The recent Stella Maris regional meeting, held right after the NAMMA (North American Maritime Ministry Association) Conference, was an opportunity to deepen spiritual engagement and practical ministry for seafarers. The gathering was filled with prayer, reflection, and dialogue, all aimed at exploring the theme of spirituality within port ministry. The close proximity to the NAMMA conference was intentional, as Sr. Joanna Okereke, Director of Stella Maris for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, highlighted: “We were so happy that NAMMA is having the meeting and then we plan to walk along the same time with NAMMA… it helps us a lot and saves the chaplains on travel costs.”
This synergy allowed for an enriched focus on spiritual matters, and throughout the conference, participants were encouraged to delve into the spirituality that undergirds their service to seafarers. Sr. Okereke emphasized that this year’s Stella Maris theme was centered on spirituality, urging chaplains to reflect on the unique spiritual dimensions of their work. The significance of fostering this spirituality was evident through the presence of church leaders like Cardinal Joseph Tobin and Bishop Brendan Cahill. Their participation underscored the importance of spiritual leadership and connection in the maritime ministry.
Bishop Cahill, Stella Maris’ Bishop promoter for the United States, spoke to the unity fostered by such gatherings: “For Stella Maris it is hugely important in general to work with NAMMA, our support for one another as brothers and sisters in the ministry… bringing Jesus Christ to all the men and women at sea.” He noted the importance of this work in both practical and spiritual terms, emphasizing the sharing of common experiences and continuing education among those in ministry. For Cahill, the spirituality of Stella Maris is deeply connected to Mary, Star of the Sea, guiding seafarers through life’s storms, and the importance of spiritual care in helping them navigate both literal and figurative seas.
Deacon Paul Rosenblum, Regional Coordinator for Stella Maris – North America and the Caribbean, shared why a focus on spirituality is vital for those engaged in port ministry. He rooted his explanation in the “two greatest commandments” given by Jesus – to love God and love your neighbor. “If we don’t do things with that spirituality… we can still do good works, but there’s still that grace that’s missing from it.” This perspective resonated throughout the conference, as attendees reflected on how spirituality enhances their service to seafarers, offering a deeper motivation and grounding for the good works they perform.
A recorded message from Msgr. Anthony Ekpo, Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development, further expanded on the spiritual dimension of Stella Maris’ work. He acknowledged the meeting as an expression of the “synodal face of the Church,” where practical care and evangelization go hand in hand. The message emphasized that ministry to seafarers extends beyond local efforts to represent a universal call of the Church to care for those on the peripheries. “Your work takes you to the peripheries,” he said, commending the ministry’s effort to connect seafarers with the care and support of the Church.
The gathering also facilitated rich discussion sessions, morning prayers, and Mass, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among the participants. Attendees explored the sacramental grace of Catholic maritime ministry, the spiritual journeys of port ministers, and the unique challenges faced by those serving at sea. The Stella Maris meeting underscored the need to integrate spirituality into every aspect of ministry, enhancing both the spiritual wellbeing of seafarers and those who serve them.
