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This is our first year at Stella Maris Algeciras. We arrive as someone who reaches a new harbour with an open heart, ready to listen, to accompany, and to embrace through small gestures. And this Christmas, even though we are only taking our very first steps, we felt there was something we could not overlook: the chance to sow a little light on every ship, to offer a small detail that invites sharing, to remind everyone that even far from home, warmth can also travel. That is why we have prepared these baskets. Not for just one person, but for the whole crew to gather around something simple and, by sharing it, feel a little more accompanied. A little closer. A little more like family. We know that for many seafarers this time can feel heavy: nostalgia, distance, the absence of loved ones. That is why, more than a gift, this is an embrace. A quiet “we are here.” A gentle “you are not alone.” A sincere wish that Christmas may also reach your vessel, even if it arrives in the form of a small gesture filled with care. In this first year, we want you to know that Algeciras is also your port, your brief but heartfelt refuge, a place where a friendly hand, a kind word, and a warm light will always be waiting for you. Thank you for all that you give, for your effort, and for the heart you put into your work. May these baskets bring a little magic to your ship, a little unity, and the gentle peace that Christmas leaves in those who open themselves to it. (Marga)

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 maritime pastoral of the Church, known as Stella Maris, has started operations a few months ago in the port of Algeciras, the busiest port 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, harbour 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 short time in port and that results in them spending many months at sea and not seeing the land", he explains. In this context, what they most need 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 Mienmar, 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. Translated from the Spanish TV program, Trecce. Original Text in this link: https://www.cope.es/religion/hoy-en-dia/iglesia-espanola/noticias/stella-maris-da-apoyo-humano-espiritual-tripulaciones-alta-mar-marineros-piden-espiritual-amigo-hablar-20251017_3233979.html

With a new chirograph, Pope Leo decrees that the Apostleship of the Sea will be responsible for promoting the pastoral care of the “people of the sea". From the VATICAN NEWS With a chirograph published, Thursday, November 13, Pope Leo XIV has formally established the Apostleship of the Sea as the central and coordinating body of the Work of the Apostleship of the Sea. At the same time, the Pope has approved its Statutes. Ministering to the “People of the Sea” For many years, the Church has accompanied the “people of the sea” — seafarers, maritime workers, their families, and all those whose lives are closely tied to navigation and fishing on the seas, rivers, and lakes. The chirograph recalls “the pastoral and legislative interventions of the Apostolic See aimed at providing for the spiritual needs of the faithful who, due to human mobility, cannot benefit from ordinary pastoral care.” This pastoral concern dates back to Iam pridem , the Pius X's 1914 motu proprio. All of these initiatives testify to the Church’s attentive care for the unique spiritual needs of those who live and work in the maritime world. The document also references the 1977 decree Apostolatus Maris from the then Pontifical Commission for the Spiritual Care of Migrants and Itinerants, which revised norms and faculties in light of the Second Vatican Council. Later came St. John Paul II’s motu proprio Stella Maris (January 31, 1997), which updated previous regulations, and Pope Francis’ directive assigning responsibility for the Work of the Apostleship of the Sea to the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development — now responsible for pastoral care of migrants and itinerant peoples. The chirograph explains that the creation of this central and coordinating body stems from “the fervent desire that the Church’s spiritual care in the pastoral ministry of the sea may continue with enthusiasm and generosity.” For more information: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-11/pope-leo-apostleship-of-the-sea-canonical-legal-entity.html

Parallel Panel 6, International Conference on Migration, Theological and Social Studies held at the Pontifical University of Urbaniana, Rome, (Italy), 21 st  – 23 rd  of October, 2025 Grateful for the opportunity to participate in the International Conference on Migration, Theological and Social Studies held at the Pontifical University of Urbaniana, Rome, (Italy), last 21st - 23rd  of October, 2025. The theme of the conference was "Migration, a Pilgrimage of Hope".  It was really inspiring to listen to the testimonies of different people who have direct contact with the phenomenon of migrations. There was an opportunity to visit Casa Scalabrini  and Borgo Laudato Si , which was highly appreciated. One afternoon, before the conference was concluded, there was a parallel panel where I had a chance to share the Mission of Stella Maris in Algeciras. This is the abstract of my presentation Encounter and Dialogue with the Seafarers:                                                                                         Towards an Intercultural, Ecumenical, and Interreligious Maritime Mission   Abstract Seafarers, in the industry that transports 90% of the global trade, are multifaceted. They leave their families, navigate for months, and work with different cultures and religions. They board on a ship of different flags, cross borders, and dock in the ports of another territory. Nevertheless, they maintain their connections to their homelands. This complex situation invites the maritime mission to be more holistic and integral in its approach. As a response, this paper explores theological concepts aiming to illuminate this reality, to establish a theological foundation for the mission, and to contribute to the integral human development of the seafarers. The theology of encounter and dialogue helps answer the paper’s main question: What theological concepts can be explored to develop an intercultural, ecumenical, and interreligious maritime mission that responds to the complexity of the context and that is done together with the seafarers? This paper sees reality in the eyes of faith, inspired by my personal experience working in Algeciras Port (Spain), a  pluricultural environment. Furthermore, a contextual theological method of reflection will be used. First, it will analyze the complexity of the context with the help of the social sciences. Second, it will reflect the concept of encounter and dialogue through the Scripture, Magisterium, and Tradition. Third, the analysis of the maritime context and the theological reflections will be connected in order to make practical implications of encounter and dialogue following the scheme of the four verb response to modern migration: Welcoming, Protecting, Promoting, and Integrating. Finally, this paper will be an open process that can be done through the involvement of the seafarers, chaplains, volunteers, and advocates. Encounters and dialogues will offer a new social, cultural, and religious perspective. Seafarers will be prophets of peace and hope in a pluralistic, globalized, fragmented, and conflicted world.   Keywords:  Theological reflection, Encounter and Dialogue, Intercultural Ecumenical and Interreligious, Mission with the seafarers By Fr. Jovannie Postrano, CS

An ILO report reveals that 6.5% of deaths on merchant ships are confirmed suicides, while 22% are unexplained disappearances that could hide more tragedies The numbers are chilling.  Of the 403 cargo crew members who died in 2023 worldwide, 26 committed suicide and another 91 mysteriously disappeared overboard. These data, collected in the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) first global report on cargo ship mortality, reveal a hidden reality behind ocean trade routes: 6.5% of deaths are verified suicides and a worrisome 22% are classified as mysterious disappearances that could cover up accidents, homicides or more self-inflicted deaths.   Flags of convenience: the hidden face of global trade Almost all the large freighters sailing around the world operate under flags of convenience. They are registered in countries such as Panama, Liberia or Cyprus, which do not have the real nationality of the shipping company, to benefit from tax advantages and, above all, more lax labour regulations: minimum wages, endless working hours and insufficient rest.   As the vessels are governed by the labour regulations of the country in which they are registered, seafarers' salaries vary between 658 and 1,400 euros per month. The lowest figure is the minimum wage set by the ILO Joint Maritime Commission. In the vast majority of cases, these seamen of oil tankers, bulk carriers and container ships work for placement agencies operating at a local level. Major shipping companies rely on firms from developing countries, mainly the Philippines (which provides a quarter of all crew in the world) and India. An international agreement with few guarantees Although the 2006 International Maritime Labour Convention is binding on all shipping companies, in practice it is very convenient for the employer. Leaves wage regulation to the discretion of each country and is not particularly demanding on working hours: it establishes a minimum of 10 hours of rest every 24 hours and a maximum of 14 hours of daily work, with a maximum of 72 hours per week. These soft demands, combined with the technical difficulty for workers to report abuses on the high seas, make the contractual relationship of international seamen one of the most precarious in existence. Freedom United defines it bluntly: "slavery at sea" and "modern slavery". Diseases, suicides and disappearances The ILO report, which is still provisional, has been prepared with data from 51 countries. Of the 403 deaths reported, the leading cause was disease (139 cases), mainly cardiovascular accidents and heart attacks aggravated by physical demands of work, long working hours, chronic stress and limited access to medical care on the high seas. The number of suicides, with 26 cases representing 6.5% of total deaths, highlights to health experts the mental stress faced by many seafarers But it’s the suicides that set off all the alarms. With 26 confirmed cases (6.5% of the total), health experts point out the enormous mental stress suffered by seafarers. And there is more: of the 91 people who mysteriously disappeared overboard, it is estimated that many could also correspond to workers who decided to take their own lives. The atmosphere is not easy" Sailors have to live twenty-four hours a day with companions not always friendly, of different nationalities, cultures and religions, with which sometimes they can not even maintain a conversation because of the language barrier", explains to Southern Europe the Filipino priest Jovannie Postrano, based in Algeciras, who visits every day the crew of the container ships that land in the port. Their families, to top it off, are far away: they spend many months without seeing each other and also, in some cases, never putting a foot on the ground", he adds. It is clinically documented that freighters suffer from stress, anxiety and above all depression and mood disorders with a much higher incidence than any other work group . The causes are multiple: overwork, social isolation, exposure to adverse environmental conditions, prolonged absence from home and lack of adequate rest, as reported by the International Transport Workers' Federation, Provides psychological support programs and access to mental health resources. The reduced space in which crews work and coexist, shared rooms or new port facilities increasingly remote from cities contribute to the episodes of stress, anxiety, depression and loss of the sense of reality will manifest in a virulent way, according to the platform for professionals of the sea Marine Engineer. Vikand, one of the leading international providers of medical care to merchant and cruise ship crews, insists that "suicide at sea should no longer be a hidden issue". The company proposes to prioritize well-being on board and ensure that all seafarers have access to the support they need, before it is too late. Source: Translated from the Spanish Article El oscuro secreto de los cargueros: uno de cada quince marineros muere por suicidio o desaparece misteriosamente ( Josè Angel Cadelo / Algeciras / 05 Oct 2025) https://www.europasur.es/maritimas/oscuro-secreto-cargueros-marineros-suicidio-desaparicion_0_2004917444.html

Ship Visit with the Regional Superior, Fr. Francesco, CS 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. Source: https://www.cope.es/religion/hoy-en-dia/iglesia-espanola/noticias/stella-maris-da-apoyo-humano-espiritual-tripulaciones-alta-mar-marineros-piden-espiritual-amigo-hablar-20251017_3233979.html

Stella Maris Algeciras met old and new friends during the international gathering of Stella Maris Global on the 10th of October 2025. The event was held after the International Conference of ICMA (International Christian Maritime Association) in Barcelona, Spain. The gathering started with an awesome recollection of the history of the Apostleship of the Sea - Stella Maris. It reaffirmed that the Dicastery of Promoting Integral Human Development has the responsibility to coordinate the international network of Stella Maris. After this rich historical reflection, the group was divided into small groups, according to the regions. Each group has discussed the experiences, challenges, and positive outcomes of each work in its specific context. Furthermore, everyone had also opportunity to share the work that they were proud of.  Fr. Avelino Chico, S.J., Office Head of the Dicastery of Promoting Integral Human Development, who represented the Holy See during this gathering, reassured the presence and fraternal accompaniment of the Dicastery to the Stella Maris global network. He shared that the Dicastery has always been present, listening to people, facilitating the process of change, and responding to many questions. Although there was no official communication regarding the future structure of the network, everyone was called to respond to the needs of time according to their talent, time and treasure. Then, everyone was encouraged to reflect on the presence of Jesus in the Port through the Stella Maris Ministry, and to bring happiness and hope to the seafarers who navigate for months in the high seas. It was an invitation to be a friend or family member of the seafarers in the port. All in all, it was an unforgettable experience, being with friends who journey with the seafarers. We are in the same boat, working together to improve the quality of the welfare services to the seafarers, fishers, and their families. May Mother Mary, the Star of the Sea, accompany us always in our ministry.   By Fr. Jovannie Postrano, CS.

The delegation of the Stella Maris Algeciras has participated in the world conference of the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA) held in Barcelona (Spain) from the 6th to 9th of October, 2025. The event was hosted by Stella Maris Barcelona and there were more than 250 participants from over 40 countries, representing Christian maritime welfare organizations gathered together to discuss and share ideas, experiences and plans for the benefits of the seafarers, fishers and their families. The conference was guided by the theme, “Navigating Change”, where we discussed how to navigate change in the maritime welfare through different areas during the sessions. We listen to the testimonies of the ICMA partners who shared resources. Furthermore, an evaluation of the implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention of 2026 and how to improve the welfare of the seafarers was also discussed. In this conference, we also had a chance to visit the Sagrada Familia, the port of Barcelona, and the maritime museum of Barcelona. It was indeed a great experience where we had time to meet old and new friends working in the same field. As we continue to navigate change to offer better welfare service to the seafarers, fishers, and their families, we feel that we are not alone in the journey. For more information: https://icma.as/navigating-change-icma-world-conference-2025-in-barcelona By: Fr. Jovannie Postrano, CS.

https://www.europasur.es/algeciras/philippine-priest-docks_0_2004531281.html Jovannie Postrano is originally from the island of Cebu and, in addition to Cebuano, his mother tongue, he speaks Tagalog, English and Spanish . He has been living in the parish of Carmen of Algeciras for just a few months, but his mission is not on land, but aboard the large oil tankers or container ships that dock in the port. Every day, first thing in the morning, he checks an app to see which cargo ships will be calling at Algeciras , chooses the ones he will have time to visit, puts on his fluorescent vest and yellow safety helmet, and reports to the gangway of the selected ship. The sailor on duty, who has not been notified in advance, lets him board because he immediately recognises the emblem on his helmet: the organisation of this young priest, Stella Maris , is present in more than sixty countries and three hundred ports around the world. More on the link ...... https://www.europasur.es/algeciras/philippine-priest-docks_0_2004531281.html

A great number of ships that crossed Malacca Strait has amazed me. I saw them from the airplane upon landing at Singapore Airport. That scenery made me remember of the importance of the Stella Maris mission. It also made me think of the seafarers who worked on those ships. It gave me an inspiration to put my heart and mind in the meeting held in Batam (Indonesia), an island that can be reached by ferry in an hour from Singapore. It was a regional meeting of the Stella Maris Catholic Network that was participated in by the chaplains of Batam (Indonesia), Manila (Philippines), Tokyo (Japan), Kaohsiung (Taiwan), Taipei (Taiwan), Algeciras (Spain) and South Africa. Fr. Marcio Toniazzo of the SIMN was also present and the general superior, Fr. Leonir Chiarello has also spent moments with us via Zoom. The meeting was held on the 11th of August until the 15th. The first amazing moments were the dialogues between the Scalabrinian Network and the Indonesian government working in the sectors of migration and fisheries. They renewed their commitment in safeguarding the welfare of the Indonesian seafarers and fishers, in which many of them go to Spain and Italy, an interesting dataset for the maritime mission in Europe. Moreover, it was also encouraged to continue the collaboration between the government and some Stella Maris centres that work with the Indonesians. Another wonderful moment of dialogue was between the Scalabrinian Network and the authorities of the local church that work with the episcopal commission on itinerant people, and the commission for justice and peace. From their presentations, we have learned about the effort of the local church in responding to the challenges of the Indonesian migration. They were also grateful for the work of the Scalabrinian Stella Maris Network that inspires them to include seafarers and fishers in their pastoral project. After these dialogues with the authorities of the church and the government, we spent some moments of listening to each other. Each one of us did not only present the reality of their respective mission areas but also shared the challenges and opportunities that we faced. Moreover, we discussed about the strategic plan to improve our services to the seafarers and fishers. With the help of the psychologists from Brazil who were connected online, we have talked about reinforcing strategies in responding to the challenges relating to mental health. One great service that scalabrinians can offer will be the prevention of the mental health related issues that seafarers, fishers, chaplains and volunteers may be vulnerable to. A strategy that can be done is to offer opportunities for the seafarers and fishers to connect to their loved ones. We hope that we can offer better services to the seafarers and fishers in scalabrinian spirit, promoting the culture of encounter and dialogue, and encouraging people to be involved in the maritime mission. We also hope to call the interest of the confreres to this mission, recalling the history of the congregation when missionaries were sent to accompany people from the sending port to the receiving port. Maritime mission has already been present since the beginning of the history of the congregation, and therefore Stella Maris mission must be given attention. A final moment of encounter and dialogue was the Indonesian culture of welcoming. We visited local churches where we celebrated masses and were welcomed with their traditional dance, warm greetings, lively music, and delicious food. People greeted us offering their hands and touching their hearts, which can be interpreted as a greeting from the heart. They taught us the value of welcoming that can also be valued within the family of missionaries among the migrants. Lastly, as I left Batam, I remembered those amazing moments of encounter and dialogue. I continued my journey to Spain with a renewed spirit, saying from the depth of my heart, “Terimah Kasih”, which means Thank you. Fr. Jovannie Postrano, CS

Feeling of being lost in a new cultural context and uncertainty about where and how to start the new mission made me feel down. The death of Pope Francis whom I looked at as an example of faith also added weight to the heaviness of my heart. To find light in this moment of darkness, I desired to do some spiritual retreats and then the idea to do the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) came. It was great idea because it could help me spiritually and as a scalabrinian missionary it could also be a moment of solidarity with many migrants who walked for kilometres in order to find a better future. It could also be a good spiritual exercise that was related to the theme of the Jubilee year; “Pilgrims of Hope” . Without any hesitation, Fr. Walter and I, travelled to Valença (Portugal) to start the pilgrimage. We did the last 124 kilometres of the Portuguese Way. We just carried a small pack bag and planned the journey day by day. During the pilgrimage, I prayed for the Stella Maris mission in Algeciras, for all people who asked for prayers, and for all people who are important to me. When we arrived in Valença (Portugal), we immediately went to the tourist centre to ask for a credential card. It served like a passport that would be stamped at least two times a day so that we would receive the pilgrim certificate upon arriving in Santiago. Then we walked and crossed the border between Portugal and Spain. We planned our journey every day and tried to arrive in a town where we could find a place to sleep. We prayed, contemplated the beauty of nature, and walked a lot in the middle of the bush, or along the river or seaside under the heat of the sun. On the way, we met people who gave us light not only in our pilgrimage but also in our journey of life. The first man has a name “Jesus”. He guided us when we got lost and he accompanied us to the next town. He shared a part of his life that inspired me. He was a seafarer for many years in Buenos Aires (Argentina) and he came back to Spain in order to take care of his sick and elderly parents. This man did not only share a part of his story but also taught us wisdom in life. He said that life is all about sharing. It is not life if you just keep it for yourself. He also shared some wisdom that he got from sailing. Through him, I got some new ideas on how to start my mission. The second figure that enlightened me was the monk that we met along the way. He prayed for us and blessed us. I felt good listening to him when he shared his words of wisdom because he encouraged me to embrace the challenges in the mission with the seafarers. Another figure that called my attention was the elderly people who did their best to remain strong in their journey. They were so determined to complete the pilgrimage. They have strong faith in God, in themselves and in the persons who walked with them. Lastly, we met people from different parts of the world bringing their own motivations, stories and struggles in life. Although we have different cultural and social backgrounds, we had common greetings; “ Buen Camino (have a good journey) ”. It is a simple word yet meaningful because it expresses many words such as “Be strong, my friend”, “You can make it”, “I understand your struggle”, “Everything will be ok”, “You are not alone”, and “Do not give up”. As we continued our journey, with the inspiration of people we met, I felt so blessed and much more when I received the news that the permit to visit ships in the port of Algeciras had already been considered. After four days of walking, we arrived in Santiago de Compostela. I was so happy because I felt fulfilled and renewed. During the mass for the pilgrims, I was amazed to witness the big thurible with incense that swayed in the middle of the altar. Before going back to the mission, I brought with me a bookmark with a word that says “No one finds his way without being lost many times”. Then I said to myself, this is the echo of my experience before I did the pilgrimage. Upon travelling on the train to Madrid, I remembered the words of the priest in the Basilica of Santiago to whom I made my confession. He said to me, “ Buen Camino  for Stella Maris, Viva Santiago!” Fr. Jovannie Serrano Postrano, CS

Prayers, songs, rosary, and laughter were simple moments that showed the joy of celebrating the feast of Our Lady of  Carmel. In Spanish tradition, she is known as “the star of the sea” and the patroness of the seafarers. The Stella Maris community celebrated her feast on the 16 th  of July 2025 and the day of the seafarers. The novena or the 9 days of prayer, rosary and mass was also held in the Parish of Our Lady of Carmel in Algeciras. As the activities of the parish continued, moments to remember and pray for the seafarers were also offered. The devotion of the people to Our Mother Mary can also be noted in the works and sacrifices of the devotees and the group of the Fraternity of our Lady of Carmel as they prepared the special day.   On the feast day, after the mass, we were invited by the port authority to celebrate the feast of our Mother and the day of the seafarers. It was a wonderful moment of staying together and wishing everyone for the success of their work and their mission. In the evening, a great number of people gathered together to participate in the procession that started from the chapel of the charity, passed by the city centre and then went to the port where the image was put into the boat for a fluvial procession that was accompanied by many small boats. During the procession, I heard people praising “Long Live Mary! Long live beautiful Mother! Long Live Our lady of Carmel! Long Live Patroness of the seafarers! Long Live Star of the Sea! It was really great to witness this amazing culture. I was certainly happy to experience the great love of  people for our Mother Mary, The Star of the Sea. As a person who is organising and building the Stella Maris in the Port of Algeciras, this devotion gave me an inspiration to continue what we have started. May mother Mary, the star of the sea, continue to give us light as we sail in the ocean of hope. Fr. Jovannie Serrano Postrano, CS