Helping seafarers celebrate Christmas
Parishes and schools also play an important part in making Christmas special for seafarers, says Anne McLaren, Stella Maris’ senior area port chaplain for the north of England.“We have run a woolly hat appeal with primary schools for a number of years. We visit...
A day to remember those in peril on the sea
On Sea Sunday (July 14), let us remember seafarers facing conflict, abandonment and tough times.“Some seafarers I meet have travelled through the conflict area of the Red Sea, with its risks of attacks from Houthis, then have sailed on to the Black Sea with its own...
Stella Maris celebrates 20th anniversary Holy Island pilgrimage
“I wouldn’t miss Stella Maris’ annual Day of Pilgrimage and Prayer in Holy Island for anything,” says Brenda Bland, a volunteer ship visitor with Catholic maritime charity Stella Maris. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the pilgrimage, and Hartlepool-based...
Stella Maris port chaplains fight modern slavery
“Isaac hasn’t seen his family for three years,” says Steve Willows, Stella Maris’ regional port chaplain in Immingham, Lincolnshire.“He’s not allowed to work. He’s doing his best, but it’s hard to stay positive. Every couple of weeks, I take him out for a trip. He...
