Stella Maris Seafarers' Centres
Often The Apostleship of the Sea establishes Stella Maris Seafarers' Centres of its own,
while at other times it combines with other
Christian churches in establishing ecumenical
Seafarers' Centres in all the
worlds major ports.
Watching the sunset from a different part
of the globe everyday one might imagine the
life of a seafarer has a touch of romance
about it, but today nothing could be
further from the truth. It is a hard life
and seafarers turn to the Centres simply for
someone to talk to, laugh in the company of,
and cry with.
Seafarers and fishers are of every
nationality and language. Though they go to
sea for many different reasons many go out
of sheer economic desperation, often
supporting extended families. They are away
from their homes, their families and
friends, for months perhaps years on end.
Their whole existence is strenuous often
frightening, and a very lonely one. They are family men and women with simple
stories to tell. Sometimes the stories are of hope
but often they are tales of solitude and despair. |
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Telephone and
internet access is
provided for
seafarers to contact
home and be intouch
with family &
friends. There is a shop where basic necessities such as soap
& toiletries,
writing material and
stamps etc. can be
purchased and mail
can be posted
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