From July 20 to 24, the São João XXIII Seminary in São Paulo, Brazil, hosted the Global Meeting of Chaplains of the Stella Maris Scalabrinian Catholic Network, bringing together Scalabrinian missionaries, Church representatives, and collaborators of the Apostleship of the Sea to strengthen pastoral ministry among people working in the maritime and transportation sectors.
Held in accordance with the guidelines of the 16th General Chapter of the Congregation of the Missionaries of St. Charles – Scalabrinians and the new Statute of the Apostleship of the Sea, promulgated by Pope Leo XIV in November 2025, the meeting provided an opportunity to assess the realities experienced by Stella Maris centers around the world and to establish pastoral priorities for the years ahead.
The gathering brought together chaplains from Brazil, Guatemala, Indonesia, Panama, the Philippines, Spain, Taiwan, and Uruguay, along with the Superior General of the Missionaries of St. Charles – Scalabrinians, Fr. Leonir Mário Chiarello, CS; the International Director of the Apostleship of the Sea, Bishop Luis Quinteiro Fiuza; and the Bishop of Antipolo (Philippines), Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos, DD.
One of the meeting’s central themes was the mental health of seafarers, who often endure prolonged periods of isolation, separation from their families, limited opportunities for shore leave, and uncertainty caused by international conflicts. Participants agreed that these factors significantly increase stress, loneliness, and emotional vulnerability among those who work at sea.
The meeting also examined the challenges chaplains face in providing pastoral care to maritime crews. The limited time vessels spend in port and restrictions on boarding ships often reduce opportunities to meet with seafarers, making Stella Maris’ pastoral presence even more essential as a ministry of listening, welcome, and human accompaniment.
Participants also reflected on the continuing impact of international conflicts on global maritime transport, noting how disruptions to shipping routes create insecurity and uncertainty for thousands of maritime workers around the world.
The discussions were inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s Sea Sunday Message, which emphasizes the need to recognize the human face behind international maritime commerce. In this context, participants reaffirmed that the mission of Stella Maris is to place the human person at the center, recognizing that behind every product transported across the seas are men and women with families, dreams, hopes, and challenges.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening the presence of the Stella Maris Scalabrinian Catholic Network in ports around the world, promoting ever closer pastoral care for seafarers, fishers, port workers, truck drivers, and their families, while reaffirming the Church’s mission to accompany all people on the move with dignity, compassion, and hope.