Southampton Stella Maris Centre opened with liturgy and blessing

Captain Esteban Pacha, Salvina Salvina Bartholomeusz, Martin Foley

Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) marked the establishment of its Southampton Stella Maris Centre with a liturgy and blessing on February 28.

Bishop Philip Egan of Portsmouth Diocese blessed the Centre based in St Joseph's Church, Southampton. He also blessed a newly-commissioned Stella Maris Icon specially designed as the Catholic charity celebrates its centenary this year.

St Joseph's, a short walk from the port and the city centre, has always been closely linked with seafarers and now hosts an ideal base for Stella Maris and a comfortable pastoral centre to welcome seafarers in the Solent area.

In blessing the icon, Bishop Philip reflected on Our Lady as Star of the Sea, the steady guiding light for mariners and perpetual source of comfort and intercession. He also spoke of the work of Chaplains and volunteers looking after the practical, welfare and spiritual needs of seafarers which can be likened to the role of a field hospital, taking immediate care of casualties.

Also attending the blessing were Martin Foley, Stella Maris CEO, Captain Esteban Pacha, Stella Maris Chair of Trustees and Fr John Lavers, Stella Maris Director of Chaplaincy. Joining in the celebration were Monsignor Canon Vincent Harvey Parish Priest for St Joseph's and St Edmund's Churches, Stella Maris chaplains, ship visitors, volunteers, supporters, members of clergy, Verbum Dei and Franciscan Missionary Sisters.