The Apostleship of the Sea

Human mobility comprises the people working at sea. They are seafarers who - regardless of nationality or religion - share the same working conditions and often many common traits of human values. They are almost invisible to society. They live and work in an environment that is often hostile, keeps them far away from their families and compels them to spend long hours of isolation at sea.

In his Apostolic Letter of January 31, 1997, updating the regulations of the Apostleship of the Sea, Pope John Paul II states:

"Star of the Sea" has long been the favorite title by which seafaring people have called on her in whose protection they have always trusted: the Blessed Virgin Mary. Jesus Christ, her Son, accompanied his disciples in their boat (Cf. Mt 8:23-27; Mk 4:35-41; Lk 8:22-25), helped them in their labors and calmed the storms (Cf. Mt 14:22-33; Mk 6:47-52; Jn 6:16-21). Thus the Church also accompanies seamen, taking care of the specific spiritual needs of those who for various reasons live and work in the maritime world."

The Scalabrinian missionary activity takes place in the ports and on the ships, in keeping with the guidelines presented by the Church for this ministry.

"Wherever people are laboring and suffering, there is the Church" (Blessed Scalabrini).

From the final document of the 13th General Chapter, n. 74, 6a:
"It is important - wherever the Apostleship of the Sea exits - to organize adequate pastoral initiatives for the seafarers and fishermen. "The Apostleship of the Sea should be set up as a specific group to foster networking among the people engaged in the pastoral care of seafarers, of fishermen and - where possible - of their families."

List of the ports where Scalabrinian missionaries are working:

• Argentina - Stella Maris of Buenos Aires
• Brazil - Stella Maris of Rio de Janeiro, Santos, and Rio Grande
• Uruguay - Stella Maris of Montevideo
• Italy - Stella Maris of Ravenna
• Philippines - Stella Maris of Manila
• Taiwan R..C.O. - Stella Maris of Kaohsiung
• South Africa - Stella Maris of Cape Town