International maritime website launched

The Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) has launched a website at: www.apostleship of the sea.org.uk/

The site presents the pastoral work of AOS among all the 'People of the Sea': seafarers, fishers, coastal communities, port and dockworkers, cruise-ship staff and all whose lives depend on the sea. It includes stories from around the world such as the help brought by AOS to seafarers abandoned in the Seychelles, a sick seafarer cured with kindness in Italy, and the spiritual fulfilment found by AOS ship visitors in Brazil. has been planned and developed by AOS Great Britain, on behalf of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (which coordinates AOS internationally). It will serve to facilitate the communications of an organisation that is now active in over 100 countries. In time, the website will be developed to include national and local pages.

In addition, there are studies of the pastoral care offered by AOS in different situations - from traditional fishing communities in Madagascar, to graduates of maritime academies in the Philippines, and migrant workers in Taiwan.

Contact details of AOS representatives can be found in the international directory. There is also a page devoted to the beautiful Stella Maris icon.

Commodore Chris York, National Director of AOS in Great Britain, said: "I am delighted that this new and vital resource has been launched, and that AOS Great Britain has been able to contribute this service to AOS internationally. As the website develops, I feel sure that AOS personnel and seafarers will benefit, and that the issues relating to modern seafaring in a truly globalised industry will be better understood by many more people. After all, the difference seafarers make to all of our lives is immense."

Source: AoS