A network of European ports to improve the assistance provided in ‘Stella Maris’ centres and thus provide better support to seamen and follow them in their voyages: that’s the proposal made by the European Meeting of the Apostleship of the Sea that opened at Rocca di Papa (Rome) on 18 September. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Solidarity with people of the sea as witnesses of hope through the proclamation of the Word, Liturgy and Diakonia”. Father Edward Pracz, European coordinator of the Apostleship of the Sea, recalled that “there are many seamen in Europe who arrive from the countries of Eastern Europe, especially Russians and Ukrainians: men who receive very low wages in comparison with seamen who work for the shipping companies of Western Europe”. They need to be supported by “an effective network of communication between pastoral workers to improve the working and living conditions of those who work at sea. By succouring seamen we succour Jesus Christ”. The meeting, hosted by the Migrantes Foundation of the Italian episcopate, is being attended by 80 delegates from all over Europe. It will end on 21 September.
