AoS port chaplain prays with Muslim seafarer

Radjo Muhammad

The Catholic seafarers' charity Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) supports seafarers regardless of their religion or beliefs. John Pinhay, AoS port chaplain in Fowey, Cornwall, went on board a ship called the Skagenbank over the Christmas period to visit its crew and give out presents.

The crew members were very busy but John was welcomed by the ship's chief engineer who in turn introduced John to Radjo Muhammad, the cook. Radjo received the Christmas gifts on the crews' behalf, and he and John got talking about a multitude of topics.

"After a long conversation and a coffee, Radjo mentioned that he was a practising Muslim who respected all believers in God," said John.

As John was about to leave he asked Radjo if he wanted to join in a prayer and this the seafarer readily did. Prayers were offered up for the safe passage of the crew and eventual safe return home to family and friends. John said, "It was a very memorable experience and a good opportunity to live out Pope Francis' call to engage in meaningful dialogue and friendship with our brethren of other religions."

The Apostleship of the Sea, AoS, is a registered charity and agency of the Catholic Bishops' Conferences of England & Wales and Scotland. It is wholly reliant on voluntary donations and legacies to continue its work.

90% of world trade is transported by ship, and more than 100,000 ships visit British ports each year. However the life of a modern seafarer can be dangerous and lonely. They may spend up to a year at a time away from home, separated from their family and loved ones, often working in harsh conditions.

Read more about the Apostleship of the Sea here: www.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk/