New Centre in Rio de Janerio, Brazil
 The
new Stella Maris Centre in Rio de Janeiro was officially
opened on 26 July 2007 in premises donated by the DOCAS
Company.
The purpose of the refurbished building is to welcome all
People of the Sea who want a comfortable place for
relaxation and recreation. The centre offers facilities for
national and international telephone calls, transport to
places of interest and religious, cultural and sporting
activities.
This space can also be a meeting point for different
cultures and nationalities. Above all, it is a place for
reflecting with God where religious differences are not
important.
The centre is all on one level and has a main hall with
air-conditioning and television, radio, pool table, souvenir
shop, library and bar. Another room has computers, table
football, a piano and library. The large kitchen serves a
variety of snacks. An office with computer facilities
enables staff to manage the day-to-day running of the
centre. There are plans for a sports field in the space
behind the building.
 The
centre is considered the best in the region on account of
its excellent location within the port of Rio de Janeiro.
This was achieved thanks to good relations between the
Catholic Church, unions, port authorities and the
government.
The staff are on hand to give a warm welcome to everyone
who visits the centre. The hand of friendship is always
extended to those who work in the maritime sector. Most
especially, solidarity is offered to the seafarers who, on
account of their work, must spend so much time separated
from their families and countries of origin.
Photograph: (1) Port chaplain Fr Cesare Ciceri and
guests at the inauguration (2) Fr Samuel Fonseca, national
director of AOS Brazil; a representative of DOCAS; Fr Cesare
Ciceri, AOS port chaplain in Rio and director of the new
Stella Maris Centre |