Deacon Peter Barrigan has hung up his hard hat and hi-vis jacket as he retires from his role as Stella Maris Regional Port Chaplain for Teesport.
The 74-year-old had ministered to seafarers and fishers for the last 22 years (12 as Chaplain and 10 as a volunteer ship visitor) and is a familiar and friendly face in the port and the diocese.
Peter said: “I think the time is right to step back from the gangway and enjoy a change of pace. I have enjoyed many happy moments with the seafarers, and unfortunately, been involved in a few sad ones.
“It’s a hard life for many of those away at sea and thanks to the support of many parishioners we have been able to help them and their families.
“Stella Maris is an international organisation, and this allows us to get help to seafarers’ families, many thousands of miles away who may be struggling with medical bills or having their homes destroyed in bad weather.”
Peter also expressed his gratitude to his dedicated team of volunteers who board ships in all weathers and at various times of the day, taking with them the gifts received from parish groups, individuals, knitting groups and businesses.
“A big thank you to all those who have donated clothes, toiletries, knitted hats and for the support we receive in the Sea Sunday collection. One of the most enjoyable times has been at Christmas, distributing gifts to ship crews which are donated by churches and social groups. The delight on the faces of grown men and women when we hand them a Christmas gift wrapped often with a card inside is very moving.
“I remember delivering Christmas presents during the pandemic. We had to leave the gifts on the quayside as we weren’t allowed on the ships. On one ship, two crew members went running up the gangway taking the gifts for all the crew. Halfway up, he turned back, came down and said: ‘Thank you for not forgetting us’.”
In 2019, Peter and his team of volunteer ship visitors?on the Shoreside Team of the Year Award at the IHS Markit Safety at Sea Awards. The win was a great testimony to and recognition of the good work that Peter and his team?o day-in, day-out caring for crews in crisis and providing spiritual, pastoral and practical support to many seafarers, fishers and their families in need.
Peter remains as deacon in the diocese and looks forward to spending more time with his family and to what the Lord might have in store for him.
“We owe a great thanks to Our Lady Star of the Sea for her intercession and care for seafarers,” he said.
Deacon Peter retires as Stella Maris chaplain
