A Home Away from Home: Parish Youth Meet Seafarers and Fishers at Stella Maris

The Stella Maris welcomed the youth of Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Asunción y Madre de los Migrantes for a special gathering with seafarers and fishers, bringing people together through faith, friendship, and solidarity.

The gathering began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, followed by a shared dinner that created opportunities for conversation, laughter, and new friendships. Through prayer, music, and fellowship, participants built connections across cultures and generations.

Learning from Those Who Work at Sea

For the young people, the gathering was an opportunity to meet seafarers and fishers, listen to their stories, and learn more about their lives and experiences at sea.

Behind every voyage are people who work hard, spend time away from their families, and face unique challenges. By listening to their experiences, the youth gained a deeper appreciation for the people behind the work that keeps our world connected.

These encounters reminded everyone that solidarity begins with listening, understanding, and recognizing the dignity of each person.

Discovering the Stella Maris Mission

During the gathering, we introduced the youth to the Stella Maris mission and its services for seafarers and fishers, highlighting our commitment to providing pastoral care, friendship, and practical support.

We shared a message that expresses the heart of our mission:

"Our hope is that when seafarers and fishers come here, they will not feel that they are simply visiting a house, but that they have found a home where they are welcomed, valued, and cared for."

This is what we strive to offer at Stella Maris: a home away from home where maritime workers can find companionship, support, and a welcoming community.

As part of this encounter, we also distributed hygiene kits to the fishers as a practical gesture of care and appreciation. This simple act reminded us that compassion is expressed not only through words and prayers but also through actions that respond to people's everyday needs.

Building Bridges of Solidarity

The gathering was a meaningful opportunity for the parish youth and maritime workers to get to know one another and strengthen bonds of friendship.

Through the celebration of the Eucharist, the shared meal, and the exchange of stories, we celebrated the values at the heart of our mission: faith, dignity, compassion, and solidarity.

May this encounter inspire the young people to continue putting their faith into action and encourage our community to reach out to those who may be far from home.

Support the Stella Maris Mission

The Stella Maris mission continues through the prayers, generosity, and commitment of people who believe that every seafarer and fisher deserves to feel welcomed and cared for.

You can support our mission by sharing our work, volunteering, contributing to outreach initiatives, and keeping maritime workers in your prayers.

Together, we can make Stella Maris a true home away from home—one encounter and one act of kindness at a time.