Seafarers mark Ash Wednesday on board ship

Rev O'Donnell with crew in Glasgow

To mark the beginning of Lent, the Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) held Ash Wednesday services for ships' crew at several ports around Great Britain.

At Southampton Docks and Fawley Marine Terminal, AoS South Coast port chaplain Reverend Roger Stone went on board the Grande Scandinavia and the Venere to administer ashes to seafarers.

Roger said: "The crew were very happy to be able to receive the ashes and be given the chance to practice their faith. One of the seafarers said this was the first time he had experienced a service on board since he started as a seafarer 23 years ago."

In King George V Docks in Glasgow, AoS Clyde port chaplain Deacon Joseph O'Donnell met seafarers from the Burgia and the Endeavour where he held services and imposed ashes.

As Easter approaches, AoS port chaplains and ship visitors will increase their efforts to bring some Easter joy to seafarers by handing out Easter Eggs, as well as offering practical and pastoral support to those who need them.