Bringing joy and good will to
seafarers this Christmas
 |
| Container ship at sea |
The Catholic charity Apostleship of the Sea is making sure
that seafarers are not forgotten this Christmas.
By Lydia O’Kane
For many people, this Christmas will be a time for family
and friends to get together, whether it be going to Church, opening presents or
sitting down to a turkey dinner.
But Christmas is also a time when people are away from loved
ones and face the prospect of being alone on this holy day.
This December 25th, there will be about 1 million people
working at sea on merchant ships, as well as those working in fishing rather
than enjoying the comforts of home.
Practical and pastoral care
The Catholic charity Apostleship of the Sea has 227
port chaplains in 334 ports in 59 countries worldwide and will be on the
front line providing practical and pastoral care to all seafarers this festive
season.
“Ninety five per cent of world trade comes by sea, so all
these lovely presents we’re going to open on Christmas Day, most of
those will have come by sea. And yet, these people are often forgotten
on Christmas Day, working away from family and loved ones,” said John
Green, the charity’s Development Director.
Isolation at sea
Despite modern technology, he explained, one of the big
problems seafarers face is isolation and this is where they can often receive
support, especially at this this of year, from Chaplains who are “there for the
seafarer to speak about their needs.”
With many seafarers knowing that they will be on board a sea
vessel this Christmas, John noted that one of the most important
things that can help both Chaplains and seafarers is prayer. As they go out on
a dark Christmas evening onto a ship, it will be comforting for them
to know that “there is a sea of prayer behind them”, he said.
Christmas a time for giving
Christmas is known as a time for giving and often
people will give that bit extra to a charity or indeed to someone in need. The
Apostleship of the Sea is one of the charities that has been on the receiving
end of the generosity of others. “We have a tremendous response from countries
around the world: our parishes, our schools and individuals, wrapping up an old
shoe and putting in some toiletries”, said John.
He added, that those at sea are really taking on board the
good will of people at Christmas. So, although these seafarers will
not make it back home for this holy season, there will be the joy in knowing
that they are not forgotten as they open presents on Christmas Day
prepared by parish communities around the world.
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét