Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “We pledge to remain in solidarity with the People of the Sea as witnesses of Hope, through Proclamation of the Word, Liturgy and Diakonia and to advocate a consequent maritime humanism. As AOS also strives to build peace, in justice, freedom, truth and solidarity, we renew our commitment to human promotion and evangelisation; an evangelisation which is “new in its ardour, in its methods, and in its expression” (John Paul II, Address to Cuban Bishops, 9 June 1998), remembering Benedict XVI words “It is love that gives life”. This is the concluding paragraph of a final document issued at the end of the 22nd World Congress of the Apostleship of the Sea held in Gdynia, Poland 24 - 29 June 2007.
Two hundred seventy delegates, Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Religious, Lay Members and Volunteers, Maritime Personnel, Observers and Guests, came from 60 countries, to reflect on the theme “In Solidarity with the People of the Sea as Witnesses of Hope, through Proclamation of the Word, Liturgy and Diakonia”. From the beginning the Congress was designed and planned to be a pastoral event. The word “pastoral” is taken here also in the wide sense, as it did not want to exclude anything inherent to the life and work of the men and women of the sea. This Congress was intended to give to AOS the opportunity to think and take stock on what constitutes its spirituality and its specific contribution to the maritime world.
In the Conclusions the delegates say inspired by the theme In Solidarity with the People of the Sea as Witnesses of Hope, through Proclamation of the Word, Liturgy and Diakonia, and after having reflected and prayed during the XXII AOS World Congress in Gdynia (Poland) the delegates believe that as AOS they are called to introduce into the maritime world a “ Christian humanism of Hope”, through their presence and testimony in seafaring and fishing communities. Hope is the sure and steadfast anchor of the soul. This hope, for us Christians, has a name: Jesus Christ, the Risen Lord. Aware of the challenges faced by the maritime community and their ministers, delegates were reminded that their deficiencies are not an obstacle to Hope. Part of the AOS mission, therefore, is to bring this message of Hope to the maritime community by also being the voice of voiceless people. The dignity of each person must be respected - and is, in fact, the foundation for inter-religious dialogue. Echoing Pope Benedict (Deus Caritas Est, 38)), AOS activities “will always be insufficient unless they visibly express a love for the people they work with, a love nourished by one’s encounter with Christ.” We are loved by God so we can love others." They reaffirm commitment to the threefold responsibilities which constitute the essence and specificity of all our pastoral engagement: The place of the proclamation of the Word of God in AOS; The celebration of the Sacraments as the source and “raison d’être” of our pastoral care; The service, “diakonia”, to all but especially to the poorest.”.
Projects and initiatives mentioned in the final document include: Establish dialogue with the country of origin of visiting Catholic seafarers. Encourage and develop courses for lay leaders and ministers aboard ship in consultation with AOS International when it is beyond the responsibility of the National Director. Participation in Ship Welfare Visitors’ Training Course, the ICMA's Seafarers Ministry Training program and other training possibilities are encouraged. Mention must be made of the Houston Maritime Chaplaincy Training Programme. The development of AOS in countries where it does not exist is a priority. Exchange of personnel and twinning should be considered. Because this effort falls outside the national boundaries, concrete communion with AOS International is required also to keep the principle of equity and the common good.Implementation of HIV/AIDS and other health and hygiene awareness programs are an urgent necessity, not neglecting ethical principles.The regular celebration of Masses focusing on seafarers and their families in parish churches should be publicised regularly to seafarers on board.Identifying and supporting onboard leaders can help in the recruiting and training of Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist.The recent initiatives regarding cruise ship ministry, networking, AOS International Website, communication and ship tracking must be strengthened.Plans to inform the Church about the website, train AOS members and seafarer families, need development. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 5/9/2007, righe 39, parole 557)
