On the occasion of the celebration this Sunday, October 4, 2020, of the Centenary of Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea), Cardinal Peter K.A. Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, sent a letter in which he recalled the organization's mission to serve seafarers, fishermen and their families around the world.
In his letter, Cardinal Turkson invites everyone to participate in the live streaming of the October 4 celebration, and to implement local initiatives to ensure that seafarers are respected in their human rights, often ignored: "We want to see seafarers who are stranded at sea return to their countries and reunite with their loved ones!", Turkson writes, also recalling that the Covid-19 epidemic has "increased the stress, fatigue and isolation of crews" of ships.
Stella Maris is present in 300 ports and there are numerous activities to support seafarers around the world.
The logo of the Apostleship of the Sea has recently been renewed: the image of an anchor symbolizing hope combined with a lifebelt, faith and heart symbolizing charity. In the center, rays of light and the blue color of the sea. In the new logo, which is presented for the centenary, there are the waves of the sea to symbolize a new environmental consciousness.
Stella Maris is the name with which the people of the sea turn to the Virgin Mary for protection. It is also the name with which the Apostolate is identified, blessed and encouraged by all the pontiffs. On the occasion of the centenary was also produced a celebrative stamp (in the photo gallery).
Last August the Apostolate of Prayer established that the universal intention of the Holy Father's prayer was dedicated to the maritime world: "We pray for all the people who work and live by the sea, including sailors, fishermen and their families". (See The Pope Video-The Maritime World)
