Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - "Caring for Seafarers as witnesses of hope through the proclamation of the Word, Liturgy and Diakonia": is the theme of the next European Meeting of the Apostleship of the Sea which will be held at a Rocca di Papa (Rome) 18 to 21 September. "This will be an important event for the Apostleship of the Sea in Italy", says Rev Giacomo Martino, head of the national office for airport and maritime apostolate of Fondazione Migrantes hosting the event: "every day thousands of seafarers stop at our ports but for reasons of security they cannot come ashore". The Church’s activity to care for seafarers involves hundreds of volunteers who patiently visit the ships which appear to be in most difficulty and in need of help "and offer help to seafarers of all religions to deal with medical emergencies, psychological or religious difficulties - says Rev Martino".
The meeting will discuss various questions with regard to pastoral care for different categories of Christian seafarers, on fishing ships, merchant ships and cruise ships, each of which must be treated with a different pastoral, psychological and human approach. The eighty participants from all over Europe will share reflections on the maritime world in the old continent. The participants will also make a visit to Pope Benedict XVI. Info: tel/fax: 010.265.837 - e-mail: italy@aposmar.net (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 15/9/2006; Righe 20, Parole 278)
