In a message marking the annual celebration of Sea Sunday this weekend, the Vatican has reiterated the Church’s closeness to all people working at sea. Source: Vatican News.
Sea Sunday, which is observed on the second Sunday of July each year, highlights the essential work over a million seafarers do throughout the year, drawing attention to their hardships and needs, and offers an opportunity for Christians to pray for them and their families.
The message from Cardinal Michael Czerny, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, was released on Monday.
Cardinal Czerny says that thanks to seafarers, “our daily lives become possible and the economy is sustained, yet we know hardly anything about them, about their faith, or about how they love and hope”.
“The complex organisation of our society and a certain propensity to hide inequalities often leaves in the shadows the spiritual treasures and the material needs of humble people.”
Cardinal Czerny says Sea Sunday is not reserved to seafarers, but “calls the attention of every Christian community to those thanks to whom we receive a great part of the goods that nourish us and that we use every day”.
“To those who are at sea may this resounding, choral message reach you: the Church is near you. Whatever brings you joy and whatever oppresses you is close to our hearts.”
FULL STORY
Sea Sunday: Holy See reiterates closeness to seafarers (By Lisa Zengarini, Vatican News)
Message for Sea Sunday (Catholic.au)
