The Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development has designated the second Sunday in July as S […]
SEA SUNDAY 2025 MESSAGE
FOR THOSE WHO WORK AT SEA AND THEIR FAMILIES
On Sea Sunday we remember seafarers and their families who make an important contribution to people’s lives and the world’s economy. We recall as well the pastors and volunteers who support them. Sea Sunday began in the United Kingdom in 1975 as part of an ecumenical Christian movement and spread to the rest of Europe. It is now a worldwide observance. This year we again call for prayers for the approximately 1.8 million seafarers who transport nearly 90% of the world’s and 99.7% of Japan’s goods by sea.
Nameless heroes who support everyday life
Our lives would not be possible without the dedicated service of seafarers who carry cargo safely to port. In 2012, Koji Sekimizu, then secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), pointed out that “most of the things we handle have been transported across the ocean at some point.” Vessels transport food, fuel, raw materials and commodities that everyone depends on. The work of seafarers which we cannot see supports our lives.
It goes without saying that each seafarer has his or her own loving family. Many are away from home for nine to 12 months at a time. They miss meals, hugs, and birthdays with family. They work hard, sailing through storms, going without seeing the sun for weeks or gazing at the endless ocean horizon. While we enjoy the goods they deliver, seafarers spend the New Year, anniversaries and holidays thinking of their distant families.
Overcoming difficulties
Life at sea can be harsh and lonely. Ships face all kinds of threats including violent storms, piracy, and wars. Despite missile and drone attacks, hundreds of vessels continue to sail in the Red Sea. During the years of the pandemic, many seafarers were stranded at sea for months after their contracts expired, unable to return home. In this situation, many seafarers struggle with mental stress and homesickness while dealing with cramped conditions, lack of privacy, and grueling work day and night.
The cargo they deliver passes through ports and brings tremendous benefits and sustenance to homes around the world. When we buy food at the supermarket, purchase medicine at the drug store, and get dressed in the morning, our lives are connected with the work of seafarers around the world.
Keeping them in prayer
With sincere gratitude, let us take time to reflect on these seafarers. A short prayer or thought for the safety and happiness of all seafarers and their loved ones can be offered at dinner and at bedtime. Our prayers will be support in times of storms, loneliness, and anxiety and be a comfort for their anxious families.
We should also be thankful for the people who work at ports and port chaplains. We also pay tribute to the efforts of local volunteer groups and parishes who visit seafarers in port and welcome them to their parishes to share prayers and meals, driving them to and from their parishes when requested, and knitting caps as gifts. While referring to these activities, I hope that Japan’s Stella Maris (pastoral outreach to seafarers) will spread further and take root.