Stella Maris gives human and spiritual support to crews on the high seas: "Sailors do not ask for the spiritual, but a friend to talk with"
- Stella Maris Cadiz Y Ceuta
- 17 hours ago
- 2 min read
Jovannie Postrano, chaplain of the port of Algeciras, begins his work in one of the most important ports in Spain to support sailors who spend up to nine months at sea. The pastoral of the sea of the Church, known as Stella Maris, has begun to operate a few months ago in the port of Algeciras, the most active in Spain. Its mission is to serve sailors who face long periods at sea, dealing with loneliness and isolation, and coexisting with crews of multiple nationalities and languages.
At the head of this initiative is Father Jovannie Postrano, port chaplain. In an interview with TRECE’s 'Ecclesia al Día' program, he explained that the main demand of seafarers is not always spiritual. "Normally, they don’t ask for spiritual things, but they do ask for the presence of a friend from the port where they can talk about life or family concerns," he said.
A beacon of humanity
Father Postrano has pointed out that one of the biggest problems for sailors is not being able to get off ships. "With the technology we have, they have only a short time in that port and that results in them spending many months at sea and not seeing land", he explains. In this context, what they need most is "a greeting or someone who listens to them", a friendly presence that serves as an outlet.
Spiritual support for all
Life at sea, with voyages lasting six to nine months, is also a challenge for faith. The lack of contact with land and the impossibility of visiting a church or praying in community creates a "risk of losing faith", according to the chaplain. Therefore, the presence of Stella Maris in the port becomes essential to keep alive that spiritual dimension.
This accompaniment is offered without distinction. "We look at a person who needs social and spiritual support, we do not look at culture, colour, language or religion", said Postrano, indicating that they serve Catholics, Christians of other denominations, Muslims and non-believers. In this way, it follows the line set out by Pope John Paul II in his apostolic letter Moto Proprio Stella Maris on the need for the Church to be present alongside the people of the sea.
A missionary for the people of the sea
Father Jovannie Postrano Serrano belongs to the congregation of the Missionaries of San Carlos, also called Scalabrinians, whose charisma is to accompany migrants, refugees and sailors. After arriving in Spain last November, the bishop of the diocese entrusted him with the task of coordinating the services of Stella Maris. Since he received the terminal access permit in June, he has visited more than 20 boats and met more than 50 sailors.
To communicate with crews from countries such as the Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, Morocco or Mynmar, Father Jovannie mainly uses English. Being himself of Asian origin, he also talks to his Filipino compatriots in their native language, while making his way through the day-to-day port with Spanish.
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