Sea Sunday is a unique day when the Catholic Church pays tribute to seafarers who brave the vast seas to bring us our daily necessities. In a thoughtful message from Cardinal Michael Czerny, the beauty of the sea is juxtaposed with the challenges faced by those who work at sea.
As we approach Sea Sunday, Cardinal Michael Czerny sheds light on the forgotten labor of seafarers who make countless sacrifices to ensure goods reach their destinations. He highlights the immense number of individuals involved in the shipping industry, from ship crews to dockworkers, all playing a vital role in our daily lives.
Despite the essential nature of their work, many seafarers experience long periods of absence from their homes and families, facing injustices, exploitation, and inequality along the way. Cardinal Czerny’s message is a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who toil at sea.
The Ministry of Stella Maris
Cardinal Czerny also acknowledges the Catholic Church’s Apostleship of the Sea, known as ‘Stella Maris’, which provides pastoral care and advocates for the rights of seafarers worldwide. This ministry aims to address the spiritual and material needs of laborers, promoting dignity and advocating for improved working conditions.
Through encounters with seafarers, prayer, and advocacy, Stella Maris brings attention to the often overlooked challenges faced by those in the shipping industry. This ministry serves as a beacon of light in the darkness, championing the rights and welfare of maritime workers.
Christian History and the Sea
Cardinal Czerny draws parallels between the Church’s history and the sea, noting the journeys of St. Paul and the spread of Christianity by seafaring apostles. He reflects on St. Paul’s message of unity in the face of division, urging the Church to work towards harmony among diverse groups.
As Christianity spread through shoreside communities, the sea acted as a conduit for the message of Christ to reach distant lands. Cardinal Czerny’s message prompts us to embrace the unknown and be open to life’s possibilities, mirroring the courage of seafarers who traverse the unknown seas.
