Sunderland

Christmas 2007

A parish community plays a vital role in helping AOS to help seafarers

The Apostleship of the Sea established a presence in the Port of Sunderland in 2004. The first volunteer ship visitor was Peter Barrigan of Our Lady of the Rosary parish in Peterlee. Peter visits ships whenever he can offering seafarers news, transport, telephone cards and, perhaps more fundamentally, quiet conversation and a listening ear.

In May 2006, the AOS Stella Maris icon visited St Mary’s Church in Sunderland. Consequently, Denise Kellingray joined AOS as a Parish Contact and Sister Scholastica became involved in fund-raising and support for AOS.

Recently a tanker, the Happy Girl, was moved into dry-dock at the port for essential repairs and maintenance. Peter and the developing community support group began visiting the crew who were all Filipino. During one visit, Peter met a new captain who had just arrived on the ship. Unfortunately the captain’s luggage had not arrived with him! Peter contacted Denise who turned to her husband Roy, an ex-merchant navy man. Roy gladly sent a range of clothing from his own wardrobe to the grateful Captain.

As the crewmembers would be in Sunderland for some weeks, Sr Scholastica contacted Juliana Henderson, a member of the Filipino community based at St Joseph’s Church in Millfield. Juliana arranged for members of the community, some of whom are nurses working at the nearby hospital, to visit the crew and spend time with them. The culmination of this activity was a Mass onboard one Sunday evening. Fr Gordon Ryan of St Joseph’s Church was the celebrant and 16 crewmembers and 12 members of the community attended.

The group also offered support to Benito, a crew member who was admitted to hospital. They visited him regularly and helped keep his spirits up until he was allowed to fly home.