Posted May 22, 2015

Catholics are invited to pray for people who make their living on the seas today, May 22, on the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Mariners and People of the Sea.

The day is designated by the United States Conference of Bishops to encourage the faithful to support, remember and pray for maritime workers including merchant mariners, fishermen and port personnel.

The Apostleship of the Sea, a ministry of the U.S. Catholic bishops, coordinates chaplains and volunteers as they provide spiritual and practical assistance to seafarers in U.S. ports in 50 dioceses and 26 states.

In the Philadelphia Archdiocese, the Apostleship of the Sea is centered at the Seamen’s Church Institute at 475 North 5th Street in Philadelphia, with Father David Fernandes as chaplain. Call 215-535-2962 for information on how to help sailors from around the world while at port in Philadelphia.

Artwork in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady Star of the Sea will be dedicated at a Maritime Day Mass Sunday, May 24 at noon at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.