Nicky Barends: Apostleship of the Sea New Director!

by Erin Carelse · May 23, 2018

Nicholas Barends was formally commissioned as the national director for Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) by Cape Town’s port chaplain Fr Gerardo Garcia CS. He succeeds the late Terry Whitfield in coordinating the apostleship’s activities in southern Africa, including Mozambique. The ceremony took place in the chapel at the MTS Centre in Cape Town’s harbour where the local AoS has Mass on Saturday evenings at 19:30.

Mr Barends has worked as a professional printer and has been a ship visitor with AoS Cape Town for more than 10 years.

He takes the helm at a time when AoS South Africa is expanding to meet the spiritual and practical needs of seafarers arriving at its ports.

Apart from ensuring the smooth running of AoS in the country, his duties will also entail coordinating AoS centres within the Southern African region to a central point.

“I am honoured to be appointed and look forward to this challenge to help care for the seafarers that arrive at the port from different parts of the world,” Mr Barends said.

In a letter addressed to Fr Gerardo Garcia, Archbishop Stephen Brislin of Cape Town confirmed Mr Barends’ appointment.

“I am certain that Mr Barends, with his longstanding association with AoS and his passion to assist the vulnerable, will enable AoS to further develop and promote this ministry as it continues to provide pastoral support for the seafarers,” Archbishop Brislin wrote.

“I also thank you for your commitment to Apostleship of the Sea and for the service you render as Port Chaplain of Cape Town,” he added, addressing Fr Garcia.

Seafarers who were present at the commissioning Mass from Vietnam, Namibia and Kenya were blessed by Fr Garcia. Also present were AoS members, including two retired South African fishermen.

AoS South Africa currently has port chaplains in Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Richards Bay who offer spiritual, practical support and a listening ear to seafarers arriving at these ports.

The AoS provides pastoral care to seafarers through chaplaincies in ports throughout the world. To assist the AoS by volunteering or donation, go to www.apostleshipofthesea.org.za/help-us