Bishop pays visit to Felixstowe Seafarers Centre

Bishop Alan Hopes celebrated a Mass at the Felixstowe Seafarers Centre on Monday September 13 as part of a pastoral visit organised by seafarers’ charity Stella Maris.

He was assisted by Fr John Barnes from St Felix Church.

In his homily, Bishop Alan gave thanks for Stella Maris’ (formerly known as Apostleship of the Sea) ministry and its work supporting seafarers and fishers.

Stella Maris’ Regional Port Chaplain for East Anglia and Haven Ports, Julian Wong, organised the Mass and Bishop Alan’s visit.

“When I met Bishop Alan earlier this year, I asked him if he would come to celebrate Mass at the Seafarers’ Centre before he retires. Without any hesitation, he said he would come in the autumn,” said Julian.

“We had a lovely Mass. music and singing was led by our former East Anglia Port Chaplain Patricia Ezra,” he said.

Julian also arranged for a container ship cake to be baked – which carried the name ‘MSC Alan’ – and a Lego container ship set, courtesy of Maersk Shipping Company, to be given to Bishop Alan (pictured above).

The bishop has been very supportive of the work of the charity, and in 2015 went on board a ship in Felixstowe port, where he met the crew and prayed with them.

To support the work of Stella Maris with seafarers in East Anglia and elsewhere, please visit: www.stellamaris.org.uk/donate

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