Chance to join around Britain sailing pilgrimage

Parishioners across East Anglia have the chance to be part of an exciting yet prayerful round-Britain sailing pilgrimage which begins on Saturday April 29.

British sailor Russ Fairman will embark on the ten-week round Britain sailing pilgrimage. Russ is a passionate supporter of Catholic charity Stella Maris (formerly known as Apostleship of the Sea) and aims to raise funds and awareness for the work of the charity, which exists to provide spiritual and practical support to seafarers, fishers and their families.

The pilgrimage will stop at 50 ports and holy sites along the way, including The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, planned for Thursday May 11.

The boat crew will process into Walsingham, and Mass will be held late afternoon, followed by a gathering and evening meal for everyone.

Crew change stopovers have been scheduled at Wells-next-the Sea and King’s Lynn, giving parishioners a chance to meet Russ and the crew and also join the boat as crew should they wish to.

Russ said: “Through this endeavour, we can hopefully raise further the profile of Stella Maris and the wonderful work it does in helping the people of the sea.”

The pilgrimage will celebrate Stella Maris’ 100 years of service and offers a unique opportunity for parishioners and Stella Maris supporters across the Diocese to join as crew members, and experience one leg of the journey first-hand.

People can also get involved by attending gatherings, which will provide a platform to learn more about the work of Stella Maris, meet the crew, and participate in community events.

For more information about the sailing pilgrimage and how to volunteer to be part of the crew, please contact the skipper Russ at sailing.pilgrimages@gmail.com or through the website https://sailingpilgrimages.co.uk/stella-maris/

No previous sailing experience is necessary, just a reasonable level of agility and fitness. Volunteers crewing on the boat can get involved in as much or as little of the sailing operations as they wish.

For more information about the port gatherings and how to attend one of them, please contact info@stellamarismail.org

Pictured above is sailor Russ Fairman.

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