Seafarer’s Sunday - The haves and the have KNOTS!

Seafarers on the vessel Grande Baltimore were grateful to attend Mass on the bridge celebrated by Fr Tony Cox.

Seafarers on the vessel Grande Baltimore were grateful to attend Mass on the bridge celebrated by Fr Tony Cox. Photo: Stella Maris Melbourne.

Many years ago I came across a song that has resonated with me ever since. The lyrics speak of trust, of leaving boats on familiar shores and launching out into the deep. “The Galilee Song” is a simple song about every one of us. It can be seen as the base of discipleship and of being a missionary of God’s Kingdom. For myself, it is the story of Stella Maris and that of the Seafarers who sail our world providing goods and services often in the most cruel and dangerous circumstances.

The reality of seafaring comes to the forefront each year in July when “Sea Sunday” is celebrated. It is a time for all of us to become more aware and appreciative of the life and the dedicated service provided by Seafarers of which there are roughly 2 million in our world. The Philippines, the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Indonesia, China and India make up the many representative countries of origin. Shipping is the life blood of our global economy. With 50,000 merchant ships worldwide, the registration of these is represented by some 150 nations.

Locally, for over 50 years Stella Maris Mission to Seafarers Centre has been based in the hub of the City of Melbourne. Being such, it serves the needs of the seafarers who visit each day. In the course of any given month between 700 and 1,000, from all nationalities and faiths, make use of the many services and avail of the personal touch provided by the Centre. It truly is a “home away from home” and even a brief time off the ship and on shore is a very welcome break.

One Officer commented, “It was the most enjoyable day I have had and your personal interest and support is amazing”. This is a man who has lost everything in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine including that of home and family members. He has gone back to shipping in order to be able to save money to start again, especially for his wife and children.

Shopping, food and stores along with assistance with personal needs and that welcome meal at a ‘National’ restaurant are part and parcel of any visit. For those recuperating after hospitalisation, those either waiting to meet their ship or those returning home, there is always a room and bed and certainly a “listening ear’. Times can be quite lonely during many months away from family and friends. Conditions on some ships are certainly not the most ideal and sometimes a just and fair wage has to be fought for. Health and happiness require time as does psychological support. A little prayer every now and then certainly does not go astray.

On the local level, the Port of Melbourne is Australia’s largest container and general cargo port. Over 3.2 million containers are handled every year and this is forever on the increase considering that computer technology and handling are forever new.

Shipping is important for our Nation! In Melbourne alone, some interesting facts to consider are: Every day there are 314 containers of furniture delivered, 211 containers of household appliances, 56 tonnes of coffee, 139 containers of clothing, 130 of toys and sporting goods and even 29 containers of Beer. Currently, our greatest export is that of empty containers!

Naturally enough all this activity is under the watchful eye of Customs and Border Security. Unfortunately, world drug lords, cartels and individuals still endeavour by any means to abuse the services of many and use the shipping industry as a way of destroying lives.

Stella Maris will always see its ministry as a vital missionary outreach. Especially for those from war-torn countries where life for the individual is denied, the listening ear and open hand offer delight and support.

As Pauline Harris, the Centre Manager in Mackay writes: “after spending many of my younger years travelling and working around the world, I learnt what it feels like to long for home, family and even news of home. When finally coming back to Australia I truly appreciated all that we have, our freedom and opportunities. I fell into the Shipping Industry, progressed to a local coal terminal then had the opportunity to take over the Stella Maris Mackay Centre two years ago. To me personally, it does not matter what nationality, faith or colour you are.

  • YOU have your own beliefs which I will RESPECT
  • YOU deserve to be HEARD YOU are HUMAN with the same feelings we all have
  • YOU treat others how you would like to be treated
  • YOU try to assist and stand up where possible but alas I am only HUMAN also
  • YOU deserve to be respected
  • YOU also have family and loved ones you work and care for and the only difference between us is you choose to live on water rather than land.

Let us give thanks for the opportunities offered.

Columban Fr Tony Cox, Chaplain to the Stella Maris Seafarers Centre, Melbourne.

Related links

2024 Columban Christmas Appeal

"Give something, however small, to the one in need.
For it is not small to one who has nothing."
St Gregory Nazianzus

Your donation, no matter the size, will address immediate needs and bring hope, love, and the light of Christ into the lives of those in countries where the Columbans work.


Subscribe to eBulletin

Subscribe to our monthly e-Bulletin and keep up to date with Columban mission news and stories.

We respect your Privacy