Stella Maris: The Church Serving Those Who Sail the Seas

Fr Rico Talisic, National Director, Stella Maris South Africa – Cape Town’s bustling port is a cornerstone of South Africa’s maritime economy, generating vital jobs and opportunities for thousands. It’s also a transient home for countless people of the sea who navigate its waters.

Last year alone, nearly 1,500 foreign-flagged vessels docked here, laden with everything from essential goods like petroleum and agricultural products to luxury items, or stopping for crucial provisions, repairs, and crew changes. The port even welcomes cruise ships, bringing tourists from across the globe.

Yet, beyond the impressive ships, the blaring horns, the constant hum of trucks, and the enchanting lights that adorn vessels at night, lies a world often unseen. Most people are unaware of the tireless dedication of local port workers or the unique challenges faced by foreign seafarers and fishers: the isolation, homesickness, limited access to basic services, and the inherent dangers of life at sea. We rarely consider the intricate network of shipping that brings us the products we use every day, nor the profound spiritual, social, and practical needs of those who make it all possible.

The Unseen Lives of Seafarers

The maritime industry, though vibrant, presents a challenging area for the Catholic Church’s apostolate. For seafarers and fishers, their vessel isn’t just a workplace; it’s their home for the duration of their contract. This blurred line between work and personal life is a constant reality. Often working 12-hour shifts followed by 12 hours off, their “off-duty” time can still be interrupted by essential tasks like loading provisions. Imagine a 292-meter bulk carrier, 24 meters wide, operated by a mere 22 crew members. The sheer volume of work required to run, maintain, and navigate such a vessel is immense.

Throughout their contracts, these individuals spend their days on the high seas, sailing from one port to another, often enduring harsh weather conditions. This profound isolation from the land world also means limited access to basic necessities and, crucially, church services.

Stella Maris: A Beacon of Hope at Sea

This is precisely where Stella Maris steps in, providing essential pastoral care to seafarers and fishers. Our dedicated chaplains and volunteers visit ships four to five days a week, offering a lifeline of free services including spiritual support, medical assistance, transportation, internet access, emergency aid, and advocacy for their rights. Recognising that many seafarers have no one else, our chaplain regularly visits shipping patients in hospitals.

To further expand our reach, we proudly opened the Seafarers’ Centre on March 15, 2025. This centre serves as a much-needed “home away from home” – a hub of support where seafarers and fishers can find solace. Here, they can attend Holy Mass, engage in recreation and entertainment, access medical and mental health support, and receive assistance with capacity building and labour rights. Since 2019, Stella Maris has been an unwavering champion in serving the needs of seafarers and fishers. (A summary of 2024 service statistics would be included here.)This year, Stella Maris celebrates 102 years of service to seafarers and fishers.

Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope at Sea

As the Church celebrates Jubilee 2025 under the inspiring theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” we are profoundly reminded that the journey of faith extends far beyond those on land. Across the vast oceans, seafarers and fishers undertake their own unique pilgrimages of faith – often in solitude, enduring hardship and silence, far from their families, friends, and the Church.

The Jubilee 2025 logo powerfully symbolises this mission. The anchor at the base of the cross, set amidst rough waves, speaks directly to the maritime world. In nautical terms, the anchor represents hope – specifically, a reserve anchor used to stabilise a ship during violent storms. When Stella Maris’ chaplains and volunteers see this logo, they see the people of the sea waiting for us, waiting for the pastoral ministry we bring. Every visit to the harbour is a mission, a fertile ground for spiritual harvest. We see ourselves as modern apostles – “fishers of men” – called to serve the people of the sea.

We view this Jubilee Year as an opportune moment for a significant pastoral outreach to members of the Church whose spiritual needs are often overlooked. For Stella Maris, the Jubilee Year holds deep meaning. Every ship visit, every Mass and blessing conducted on board, every service provided to seafarers and fishers is an act of faith and a tangible sign of hope – a powerful reminder that the Church walksand sails with them and never abandons them.

Just as pilgrims seek sacred encounters on their journeys, seafarers too are pilgrims – navigating not only the physical seas but also the spiritual and emotional tides of life. Stella Maris chaplains and volunteers become fellow pilgrims, offering a listening ear, true companionship, administering sacraments, providing vital mental health support, and advocating for programs that truly reflect the mercy, love, compassion, justice and presence of Christ.

Sea Sunday and Sea Week: Join Our Mission!

As we approach Sea Sunday on July 13th, a special day in the Church’s calendar dedicated to the people of the sea, we invite you to participate in this vital ministry:

• Pray for all seafarers and fishers – for their safety, dignity, and spiritual well-being.
• Give generously during the Sea Sunday collection at your parish. Your financial support is crucial in allowing us to continue this ministry of presence, compassion, and justice.
• Spread the word about Stella Maris and the often-hidden lives and unwavering faith of seafarers and fishers who desperately need the Church’s apostolate.
• Volunteer or donate items such as Bibles, rosaries, toiletries, jackets, and socks.

In addition to Sea Sunday, Stella Maris is excited to launch SEA WEEK from July 7th to 13th! During this week, our Seafarers’ Centre will host an open house. We invite you to “come and see” – experience firsthand the life of the people of the sea and gain a deeper appreciation for our crucial ministry.