News & Stories
This week lot of Seafarers were visiting our Mariners House. They were happily playing pool, table tennis and also attended prayers in the Chapel. I had also given them the Stella Maris Magazine for September. This morning while visiting ship I had provided free Wi Fi to the most deserving ship. They were so happy.
Last evening at the port there were few remarkable moments felt and lot of surprises and joy. Mei Mendoza one of our Mariners House staffs who went for pick up from two ships reported that while she was driving the bus one of the Filipino Seafarers was very curious in knowing from her from which city in Philippine she lived in. When she said Cebu he got up from his seat and came closer to ask which part of Cebu. He was surprised that she was from his home town and a distant relative. He was so happy and called home and told his family.
The other surprise was that although twelve Seafarers were picked up from two ships all were Filipinos. When they were at the Seafarers center they were talking to each other and happily singing Karayoki songs. One of them playing the guitar that was there. Suddenly one of them identify another Seafarer from the other ship as one of his classmates and embarrassing each other with full of joy.
Finally all of them were present for the Sunday mass in the Chapel and participated meaningfuly. At the end of the mass sang the thanksgiving hymn in 'Tagalog Salamat Sajug'.
Last Sunday after the mass the Seafarers who had attended the mass were given the last set of Stella Maris magazine. This afternoon I had visited the ships and the Seafarers who were on board the oil tanker were to move to another pier and were badly in need of wi-fi connection. They were so happy to enjoy the free Wi Fi which I had taken on board. Thank you for AoS Great Britain for sending the monthly issues of Stella Maris and making arrangements for free Wi Fi.
This afternoon AoS Maritime Ministry was held at Nav Center within the Plenary agenda of CCCB. Our Episcopal promoter Bishop Dowd chaired the meeting with the Bishops either had port ministry in their dioceses or ports. Bishop Dowd invited me to be present in the meeting.
Last weekend was very busy. As the culmination of the events was a wonderful gathering of the Catholic Indian university students, the members of Jesus Youth movement who were hosted at the Mariners House for one day spiritually nourishing seminar. I had also given a presentation about my vocation and ministry. Finally we had the Eucharistic Celebration at the Mariners House Chapel and had a group picture outside.