Pastoral Statement about our Seafarers
Last Sunday, July 12 was Sea Sunday. Our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis affirms “we are united with all those who work on the sea, especially those who are far from their loved ones and their country.” The heart of our dear Holy Father goes to our seafarers. He cares and is so concern about them. They are not forgotten. Our Church is always with them, praying for their safety and sound health, working for their wellbeing and welfare, interceding for protection and promotion of their rights and dignity.
On that succeeding days, our dedicated and devoted Stella Maris Chaplain of the Archdiocese of Manila, Father Paolo Prigol, CS informed me “Bishop, there are many cruise ships anchored in the waters of Manila Bay.” You may ask what the reason was as I also inquired “why?” He replied, “while other nations ‘refused’ them for enforcing continued precautionary measures against Coronavirus, our country welcomes and allows foreign cruise ships to dock and remain lying in anchor in our waters. It is because most of their crew and officers are Filipinos.” And that is very true, as it turns out Filipinos to be a third of all cruise ships crews.
This gracious gesture of our Philippine government and all other officials is truly admirable and laudable. It is a clear and concrete manifestation of what the Filipinos, seafarers and migrant workers are very much known for: their hospitality, honesty and hardworking. Our land and sea-based migrant workers have shown resilience, strength and courage amidst difficulty and dangers, storms and separations as they brave the seas and labor on land.
Now reflecting deeper and taking the old maxim “harbor is your home” we could turn this crisis of Covid19 pandemic as an opportunity to position our country as leading hub of the global maritime industry. As we know, our Filipino seafarers are much sought-after crew for cruise or cargo, passenger ships or tanker and off-shore. Thus, we have the able manpower and resources-our fellow Filipinos who are naturally seafarers. We have a strong and organized maritime industry. Our educational maritime systems and schools are world-class. Just to cite an example is the world-renowned Maritime Academy of Asia and Pacific, very much respected and highly esteem school located in Bataan, within my Diocese of Balanga. Geographically, it is advantageous for us since we are a nation of islands with deep harbors. Again, for illustration purposes, we have well-established and very much organized Stella Maris all over our country, especially in the Archdioceses of Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Manila and Lipa; the Dioceses of Balanga, Iba and Talibon.
Seafarers are very much essential service providers. They are key workers for the growth of economy and for the transit of material goods, medical supplies and mineral elements. With their services and expertise whether in cargo or tankers hips, commodities and goods move around swiftly and safely around the globe. With their sacrifices and exemplary works our whether cruise or passenger ships our travels are memorable and pleasing.
But with this unprecedented Covid19 pandemic everything and everyone momentarily stops. All are affected. All suffered, especially our seafarers who because of national travel restrictions are not allow to join or to leave ships and to transit to different international territories. Or even with their travel histories become collateral suspects of Coronavirus carrier. Now is the most opportune time to show our gratitude and appreciation for their sacrifices and service by reaching out to them, by our compassion, and by our material and spiritual support.
Time will come when our seafarers will continue to sail. All hands will be on deck. With God’s unending mercy and with His mighty power will surpass and survive this dangerous and deadly Coronavirus. All will be saved. We will experience a smooth sailing on our life journey. With the maternal guidance and mediation of our Blessed Virgin Mary, the Star of the seas, help and healing will descend upon us.
This worrisome Covid19 pandemic temporary abruptly brought our ships to lower our sails for general public safety and for universal common good. as anchored on deep waters or docked at ports, liken to the medieval Venetian customary preventive measures, let us take this quaranta as challenge to posit and prime our country as one of the leadings global maritime hubs; and as reassurance for our seafarers to make them stay safe, stay strong and to stay sound as they wait and eventually be welcomed aboard.
Together, as one, let us raise our sail. Let us rise up for our country.
+Ruperto Cruz Santos, DD
Bishop of Balanga and CBCP Bishop-Promoter of the Apostleship of the Seas Philippines
Memorial of our Lady of Mount Carmel, 2020
