Southwark: Stella Maris Mass and Reception at St George's Cathedral

Martin Foley, Esteban Pacha and Theresa Crossley. Image M Mazur

Many supporters, colleagues and friends gathered for a special Mass at St George's Cathedral, Southwark, on Wednesday, to bid farewell to Martin Foley CEO, and he steps down after 13 years service.

The chief celebrant was Bishop Paul Mason, promoter and trustee of the charity.

Tributes were also paid to Fr Bruno Ciceri, Stella Maris International director who is leaving after 13 years service and Peggy Smith who is retiring from her post as financial controller for 20 years.

Theresa Crossley, vice chair of Stella Maris Trustees gave the first reading. Deacon John Fogarty, Regional Port Chaplain read the Gospel.

In his homily, Bishop Mason reflected on references to the sea in the Bible. He said: "In Genesis, it starts off with the formless void... But the Spirit hovers over those waters and brings order."

When the people of Israel leaving Egypt and come to the Red Sea, God opens a path for them through the waters.... "the storms threaten, but God finds a way through the sea, Bishop John said.

"God helps us weather the storms that come through life.... The boat is a metaphor for our Church - offering a place of safety." Bishop Paul pointed out Stella Maris is part of the fleet - offering support and security to seafarers in more than 300 ports around the world.

He said: "For 13 years Martin has been at the helm, Peggy has been a very good pair of hands on deck and Father Bruno has been offering navigation advice from Rome, so we thank you."

After the Mass there was a reception in Amigo Hall where Martin Foley and Capt Dr Esteban Pacha, chair of trustees of Stella Maris gave short presentations.

Martin Foley is leaving to take up the role of Chief Executive Officer with the Arise Foundation, an anti-slavery NGO. Fr Bruno is also going to a new assignment.

Esteban Pacha, Chair of Trustees, said: "On behalf of the Trustees, I would like to express my thanks to Martin for his service to Stella Maris. As the leading provider of welfare support for seafarers, fishers, and their families, Stella Maris is in a better place now than it was 13 years ago. That is due to Martin's dedication and hard work in collaboration with all our volunteers, chaplains, staff, trustees, and supporters. His wonderful efforts for seafarers, fishers and their families have produced tremendous fruit, both here in the UK and overseas through the global Stella Maris network."

Martin Foley said: "Stella Maris is an outstanding charity. It has been a privilege to serve Stella Maris as Chief Executive Officer, alongside our superb volunteers, chaplains, staff, and trustees. We have achieved a great deal together and I give thanks to God for the part he has enabled me to play in this.

"As both Stella Maris and the Arise Foundation are involved in the fight against slavery and human trafficking, in my new role with the Arise Foundation I hope to continue to collaborate with Stella Maris, here in the UK and overseas, to eradicate slavery in the maritime sector."

LINKS

Stella Maris: www.stellamaris.org.uk/

Bishop John's homily: www.indcatholicnews.com/news/46822