The US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration annually honors the hardworking men and women in “Maritime Service to America” with the National Maritime Day Observance and Wreath-Laying ceremony. In conjunction with National Maritime Day in the United States of America, the day honors those who serve as merchant mariners, seafarers, fishers, their families, port personnel and all who work or travel on the high seas.
Bishop Brendan Cahill, of the Diocese of Victoria, Texas, and Promoter of the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) encourages parish and diocesan observances through the celebration of Mass and other activities, the United States Conference of Bishops (USCCB) said May 1, 2019. The faithful can support and participate in prayer services and remembrance ceremonies at their local ports and maritime communities. When Mass is celebrated on May 22, the text for the Votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Star of the Sea, may be used. All dioceses can celebrate the “National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Mariners” to express gratitude to seafarers, fishers, their families, port personnel and all who work or travel on seas.
Bishop Cahill will celebrate a Mass in observance of Maritime Day on Saturday, May 18 at 12:10 p.m. in the Crypt Church at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC. AOS and the USCCB Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church sponsor this prayerful observance.
In over 50 ports, there are more than 100 AOS chaplains, maritime deacons and lay ecclesial ministers who participate in the mission of Christ by sharing the gift of love. They welcome, network and reach out to seafarers, fishermen and women, their families, and all who work or travel on the seas. Through the celebration of the Eucharist and the Word of God, the chaplaincy team helps seafarers discover the loving presence of God in an often challenging world. Their continued presence for pastoral ministry is clear evidence of their dedication and joy for the ministry.
