London: Clergy pay tribute to seafarers

Members of the clergy, shipping and City of London figures came together for an evening reception on board HQS Wellington on the River Thames to salute seafarers for their contribution to society. They also learnt about the work of Catholic charity Apostleship of the Sea (AoS), who organised the event on 29th June 2016. Clergy from the Catholic Church and executives from maritime sector, journalists and AoS trustees and AoS port chaplains attended the event.

Among the VIPs at the reception were International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Mr Kitack Lim and City of London Alderman Dr Andrew Parmley.

The function kicked off with welcome drinks, after which a short presentation was held to update all present on the current work being undertaken by AoS, with a specific emphasis on the global scope of the charity.

AoS is active in 200 ports worldwide and has a presence in 60 countries providing welfare, pastoral and spiritual support to seafarers.

Attendees watched a video documenting the work of Sr Marian Davey, AoS East Anglia port chaplain in Felixstowe. This was followed by a dramatic case study by AoS South Coast ports chaplain Reverend Roger Stone. Fr Stone described how he had been receiving messages from a seaman on board a ship moored outside a foreign port - where the crew have been kept virtual prisoners for weeks. They have not been paid. The ship is not moving. They are not allowed ashore and the man described incidents of very harsh treatment of his colleagues by the senior officers. He asked for help and prayers. Fr Stone has contacted the authorities and the case is ongoing.

The presentations were followed by drinks and canapes on the quarterdeck, with an amazing view of the Thames and the London riverside.

Read more about the AoS here: www.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk