Seafarers' lives touched by volunteers' donations

As part of a recent Day of Service associated with the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, volunteers assisted with pre-packing approximately 200 bags of items that are brought to seafarers by Stella Maris when visiting ships.

 Approximately 10 volunteers helped to serve the ministry that day, and in the busyness and cheerful fellowship, one of the ministry’s greatest assets, volunteers, made a profound statement without speaking a word.   As volunteers circled a table overflowing with items that inspire so many smiles on the faces of seafarers, the collection of items that are handmade by local volunteers and donated to the ministry inspired tremendous gratitude.  

From an estimated 3,000 woven crosses made by a parishioner at St. Pius X Parish, to rosaries from The Rosary Makers Guild of St. Lawrence Parish, the Knights of Columbus at Corpus Christi Parish, and Fr. Toto Buenaflor, a classmate of our chaplain Fr. Lito Capeding; from handmade crosses made by The Crochet Crew at St. Dominic Parish, to crosses that are handmade by a local widow of a seafarer and her daughters.   These items touch many lives as keepsakes from their travels, but they also often serve as a spiritual connection between brothers and sisters in Christ, long after the ships set sail.   Thank you so much to all who support Stella Maris, the Catholic Maritime Ministry.

By Glenn Fairley, Stella Maris Mobile