The Stella Maris in Algeciras and the Feast of the Father to the Migrants

There is a good atmosphere. The gentle breeze moves us to gather together and the warmth of the sun invites us to enjoy life.

It’s June and the beginning of the summer season! It is a time for us to be happy not only because it is summer but also because the Scalabrinian community of Algeciras has experienced two good news that I would like to share.

The first good news is that on the 1st of June we celebrated the Feast of the Father to the  migrants, St. John Baptist Scalabrini, together with the parishioners of Our Lady of Carmel and the Scalabrinian religious community. During the Mass, Brother Carlos Mendez, CS, renewed his religious vows in the hands of Fr. Walter Diaz, CS., Vicar Superior of the Scalabrinian Region in Europe and Africa.

The assembly was amazed to see the brave young man who says yes to God, yes to being a missionary for and with the migrants. After the mass, we prayed to St. Scalabrini and then there was a video presentation about the mission of the Scalabrinians around the world and in particular in the diocese of Cadiz and Ceuta. Then, we had a simple lunch where we enjoyed Spanish food like "la paella".

The second good news I want to share is the Stella Maris Mission in the dioceses of Cadiz and Ceuta. Last December, I was appointed by the bishop as coordinator of the services of Stella Maris in the diocese where it has many interesting ports such as Algeciras, Tarifa, Ceuta, Cadiz and Barbate. All these ports are located along the Strait of Gibraltar which is considered as one of the most important waterways in the maritime sector. It is estimated that a boat passes every 5 minutes here. The Stella Maris centre in the port of Cadiz was inaugurated last February, but has not yet started its activities. In addition, we have already started to connect with some people in the port of Ceuta for a collaboration in the near future.

On the 5th of June I was given permission to start the activities of the Stella Maris in the 4 ports under Algeciras (Port of Algeciras, Tarifa, La Linea, Campamento). The port of Algeciras is one of the most important ports not only in Spain but also in Europe. This is truly a grace of God through the inspiration of St. Scalabrini. Although it is not easy to start a mission from the scratch, but then I know that the mission of Stella Maris will continue with the moral, material and spiritual support of the people who care for the well-being of sailors. May Mother Mary, the Star of the Sea, continue to inspire people who are willing to share their time, energy and resources for God’s people in the maritime world.

by Fr. Jovannie Postrano, CS