The Apostleship of the Sea (Stella Maris)
The work of the Catholic Church is far reaching and you may not know it even extends to offering support to seafarers the world over. We spoke with Ian Podosky, president of the Stella Maris Seafarers Centre in Mackay, to learn more about the work of the Apostleship of the Sea.
The Apostleship of the Sea (Stella Maris)
Apostolatus Maris (which translates to the Apostleship of the Sea) is the term used to describe the Church's official work of caring for people employed at sea – on ships or fishing vessels. Its principal patroness is Mary the Mother of God who, among many other titles, holds that of Stella Maris (or Star of the Sea in English). Stars for many centuries have also been used as navigational aids, so Stella Maris is a fitting name for the Seafarers Centres that provide support and undertake the work of Apostleship of the Sea.
"The Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) is a Catholic charity supporting seafarers worldwide. We provide practical and pastoral care to all seafarers, regardless of nationality, religious beliefs or race. Our port chaplain and volunteer ship visitors welcome seafarers, offer welfare services and advice, practical help, care and friendship," explains Ian Podosky of the Stella Maris Seafarers Centre Mackay.
"The AOS is part of an international network known to the maritime world as Stella Maris, working in more than 250 ports around the world. Ninety per cent of world trade is transported by ship. However the life of a modern seafarer can be dangerous and lonely. They may spend up to a year at a time away from home, separated from their family and loved ones, and often working in harsh conditions."
The AOS relies wholly on voluntary contributions. "We are only able to continue our work through the generous donations of our supporters and volunteers. "
A place to relax
The Stella Maris Seafarers Centre Mackay supports the hardworking people of the sea, such as seafarers operating ships that distribute trade goods around the world.
"We provide transport, which is most important, and recreational facilities to enable the seafarers to relax and enjoy themselves whilst on shore leave in the Ports of Mackay and Hay Point. The two Hay Point terminals are situated some 50 kilometres from our centre, which is situated in the CBD of Mackay."
The Mackay Centre has a pool table, book exchange, a souvenir shop, prepaid phone cards and recharge cards, as well as money exchange facilities, a bar, TV and second-hand clothes store. They also offer seafarers free Wi-Fi to contact their families and loved ones while they are ashore.
"Our management team and volunteers are dedicated to the health and wellbeing of all seafarers who visit our shores. We offer hospital visits for any who have taken ill en-route to our part of the world, and our port chaplain is available when requested for mass services on board the vessels."
The Apostleship of the Sea looks ahead
In March 2016, the Apostleship of the Sea (Stella Maris) held an international conference at Mary MacKillop Place in Sydney, which was attended by national and international volunteers, chaplains, staff and delegates from the Vatican.
"Our centre was fortunate to have representation at the recent AOS conference. The weeklong conference was a combination of AOS National (Australia and New Zealand) and AOS Regional, with representatives attending from all over the world, including the Vatican," says Podosky.
"These conferences are an opportunity for us to keep up-to-date with events in the seafaring world, as well as find ways to improve our services to the seafarers, and it's a good opportunity for networking amongst other centres around Australia."
CCI Personal Insurance is proud to have supported the recent AOS conference.
Visit the Apostleship of the Sea Australia website to learn more about their work.