• The White Ensign, under which the men and women of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines serve, adorned with many crosses, reminds us of the Cross of sacrifice and the sacrifices made by those who serve at sea, especially the cross of separation from loved ones and family.

 

• The ship's lantern that warns other shipping of a vessel's presence, lit by a burning candle signifying Christ our Light, our guide and help in times of distress.

 

• The sextant, which enable safe navigation, is reminiscent of the Word and Sacraments that guide us in our daily lives.

 

• The ship's bell registering the passage of time, encouraging us to appreciate each day in its fullness.

 

These, together with the Naval Hymn 'Eternal Father strong to save', which invokes the help of the Holy Trinity, remind us of our vulnerability and need for God.

Today, let us be especially mindful of all seafarers and their families and pray that the Lord will "Protect them whereso'er they go".

 

Stella Maris is an international maritime charity supporting seafarers, fishers, and their families in the UK and around the world. It is the largest ship-visiting network in the world, and the official maritime charity of the Catholic Church. Seafarers often work away from their families and local communities for 9 to 12 months at a time. Across the world, Stella Maris aims to provide a ‘friend in every port’ and stand alongside seafarers and fishers to ensure their rights are upheld. For more than 100 years it has been extending the hand of friendship to them. Its network of more than 1,000 chaplains and volunteers across the world can make 70,000 ship visits a year and support hundreds of thousands of seafarers and fishers in times of need. https://stellamaris.org.uk