By Matters India Reporter
Mumbai, July 12, 2020: Cardinal Oswald Gracias on July 12 expressed concern over seafarers stranded in various parts of the world because of the coronavirus pandemic and assured them the Church’s prayers for their safe return home.
“I want to join you my dear seafarers who are on your ships in different parts of the world. I am aware of your anxiety you as so many are stuck in your vessel and trying to come to India, the Philippines, Nigeria or other places,” Cardinal Gracias said in his introduction to the Sunday Mass at 9 am in the Holy Name Cathedral of Mumbai.
Churches all over the world marked July 12 as the annual Sea Sunday. The day highlights the work seafarers do throughout the year. It also offers an opportunity for people to pray for those at sea and their families.
On Sea Sunday various Christian denominations pray for seafarers and their families while thanking God for their lives and work. It is officially held on the second Sunday in July. On that day, charities such as the Apostleship of the Sea, The Mission to Seafarers and the Sailors’ Society as well as non-denominational groups such as Sea Cadets conduct fundraisers, hold parades, and run awareness campaigns about life at sea.
However, the coronavirus pandemic has brought new challenges to seafarers this year. According to news reports, more than 18,000 seafarers stranded at ports around the world have returned to India. However, an estimated 4,000 are still at sea on board merchant vessels across the globe.
With Indian seafarers still seeking repatriation from foreign ports, the All India Seafarers and General Workers Union office in Navi Mumbai has been reportedly swarmed with calls, emails and Twitter posts of seafarers seeking their help to come home after spending months on merchant vessels amid the global Covid-19 pandemic-induced travel restrictions.
“This is a moment of uncertainty and discomfort and confusion over the future. We want to help you. We are with you, we are praying for you as one family. You are our brothers and sisters,” said Cardinal Gracias, archbishop of Bombay and the head of the Catholic Church in India.
The cardinal ended the Mass with a special blessing for the seafarers. “Once again I want to greet all the seafarers and hope all of you get home soon.”
The cardinal also prayed for those in fishing community. “You too are our concern in these trying moments,” he added.
In normal conditions, Catholic churches take a second collection that goes to support the work of the Apostleship of the Sea.
Life at sea is known for the challenges it presents to those who work in this sector. But this year has been particularly difficult for seafarers who have continued to work amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sea Sunday forms part of Seafarers Awareness Week that began on July 6. The Mission to Seafarers is one of the Christian charities taking part in this initiative. The Anglican organization was founded 150 years ago and gives care and support to seafarers in need.
Meanwhile, Canon Andrew Wright, the charity’s secretary-general, told Vatican Radio that “never has it been more important” to reach out to those at sea with support and compassion.
“These last few months have definitely been the worst of times and obviously there’s been a whole range of challenges they face, most particularly around the issue of transit,” he says.
At this time, many workers who have come to the end of their contracts have to stay on board their vessels until they can disembark. They also may not have any option to renew their contracts.
Another issue, explains Canon Wright, is that a similar number have been unable to join their ships and this can mean significant hardship for those waiting to board. There is also concern over job losses. “Many crew have lost their jobs, particularly of course in the cruise sector, says the Secretary-General.