Tony McAvoy, the Apostleship of the Sea’s chaplain in the North East region, was presented with the Papal Award of Bene Merenti, at the annual pilgrimage to Holy Island by the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, the Rt Rev Seamus Cunningham.

It is a measure of his ministry in the region that a crowd of over 700 people travelled to Holy Island for the pilgrimage. Prayers on the beach were led by AoS Trustee, Msg Ronnie Brown, and concelebrated Mass was led by Bishop Seamus. Traditionally held just before Sea Sunday, which falls on the 12th July, the pilgrimage is an opportunity to reflect on the harsh life seafarers lead, particularly in a region where shipping has had a major impact, both nationally and internationally.

Tony is now in his 11th year as chaplain and in this time his dedication to his ministry and the diocesan community has been nothing short of inspirational. Over this time, Tony has established teams of volunteers from local parishes who visit around 200 ships each month in the North East ports. With local clergy, his teams enable seafarers to access the sacraments on board ship and in the local Seafarers’ Centres. They also supply faith resources and catechetical material enabling seafarers to live their faith and participate in the liturgical life of the Church, even when they are afloat. On a practical note, they also offer extensive welfare services such as the provision of transport to visit the local Centre where seafarers can access communication facilities to get in touch with loved ones back home, from whom they are separated for up to a year at a time.

Tony has integrated his regional ministry into the work of the diocese and this has been fundamental to its success. He has led the regular promotion of the AoS ministry in parishes and schools with 2009 marking the fifth annual pilgrimage to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. This much loved event draws people from all over the region to gather together in prayer and reflection. Beyond the region, Tony has led on the initiation of ship visiting in Sharpness and in Gibraltar, enabling them to replicate his successful model of pastoral care. Eamonn Delaney, Chairman of the Trustees of Apostleship of the Sea, commented “Tony conducts his ministry with exemplary dedication and faithfulness to the mission and teaching of the Church, his selfless giving, evident success and inspirational example are fully deserving of the Papal honour of Bene Merenti”.