I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Stella Maris: chaplaincy to seafarers

McKinney, S. , Wheeler, M. and O’Donnell, J. (2024) I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Stella Maris: chaplaincy to seafarers. International Journal of the Study of the Christian Church, (doi: 10.1080/1474225X.2024.2316991) (Early Online Publication)

Abstract

An important form of chaplaincy is the mission for seafarers. Since the 19th century, various charitable organisations have provided physical and spiritual support for seafarers when their ships are berthed. This article examines the history and contemporary work of the Catholic organisation, Stella Maris, the largest ship visiting network in the world. The history begins in 1920 in Glasgow and the foundation of the Apostleship of the Sea which grew quickly into a major international organisation. Over the years the invaluable work of the chaplains and volunteers has been perceived to be integral to the mission of the Catholic Church to protect the dignity of the worker, and aid migrants and displaced and vulnerable people in need. A Stella Maris chaplain and a volunteer, based in Glasgow, recount some of their experiences in supporting seafarers and this provides insights into the scope of their duty of care.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Stella Maris, chaplains, Seafarers, Apostleship of the Sea.
• Status: Early Online Publication
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McKinney, Professor Stephen
• Authors: McKinney, S., Wheeler, M., and O’Donnell, J.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Pedagogy, Praxis & Faith
• Journal Name: International Journal of the Study of the Christian Church
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• ISSN: 1474-225X
• ISSN (Online): 1747-0234
• Published Online: 04 March 2024
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2024 The Author(s)
• First Published: First published in International Journal of the Study of the Christian Church 2024
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence