NAMMA at National Maritime Day 2026
NAMMA members and affiliated agencies throughout the United States observed National Maritime Day on May 22. NAMMA members also led and participated in activities in the nation’s capital. Sister Joanna Okereke, HHCJ, the Stella Maris National Director of the United States, offered the invocation and benediction at the National Maritime Day observances hosted by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Along with Sr. Okereke, NAMMA President Dcn. Paul Rosenblum (Stella Maris Charleston), Dr. Christopher Graham (NAMMA Assistant Director), as well as other friends of NAMMA, participated in the event. While the service’s theme was “Navigating the Next 250,” speakers highlighted the current and past contributions of those who have served and currently serve in the American maritime industry.
The preceding day, Rosenblum and Graham represented NAMMA at the North American Marine Environment Protection Association’s Safety at Sea Seminar and AMVER and Benkert Awards Presentation. Deacon Rosenblum, who serves as a member of the NAMEPA Board in his capacity as NAMMA President, participated in a panel drawing attention to seafarer well-being. He stressed that seafarers and maritime workers deserve dignity and respect in a way that sets them apart and elevates them above being merely “elements” in the maritime industry.
The week culminated on Saturday with a well-attended Maritime Day Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, organized by Sr. Joanne Okereke, Stella Maris National Director for the USA. Bishop Frank Schuster, Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Seattle and Bishop Promoter of Stella Maris in the United States, was the main celebrant and homilist. In his homily, he called for those in attendance to follow Mary’s example in saying “yes” to God’s will as the essential step in discipleship, focusing attention on their responsibility to care for the people of the sea.
Serving alongside Bishop Schuster at the Mass were NAMMA members, Dcn. John Archer (Stella Maris Mobile) and Dcn. Jeffrey Willard (Stella Maris Galveston). Mr. Andy Middleton (Stella Maris Baltimore) served as the lector at the Mass. Many NAMMA members and friends from around the United States also participated in the day’s event, including Doreen Badeaux (Port Arthur International Seafarers’ Center, AOS-USA), Dcn. Fred Ferrara (Stella Maris Long Island), Dcn. Robert Petro (Stella Maris Burns Harbor), Dcn. Paul Rosenblum (Stella Maris Charleston), Capt. George Shea (AOS-USA), Rich Shively (Seattle Seafarers Center), and Capt. William Watson (AOS-USA).
