For Andy Middleton, the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024, changed more than the skyline of Baltimore’s harbour. Source: Catholic Review.
“Personally, it changed the way I pray,” said Mr Middleton, executive director of the Baltimore Archdiocese’s Apostleship of the Sea ministry at the Port of Baltimore.
Six construction workers were killed when a powerless container ship struck the bridge, causing nearly the entire 2.5-kilometre structure to fall into the Patapsco River.
“I no longer just say prayers of thanksgiving and ask God for things,” said Mr Middleton, a 51-year-old parishioner of the Catholic Community of South Baltimore. “Now I’m more conscious of always praying for others.”
Mr Middleton and his volunteers at the Apostleship of the Sea had already ministered to the sailors aboard the Dali, the cargo ship that struck the bridge, before the ship departed the port.
The ministry assists merchant seafarers with personal needs when ships are in port, transporting them to run errands, pick up items and assist with religious needs.
After the collapse, their duties increased as they assisted the marooned Dali crew. Mr Middleton and Baltimore Auxiliary Bishop Adam Parker visited the crew on May 1, 2024.
Bishop Parker noted that their visit was only the second by non-governmental agents. The duo brought care packages and celebrated Mass for Catholic crew members.
“The depth of their faith was really evident,” Bishop Parker said. “The most striking moment of that visit was when I brought the list with me of the highway workers who were killed during the accident.
“When I put that list on the table that I was using for a makeshift altar, one of the Dali crew members got up and he immediately looked at that list and he wanted to have it so that he, too, could continue to pray for those who lost their lives.”
Mr Middleton’s ministry still serves some Dali crew members who remain in Baltimore for ongoing legal matters. He noted the men, some of whom haven’t been home for more than 18 months, would like to go home.
“They are holding up as well as can be expected,” he said.
FULL STORY
Lasting impact: Unthinkable tragedy unites community in prayer and service after Key Bridge collapse (By Gerry Jackson, Catholic Review)
