We are delighted to welcome our new Chief Executive Officer Tim Hill MBE, who joined us yesterday.
Tim is currently undertaking an intensive induction process visiting our chaplains and volunteers and seeing our work around the country.
Please join us in welcoming Tim to the Stella Maris family!
Tim is pictured here on his first day with our Chair, Captain Esteban Pacha, and interim managing director Robert Ashdown.
After almost 13 years’ service with Stella Maris, Martin Foley has informed the Trustees that he will be resigning his position to take up the role of Chief Executive Officer with the Arise Foundation, an anti-slavery NGO. His precise date of departure has yet to be confirmed but is likely to be towards the end of March 2023. Martin will continue serving as Stella Maris CEO until then.
Esteban Pacha, Chair of Trustees, said; “On behalf of the Trustees, I would like to express my thanks to Martin for his service to Stella Maris. As the leading provider of welfare support for seafarers, fishers, and their families, Stella Maris is in a better place now than it was 13 years ago. That is due to Martin’s dedication and hard work in collaboration with all our volunteers, chaplains, staff, trustees, and supporters. His wonderful efforts for seafarers, fishers and their families have produced tremendous fruit, both here in the UK and overseas through the global Stella Maris network.”
Martin Foley said: “Stella Maris is an outstanding charity. It has been a privilege to serve Stella Maris as Chief Executive Officer, alongside our superb volunteers, chaplains, staff, and trustees. We have achieved a great deal together and I give thanks to God for the part he has enabled me to play in this.
“As both Stella Maris and the Arise Foundation are involved in the fight against slavery and human trafficking, in my new role with the Arise Foundation I hope to continue to collaborate with Stella Maris, here in the UK and overseas, to eradicate slavery in the maritime sector.”
The recruitment process for Martin’s successor is underway. Further details will be announced shortly via our website and social media channels
To coincide with World Mental Health Day on 10 October, global maritime charity Stella Maris has teamed up with Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS) to provide seafarers with practical and useful tips to deal with the pressures of working at sea.
During their daily ship visiting duties, Stella Maris chaplains in the United Kingdom will start distributing a booklet produced by MHSS called ‘A Guide to Mental Health at Sea’.
The Guide is a compact and comprehensive document which provides seafarers with bite-size tips and strategies to look after their mental health, including the importance of diet, physical health, and socialising with colleagues on board.
“For seafarers the ups and downs of life are magnified by many aspects of the job, especially being away from their families for long periods and not being able to control or help with events at home”
– Martin Foley, Stella Maris CEO
“Everyone’s mental health fluctuates in response to life events” said Stella Maris Chief Executive Martin Foley. “For seafarers the ups and downs of life are magnified by many aspects of the job, especially being away from their families for long periods and not being able to control or help with events at home. We are particularly pleased to be working with MHSS to give seafarers some of the tools necessary to improve their own and others’ mental health,” he said.
MHSS Chief Executive Christian Ayerst added, “It’s common knowledge that the stresses and strains of working at sea can have a detrimental effect on crew members’ mental health. However, their anxieties are likely heightened by the extraordinary times we’re living in, with seafarers unable to get off ships or be repatriated because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Our guide is a vital resource for any mariner struggling with their mental health or working with someone who may be suffering. This is why we are looking forward to our partnership with Stella Maris and the positive change this initiative will bring to those onboard,” he said.
By providing a listening ear and a becoming the trusted friends of seafarers, Stella Maris chaplains and ship visitors provide necessary and timely support to seafarers under pressure.
At the height of the pandemic when several cruise ships were moored long-term in Glasgow, the cruise company recognised the significant contribution of faith to the wellbeing of its crew and invited the Stella Maris chaplain on board. He was then able to arrange for regular services for the staff who remained on those ships.
“Stella Maris chaplains and ship visitors worldwide conduct up to 70,000 ship visits a year around the globe. They play an integral part in helping seafarers cope with hugely stressful jobs, and the Guide to Mental Health at Sea now gives them another tool in their armoury,” said Stella Maris Head of Corporate Engagement and Partnerships Ian Stokes.
This Opinion Piece written by our Chair of Trustees Captain Esteban Pacha, was published on Lloyd's List on July 24th 2019.
Seafarers should not be used as ‘pawns’ in geopolitical conflicts as seen in recent incidents including the seizure of British-flagged tanker Stena Impero, the newly-appointed Chair of a global maritime charity has said.
Captain Esteban Pacha, Chair of Trustees of seafarers’ charity Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) said these incidents have a severe impact upon seafarers’ wellbeing and may lead to a violation of their human rights.
Captain Pacha, a former merchant ship captain, added, “As an ex seafarer I can feel the shock and stress, the concern and even the fear that all crew members on board Stena Impero are experiencing – with restricted or no access to communications and without really knowing the extent and consequences of their detention by military forces”.
“When the international community has adopted guidance and measures to protect shipping and seafarers from piracy attacks, international shipping appears now exposed to military actions and seafarers retained as hostages in conflicts that are unrelated to their duties and daily professional activity at sea,” he said.
Those seafarers were just going about their jobs, making their passage to the ship’s next port of call as part of their daily work and dedication carrying and distributing goods worldwide, Captain Pacha said.
“We should assume that the crew on board is united, calm and under the guidance of the ship's command, and able to cope with the situation with minimal physical and psychological impact,” he said. 
Stella Maris knows the reality that such incidents can have on seafarers’ wellbeing and mental health, as well as the huge pressures, strains and anxieties their families are facing at home.
In the ports of Milford Haven, Immingham and Fawley in Great Britain, Stella Maris port chaplains and ship visitors visited 33 ships owned by Stena (the owners of Stena Impero) last year and hence are familiar with crews of those vessels.
It is also important to remember the crew of the Mesdar, another tanker which was boarded by armed personnel on July 19 and managed by a company which Stella Maris has supported and worked with in the past.
These incidents affect not just the one vessel but the whole fleet, which is why Stella Maris immediately offered its hand of friendship and support to the companies involved, to let them know we are thinking of them and stand ready to assist wherever needed.
As the largest seafarers’ charity providing welfare support to seafarers in over 330 ports around the world as well as supporting seafarers’ families, Stella Maris stands ready to support crews and their families affected by this and similar incidents.
Fr Bruno Ciceri, Stella Maris International Director based in Rome, has called to ensure that the dignity and rights of seafarers are always protected, and extended prayers for the seafarers affected by these incidents.
He also conveyed his appreciation and encouragement to seafarers and their families worldwide.
As Stella Maris approaches its Centenary next year in 2020, Captain Pacha says that the Charity will continue its focus on building up its global ship visiting network by its port chaplains and ship visitors to support the practical and pastoral needs of seafarers.
The Centenary celebrations will kick off with the World Congress in Glasgow, the birth place of Stella Maris, in October 2020.
~ Captain Esteban Pacha is Chair of Trustees of Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) in Great Britain.
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Next year, 2020, Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) will celebrate its Centenary, 100 years since we were founded in Glasgow, Scotland. Cardinal Peter Turkson, the Vatican's Prefect for the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development in Rome (which Stella Maris falls under) has sent an official message to the Presidents of the Episcopal Conference, Bishops Promoters, Regional Coordinators, National Directors and Volunteers of Stella Maris. The letter is reproduced below;
From the Vatican, 14th July 2019
Re: XXV World Congress Stella Maris/ Apostleship of the Sea and the Centennial Celebration
Dear Bishops Promoters, Regional Coordinators, National Directors, Chaplains and Volunteers,
As it is recorded by Peter Anson: "A meeting took place in the Catholic Institute, Cochrane Street, [Glasgow] at 8 p.m. on October 4th, [1920] during which the revival of ship-visiting in riverside parishes was discussed." That night in Glasgow a new era for the Catholic ministry to seafarers began. The Popes who succeeded in guiding the Church have always blessed and encouraged the growth of this Apostolate.
Pope Pius XI blessed and approved the first Constitution in a letter dated 22 April 1922 "With the certain knowledge that so noble an initiative, capably supported by the zeal of priestly soul, …, will spread more and more along the seacoasts of the two hemispheres …".
On September 1956, Pius XII referring to the Apostleship of the Sea said: "We are very much consoled to learn how seamen reaching the world's ports are becoming accustomed to look for the help you are prepared to give them. Besides offering them the spiritual benefits of religion, you extend your Apostleship to social service; and you do well."
While Pope John XXIII stated that "This particular situation of the maritime world demands your action…it is desirable that seamen be helped to lead an authentic Catholic life within their milieu. And it is a great pleasure for Us to congratulate you on the good work that you have already accomplished to make more easy the knowledge of Christ …"
Pope Paul VI, to the people of the sea in Cagliari on 24 April 1970, said: "… as seafarers, as men, as Christians: the network of the Apostolate of the Sea, now extended to so many ports in the world, does not leave you alone, expects you and assists you; you know that."
John Paul II in 1982 to the participants of the XVII World Congress in Rome affirmed that, "The Church wishes to bring all the baptized to a fuller and more systematic knowledge of the person and message of Jesus Christ. In fulfilling this mission to seafarers, you face a most challenging and difficult task."
In 2012 Pope Benedict XVI addressed the participants of the XXIII World Congress in Rome with the following words: "The vulnerability of seafarers, fishermen and sailors calls for an even more attentive solicitude on the Church's part and should stimulate the motherly care that, through you, she expresses to all those whom you meet in ports and on ships or whom you help on board during those long months at sea."
And more recently Pope Francis on July 2018 said at the Angelus: "I pray for them [seafarers and fishermen] and their families, as well as for the chaplains and volunteers of the Apostleship of the Sea. I offer a special thought to those who experience humiliating working conditions at sea and to those who work to free the seas from pollution."
From the initial group of people who gathered in Glasgow and of whom we know only three names (Peter F. Anson an Anglican convert, Arthur Gannon and Bro. Daniel Shields SJ), today the Stella Maris/Apostleship of the Sea, is serving seafarers, fishers and their families, around the world, with a global outreach in 261 ports in 55 countries worldwide with over 200 port chaplains and hundreds of ship visitors and volunteers.
One hundred years have passed and this ministry has grown and adjusted to the continuous changes of the maritime industry remaining faithful to the initial mission "to reveal Christ to those who go down the sea in ships, and do business in great waters, with the object of bringing them to a deeper knowledge of Christ and his Church".
With this letter, I wish to announce the XXV World Congress of the Stella Maris/Apostleship of the Sea and its Centenary Celebration from the 29th September to the 4th October 2020 in Glasgow – Scotland.
I would like to invite our ecumenical partners, international maritime organizations, representatives from Governments, the shipping industry and civic society to "save the date" and make plans to join our chaplains, volunteers and other personnel for this important event.
The Centenary will be an occasion to remember the past and give thanks for all the people who over the past one hundred years have served the people of the sea, to celebrate the present and to chart the future of our ministry in responding to the evolving needs of seafarers, fishers and their families.
We would like to invite the Presidents of the Episcopal Conferences, Bishops Promoters, Regional Coordinators, National Directors, Chaplains and Volunteers around the world to organize at regional, national and local level celebrations to mark this important event.
All these activities will increase awareness and interest in our ministry that will culminate in the XXV World Congress of the Stella Maris/ Apostleship of the Sea and the Centennial Celebration in Glasgow next year.
May Mary, Star of the Sea, guide your actions and bless all chaplains and volunteers who will be involved in these events.
Cardinal Peter K.A. Turkson, Prefect, Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Vatican.
* You are encouraged to read Cardinal Turkson's message here which includes suggestions on how you can prepare for the Centennial.
Welcome to Glasgow! Watch this video in the run-up to our World Congress and Centenary.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jazc5ObbqI]
A Stella Maris port chaplain has spoken of meeting the crew of the cargo ship that was attacked near the port of Douala with eight crew kidnapped.
According to media reports on August 15, west African pirates, attacked the MarMalaita in the dead of night near the port of Douala, Cameroon.
“It’s shocking to hear that the crew of the MarMalaita are still being held captive after the ship had been attacked.’ said Deacon John Archer, Stella Maris port chaplain in the port of Mobile, USA. ‘The vessel was in Mobile for a few months running between Mexico and Mobile and I got to know the Chief Cook during their short visits to Mobile and I knew they were heading to the coast of Africa.’
“I’d been on board the ship a number of times when it had visited the port of Mobile, Alabama. On my last visit I did what I usually do, such as asking the crew if they wanted to visit the town, go shopping, or offer to shop for those unable to go shore due to visa restrictions.’
The International Maritime Bureau recently noted that of the 75 seafarers around the world who were kidnapped and taken hostage for ransom in the first six months of 2019, 62 were kidnapped in the Gulf of Guinea.
Paul Rosenblum, Stella Maris North America regional coordinator said ‘this kidnapping highlights the high price that can be paid by seafarers when things go wrong. This tragedy is a reminder of the dangers seafarers face each day to bring us the various goods and food we rely on’
The abducted crew are from Russia, the Philippines and Ukraine.
John Green, Stella Maris director of development said ‘Today our thoughts and prayers are very much with those who are still being held captive and their families'.
Stella Maris continues to monitor the situation.
Saturday 7th September marks 50 days since the crew of the Stena Impero were held against their will by Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps. Media reports this week stated that 7 of the crew have been released; five Indians, one Latvian and one Russian. 16 seafarers remain in Iran with no indication of their release.
Martin Foley, National Director of global seafarers’ charity, Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) said, "As world news moves on it is vital that the plight of the crew of the Stena Impero is not forgotten. The fact that it is now 50 days since their seizure is shocking for both the seafarers themselves and their families."
There has been no evidence produced that the Stena Impero breached any maritime rules or regulations. Foley continued, "not only is the ongoing detention for this crew and their families a great injustice for them, but our chaplains around the world have been hearing of the heightened anxiety of the families as to whether this could happen to them."
John Green, Director of Development added, "As the shipping world gathers for London International Shipping Week 9-13th September, the plight of this crew and stresses many other seafarers face must be central to the debates."
Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea), is the largest charity in the world providing welfare support to seafarers in over 330 ports around the world as well as supporting seafarers’ families.
The charity continues to monitor the situation.
Recently St Mary Immaculate parish in Falmouth celebrated 150 years since the church was built on the 24th August 1865.
The parishioners decided to put on a numerous displays highlighting the activities that have taken place over many years.
John Pinhay Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) Falmouth Port Chaplain and his wife Pat who is a ship visitor put on a display highlighting the work of Stella Maris.
They discovered a leather case that belonged to a former Parish Priest, Canon Bede, who was a great supporter of Stella Maris and would say Mass on a regular basis whenever the need arose.
Sadly Canon Bede passed away in 2006, but to find his case with all the items required to say Mass on board ship was very moving.
John and Pat made sure that Canon Bede's case and contents took centre place on their display.
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On the morning of 10th September, a commemorative service for seafarers past and present was held at Trinity Square in London to remember and pray for all seafarers.
Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) was represented by our Chair of Trustees Dr Esteban Pacha and Vice Chair Theresa Crossley, who laid a wreath. Fr Alan Griffin, AoS cruise chaplain led the prayer at the start of the service.
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We're absolutely delighted and thankful that our Teesport ship visiting team, led by port chaplain Peter Barrigan, has won the Shoreside Team of the Year Award the Safety at Sea Awards organised by IHS Markit held in London on September 10.
The win is a great testimony to the good work that Peter and his team – as well as all our other Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) port chaplains, ship visitors and volunteers – do. Congratulations to them and all the winners. The full list of winner can be found at https://www.sasawards.com/winners
Press release
The Stella Maris team from Tees and Hartlepool picked up the Shoreside Team of the Year Award at the annual IHS Markit Safety at Sea Awards held during the London International Shipping Week on September 10.
They saw off competition from other global maritime companies, charities and organisations, who gathered in London to pay tribute to extraordinary achievements in maritime safety and crew wellbeing.
The Stella Maris team comprises ship visitors and volunteers Tees and Hartlepool led by port chaplain Deacon Peter Barrigan, who accepted the award that night.
Peter said, “On the one hand I was surprised that our team was singled out for this award. Yet our Stella Maris teams around Great Britain and the world make a huge difference to seafarers’ lives. They’ve become trusted friends to many seafarers who arrive in ports,” Peter said.
It is precisely this trust and friendship gained by North Tees husband and wife ship visitors – Hugh and Mary Ward – that resulted in Stella Maris assisting a seafarer whose wife had given birth to premature triplets in the Philippines.
The babies needed urgent medical care, but the family were unable to access free healthcare, and this led to thousands of pounds being racked-up in hospital bills.
Hugh and Mary’s intervention led to Stella Maris raising funds to pay off the family’s outstanding debt. Their support made a tangible difference to their lives and the triplets are now healthy toddlers.
Stella Maris has a very special place in the hearts of the seafarer and his family and Hugh and Mary are in constant contact with the family even till this day.
“Every time we speak to them, they can’t thank us and Stella Maris enough for being there in their time of desperate need,” Mary says.
The AoS Teesport team.
Deacon Peter Barrigan with the Award seen here with host Colin Murray and Katie Higginbottom,
Head of ITF Seafarers’ Trust.
Deacon Peter with (from left): Ian Stokes (AoS Head of Corporate Engagement), Robert Ashdown (AoS Trustee), Dr Esteban Pacha (AoS Chair of Trustees) and Martin Foley (AoS National Director).
Here's a video of our Tees team in action.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5QpdYfwDL0]
