Ahead of Sea Sunday, a Catholic charity in West Melbourne is bringing its mission to the streets with a striking mural depicting the perils of life at sea. Source: Melbourne Catholic.
The work, painted by New York-based Australian mural artist Damien Mitchell, now decorates the facade of the Stella Maris Seafarers’ Centre, bringing to life the charity’s commitment to providing pastoral care, services and support for seafaring people.
For many of the 45,000 seafarers who visit Melbourne’s port each year, Stella Maris is a home away from home. Established in 1973, it is one of 300 centres around the world that underpin the Church’s missionary work to seafarers – a community of workers that centre manager Lee-Anne Diano says are often overlooked.
“The role of seafarers is very much one that is neglected, yet without seafarers, the economy would cease,” Ms Diano said.
“They are integral in keeping the world economy moving.”
In their work, seafarers can be isolated for months without seeing family and friends while facing harsh physical, mental and spiritual conditions.
It is this reality that Ms Diano says was the inspiration behind the mural.
“ [We] wanted to communicate the dangers of life at sea, including rough seas, piracy and hazardous working conditions,” she said.
The impact of the centre’s mission was not lost on painter Damien Mitchell
“After Damien completed the mural, and became aware of our work, he offered to volunteer at the centre,” Ms Diano said.
The artwork has been warmly welcomed by the seafarers who visit the centre, as well as many members of the public who now stop to take photos of the mural, something that Ms Diano sees as fulfilling the purpose of the commission.
“We wanted to showcase our centre to the passing public, so that they are made aware of the missionary work taking place in the heart of the city,” Ms Diano said.
Sea Sunday is celebrated in Australia on July 21 and 28.
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Painting with purpose: new mural brings Stella Maris’ mission to life (By Sam Rebbechi, Melbourne Catholic)
