by Jason Zuidema, ICMA From September 27-30, 2022, ICMA held its annual general meeting and conference in Rome to discuss challenges and programs during the pandemic and war, but also the new opportunities that have been made clear. The COVID-19 pandemic deeply disrupted the work of port-based seafarers’ and fishers’ welfare worldwide. Missions in ports […]
by Jason Zuidema, NAMMA/ICMA Since its earliest beginnings over 200 years ago, port-based seafarers’ welfare organizations have relied on the generosity of a wide variety of donors to support their work. Churches, foundations, industry and labor groups, and individuals from the wider community all come together to make sure seafarers’ centres help mariners continue to […]
by Dr. Jason Zuidema, NAMMA/ICMA In July 2020, I put out a first list of podcasts that were insightful and encouraging for those in seafarers’ welfare. That list still has top picks like the Shipping Podcast, The Last Voyage of the Pung Su, and As the Crow Flies among other great podcasts. Since then, many […]
by Dr. Jason Zuidema, ICMA/NAMMA Seafarers’ missions in the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and many countries abroad have shared notes of sadness upon hearing of the death of Queen Elizabeth II and have expressed their thanks for her devotion to duty and faith. For several ICMA members, the loss is direct, as she served as […]
Thousands of crew members that call Port Saint John each year will now have a unique space to call their own when they visit the beautiful Bay of Fundy. As part of the newly opened AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village development, the Crew Lounge is the perfect spot for crew to kick back, relax, and connect with loved ones.
by Kevin Walker, NAMMA Stella Maris North America Regional Symposium This August, Catholics of all vocations involved with people of the sea gathered in the Baltimore-DC area to share thoughts on their past and future. Topics included the different ministries of different workers, the life of servant of God Capt. Leonard LaRue, a new Stella […]
Welcome to this eighth print edition of the MARE Report, the journal of maritime ministry! We would like to thank all our writers and our diverse colleagues in seafarers’ welfare, whose work informs the articles included here. Perhaps even more so than in years past, many of this issue’s articles share the theme of change and instability: shore leave and the emergent ministry of package delivery; internet in the MLC, 2006; the continued plight of international fishers, highlighted by Bruno Ciceri; and, of course, war in Ukraine.
A major survey into the welfare priorities of seafarers affected by the Ukraine crisis has shone a spotlight on the measures being taken to support seafarers and their families, as well as the most pressing priorities in the coming months. The survey was undertaken by the Seafarers International Relief Fund (SIRF) and the Ukraine Charity […]
by Susan Huppert, NAMMA It’s not the words, it’s the sounds. One by one attendees arrive, pick up a room key and registration paperwork. Then a gentle chatter begins to swell as the gathering of NAMMA members reunite after two years of virtual meetings and Zoom gatherings. Joy seems to percolate among chaplains warmly exchanging […]
Remarks delivered at the NAMMA Conference 2022 by the Rev’d Canon Andrew Wright, Secretary-General, The Mission to Seafarers. It is a great pleasure to be back at NAMMA again. It is always a wonderful occasion. I am here both as the Chairman of ICMA, and once again I thank all of you at NAMMA for […]
