Pope Francis offered his prayers a d apostolic blessing to those who work in the fishing sector and their families on October 3, 2017.
His words came in a message from Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, on behalf of the Holy Father, to the participants in the 24th World Congress of the Apostleship of the Sea on the theme: “Caught in the Net”, taking place in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, from 1 to 7 October 2017.
The following is the message, provided by the Vatican
President of the XXIV World Congress of the Apostleship of the Sea
His Holiness Pope Francis sends cordial greetings and prayerful best wishes to the participants in the twenty-fourth World Congress of the Apostleship of the Sea. In giving thanks to Almighty God for the many graces received through its work over many years, His Holiness prays that the bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful gathered for this significant Congress, will be strengthened in their support of all those who work at sea. As you address the particular needs of those who labor in the fishing sector, Pope Francis hopes that Christians may recognize the valuable lesson we can learn from them, “about a Church which makes room for God’s mystery; a Church which harbors that mystery in such a way that it can entice people” and attract them to himself (cf. Address to the Bishops of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, 27 July 2013). In entrusting all seafarers and their families to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Stella Maris and Stella Matutina, His Holiness gladly imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of peace and joy in the Lord.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State
JF
