Italy: chaplain helps survivors of sinking cruise ship

Costa Concordia

Catholic seafarers' agency Apostleship of the Sea has spoken of how its chaplain helped passengers on board the Costa Concordia, which sank off the Italian coast last night. The cruise ship was carrying thousands of passengers and hundreds of crew. Three people are confirmed dead with dozens still missing. The chaplain on board assisted shocked crew and passengers, including some who were injured.

The National Director of the Apostleship of the Sea in Italy, Fr Giacomo Martino, said: "The work of cruise chaplains onboard is of great value to encourage and support crew and passengers at difficult moments."

Praising the crew of Costa Concordia, he said: "The crew worked to save passengers with great generosity and a spirit of selflessness."

Thousands of passengers have begun to arrive at the Savona cruise terminal where the local Apostleship of the Sea is joining other agencies to distribute clothing and food. It is also providing spiritual and emotional support.

The priest and parishioners on the island of Giglio, where the ship sank, worked during the night to assist those leaving the ship.

Fr Giacomo called for prayers to be offered for those who have died and those missing.

Each year the Apostleship of the Sea deploys chaplains on many cruise lines to support the pastoral and practical welfare of crew and passengers. Last year more than 700 cruise chaplains provided 15,000 days of cruise chaplaincy across the world.

Source: AoS