Serving the People of the Sea --- Eucharistic Celebration with International Seafarers
Seafarers attend mass and take Holy Communion from Father Yul Ibay. 18 crew members from OT PORT MACAU docked in the Port of Corpus Christi attended the Holy Mass on Third Sunday of Advent, December 13th, 2009.
It is the task of the Maritime Apostolate of the Corpus Christi International Seamen Center to offer pastoral care to seafarers who come to Corpus Christi Port. The Apostleship of the Sea, through the Seamen Center and its chaplains and volunteers, makes possible for seafarers regardless of color, religion, or race to find spiritual care, hospitality and practical assistance, thus recognizing the dignity of persons and welcoming the newcomer, in a spirit of solidarity, in unity through diversity. This principle is clearly explained by Pope Benedict XVI:
“Those who practice charity in the Church’s name will never seek to impose the Church’s faith upon others. They realize that a pure and generous love is the best witness to the God in whom we believe and by whom we are driven to love. A Christian knows when it is time to speak of God and when it is better to say nothing and to let love alone speak.” (Deus Caritas Est # 31)