concerned that seafarers are still required to stay on board even though the pandemic is under control worldwide, and many countries are opening their borders and lifting restrictions.
“The pandemic must no longer be used as an excuse for banning the crew from going ashore. As long as they take the necessary precautions, seafarers have the right to put their feet on dry ground and meet people other than their colleagues on board. Chaplains and volunteers of Stella Maris should make urgent appeals to governments and shipping companies worldwide to ensure that seafarers have the right to go ashore!” he urged in the message.
Divine Word Missionary Father Valan Arasu Arockiaswamy, the port chaplain in Hong Kong, told the Sunday Examiner that the situation of stranded seafarers onboard had shown some signs of improvement as around 40 countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, the United States and several European nations, have now eased border restrictions allowing them to carry out crew changes in their ports irrespective of their nationalities.
He said the unemployment of seafarers working on passenger cruise liners is especially serious as many ships ceased operation to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus
The port chaplain said that the health situation of some seafarers is a matter of concern. They need our prayers as they cannot go to the hospital to follow up on their health issues unless they are in critical condition.
He said the unemployment of seafarers working on passenger cruise liners is especially serious as many ships ceased operation to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
He is also concerned that Ukrainian seafarers may be under tremendous pressure as they may lose family members or good friends as their home country is at war, but they have to grieve alone and cannot attend any memorial services.
“On Sea Sunday, let us pray for the seafarers for their safety, well-being, their families back home, as well as their courage to battle physical and homesickness, unemployment, separation and bereavement,” Father Arockiaswamy said.
The Apostleship of the Sea along with Protestant Church groups serving mariners take turns visiting the ships in Hong Kong every day via their shared boat, Day Spring. Father Arockiaswamy said that while they cannot board the ships during the pandemic, the groups can provide them with spiritual publications and daily necessities such as SIM cards, snacks, shampoo, bath gel, and so on. They can also shout encouragement from a distance when they see a seafarer on deck.
Father Arockiaswamy said that while they cannot board the ships during the pandemic, the groups can provide them with spiritual publications and daily necessities such as SIM cards, snacks, shampoo, bath gel, and so on
Before the pandemic, when visitations were possible, he would spend time dealing with the homesickness of the mariners, urging them to be patient before earning enough money to go home.
Deacon Nestor Kwan Chung-wai, who assists the port chaplaincy, said some mariners might be under pressure due to homesickness or physical fatigue. “I would tell them that although they cannot change the present situation due to the pandemic, it does not mean they cannot have hope. Trust that God will help them, and the Church groups are always ready to support them,” he said.
Before the pandemic, seafarers were welcome to relax at the Mariners’ Club in Tsim Sha Tsui or Kwai Chung. They could also attend Mass at St. Peter’s Church, formerly serving seafarers at Mariners’ Club, Tsim Sha Tsui, and temporarily relocated to Jordan. The renovation project of Mariners’ Club is scheduled to be completed at the beginning of 2024
In the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church, there is no day assigned as Sea Sunday. However, every year, parishes support them during Mass by praying for God’s protection to be upon seafarers with the hope that they can overcome loneliness, solitude, hardships, dangers and adversities.
