Scottish Catholic Observer

Bishop Peter Moran, Scotland’s bishop promoter of the Apostleship of the Sea, presided at the 90th anniversary Mass for the charity at St Aloysius Church, Garnethill—the parish where AoS was founded at a time when shipbuilding on the Clyde and seafaring had its greatest influence on Scottish society.

The organisation, often referred to as Stella Maris (Star of the Sea), now offers its specialist service of pastoral support and practical help to maritime workers throughout the world and continually needs to raises funds and awareness to keep that work going. Today, the bishop was quick to point out, the 100,000 seafarers who arrived at Scottish ports each year remain in great need of help and support.

“Those who work at sea are in many ways among the poor, lonely and oppressed of our time,” he said, before explaining that most seafarers earn a low income and are away from their home countries for extended periods of time.

The Aberdeen bishop (above) was joined for the Mass by Fr Peter Griffiths of St Aloysius and by AoS promoters and volunteers from around the world, including representatives from Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Germany, Poland, Scotland, England and Ireland.

“Around me are people who take seriously their ministry to offer seafarers the reassurance that God holds them in the palm of his hand,” Bishop Moran said.

He thanked them for their work and their presence at the AoS anniversary Mass.

The international nature of the celebration was reflected in the prayers of intercession that were said in several languages.

The liturgy to mark the occasion was the Mass of the Feast of Our Lady, Star of the Sea, patroness of the charity.

Bishop Moran remind those present that, while many people do not feel linked to the sea, ‘every time you each a fruit not grown in Great Britain please think of those who brought it to you, and of AoS.”

—Contact AoS by telephoning 0207 588 8285 or e-mailing [email protected]