Prayer printed after the Message of His Eminence Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson on the occasion of Sea Sunday, July 12, 2020.
Do we who enjoy the use of goods from distant lands think of the ways in which they come to our stores? How many hands are involved in the sea vessels that transport many of the things we purchase? People who have enjoyed a cruise have noted that many of the staff on the ships are on the sea for months at a time, living in crowded conditions and dependent of tips for a supplement to their wages, which they send to their families.
We may think that the Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc with our daily lives, but many people are truly in dire situations. The New York Times recently provided insight into what they are facing in “They Crossed Oceans to Lift Their Families Out of Poverty. Now, They Need Help.”
The Catholic Church and other faith communities have shown a great concern for sailors and those who work on ships. The Second Sunday of July is “Sea Sunday” throughout Catholic communities. This year Peter Cardinal Turkson, Prefect of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, has addressed the situation of all those whose ordinary rhythm of months at sea and an annual visit to their homeland have faced unprecedented trials. His message and prayer are available on the Vatican website here.
One of the ancient titles for the Mother of Jesus is “Stella Maris, Star of the Sea.” The prayer printed after the address points to the many dangers that the poor face in their daily lives, especially in this time. Besides our prayers, are there ways we can help?