We rarely think what happens to seafarers when they are left stranded or isolated at ports around Scotland. Yet without the intervention of Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea), their precarious plight would be much worse for sure.
That’s why I’ve been inspired to witness at close hand how the Catholic charity, in its centenary year, is aiding those who might otherwise have been forgotten during these unprecedented times. The spiritual and practical assistance that has been delivered since the outbreak of this pandemic has never been more vital.
Port chaplains have had to adapt and change. Severe restrictions are in place around ports and government guidelines must be followed, but still they manage to support seamen on the proverbial ‘front line’.
I wonder where we would all be without seafarers, so crucial to our economy by delivering 95 per cent of all trade? Around Scotland’s coast, chaplains are performing an invaluable role in helping these unsung heroes. For that, we should be eternally grateful.
Take Troon for instance. Earlier in lockdown, a group of foreign fishermen found themselves having to stay longer in port because of the pandemic. But being a stranger in a foreign land was never an option. Joe O’Donnell, Scotland’s Senior Regional Port Chaplain, soon brought them much-needed supplies. They asked for a bike and Joe provided one so they could get to the shops for further essentials.
This simple act of kindness is likely to be appreciated far more than we could imagine.
With so much upheaval, it’s sometimes just good to talk. Helping seafarers keep in contact with family and loved ones back home has been paramount. Equipment has been provided to ensure nobody has been left cut off and increased requests for phone top-up vouchers have been answered.
Doug Duncan, the northeast Port Chaplain, supported a Filipino fisherman who’d been airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for emergency treatment after suddenly taking ill on his boat. Doug picked up, washed and delivered Jericho’s clothes and supplied fruit, chocolates and magazines to the hospital. He chatted regularly with Jericho via social media, helping keep his spirits up and reassuring him before he returned home for further hospital treatment.
Two Fraserburgh fishermen, Samuel and Isaac, also contacted Doug asking for a top up – not for the phone, but a Holy Water top up. The men had run out of Holy Water on their latest trip out to sea, so wasted no time in getting in touch. Again, help was at hand and the seafarers were able to sprinkle their boat and cabins before embarking on their next 14-day trip.
Whatever the seafarer’s difficulty, one guarantee is Stella Maris will continue to support those working on the sea in whatever way possible. COVID has curtailed centenary commemorations, but with much still to celebrate, we’ll start with a Mass at St Mungo’s church in the charity’s birthplace of Glasgow on Sunday October 4 at 3pm. Please join us for the live stream (see Stella Maris’ website:
And if you would like to become a volunteer, please contact me at euan-mcarthur@stellamarismail.org or phone 07720 093155.