Philippine-Australia–Saipan Province

The celebration of this year’s National Seafares’ Day was set on September 27, 2009, unfortunately typhoon “Ondoy” visited the country and took away houses, lives and a bit of future of so many Filipinos. Therefore the celebration was moved on October 9-10, 2009

Srs Marivic Ching and Flora Salimbagat are working with the Scalabrinian Fathers on “Apostleship of the Sea”

October 9 was dedicated to civic activities. A program was held at in one of the zones of Manila. The highlights of this program  were the awarding of Trophies and cash gifts to the  Outstanding Seafarers of the year in four different categories; Maritime Manpower Award, Valor Award, Community Service Award as well as the winners of Oratorical and Poster Design contests among Maritime students. The Mayor of Manila Alfredo S. Lim was present and gave his inspirational message

The Eucharistic celebration and the Rite of  Memorial at Sea took place at the South Harbor Pier 15, in the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Vessel. At 9:00 in  morning of Saturday 10 October,  families, friends, fellow seafarers converged at the vessel for the celebration. Fr. Paulo Prigol, CS, Apostleship of the Sea Chaplain presided the Mass and two other Scalabrinian Fathers: Fr. Lucio Bula and Fr. Reynaldo a missionary of Vietnam concelebrated with him. The PCG Officers were also present; Capt. Noli Casiano, Captain Enrico Evangelista and CDR Leonicido Panopio, as well as representatives of some government agencies.

Celebration of the Holy Mass

The theme of the celebration was “Filipino Seafarers: Angat Ka Pa Rin!” This is to recognize and honor our Filipino seafarers for their professional services, their contribution to the national economy and their role in witnessing to the best Filipino values in the international arena of their work and also to motivate our seafarers to take more pride in their work of excellence and professionalism amidst global competitions and crisis.

After the Mass, a wreath was dropped into the sea and each one of those on board  dropped a bud of rose while the bugler play the taps and drum to pay tribute to our deceased seafarers. Flowers are the expression of the fragrance and beauty of love given and received. They convey the wish that the flowers may carry to all the deceased seafarers the message of our love and gratitude as we know by the power of God there is no distance of time and place.

Commemoration of the dead seafarers

“There is no greater love than the one who gives his life for one he loves.” For the love of their families, many seafarers left  for the sea in the hope that their sacrifice may bring comfort, prosperity and a hopeful future to their loved ones at home. But some never returned to enjoy the love of their family or the fruit of their sacrifice. The sea took them away or the arduous life on board shortening their time through sickness or fatal accidents.

To our Filipino Seafarers near and far: Angat Ka Pa Rin!

To our Deceased Seafarers; In Gods beautiful time see you again!

Today, We salute all of You!

Sr. Marivic P. Ching