The Apostleship of the Sea, together with organisations from Christian denominations, celebrates Sea Sunday every second Sunday of July to encourage prayers for seafarers worldwide. Although Sea Sunday is not officially part of the Catholic liturgical calendar, the local Church provides information to raise awareness about the lives of seafarers who travel far from home and work tirelessly on ships
According to the Seafarer Workforce Report 2021, published by the International Chamber of Shipping and the International Maritime Employers’ Council, there are nearly two million international seafarers working on over 70,000 commercial vessels globally.
Despite the ongoing challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic in various countries, seafarers continue to hold their posts, ensuring the continuity of shipping and trade. They transport goods and fuel to different parts of the world, enabling households and businesses to access essential products in stores and supermarkets. All of this is made possible by the brave dedication of seafarers.
They typically sign contracts with their employers for six to nine months of work, which means they spend at least half of the year at sea. They are willing to be separated from their families, facing challenges, to provide their loved ones with a stable and prosperous life.
The Apostleship of the Sea, guided by the spirit of the gospel, cares for the physical, emotional, and spiritual well being of seafarers which distinguishes itself from other welfare organizations.
More than half of seafarers come from developing countries, including the Philippines, Russia, Ukraine, Indonesia, and India. They face the challenge working in unfamiliar places and often encounter unfavorable working conditions or exploitation by shipping companies, leading to labour disputes where they find themselves isolated and powerless.
In Hong Kong, the Apostleship of the Sea collaborates with the Mission to Seafarers of the Anglican Church, the Danish Seamen’s Church, and the German Seamen’s Mission to provide pastoral care to seafarers transiting through the port. Father Valan Arasu Arockiaswarmy, the dedicated priest for the port ministry, along with Deacon Nestor Kwan from the diocese, visit different ships to listen to seafarers’ concerns, understand their practical needs, and offer Mass for them.
As the saying goes, “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in morning, sailor’s warning.” Ships sail across vast oceans with no visible end in sight, filled with unknowns and dangers. Seafarers face unpredictable weather changes, the loneliness of being separated from their families, and the challenges of dealing with unforeseen circumstances at work. They suffer from tremendous mental and spiritual pressures.
This Sea Sunday, let us express our gratitude once again to these brothers and sisters who work at sea, and let us pray for the Lord to grant them faith and strength to overcome difficulties, knowing that “there is nothing I cannot do in the One who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). SE
