Honolulu Bishop Larry Silva launches new ministry to serve seafarers and fishermen in Hawaii’s coastal communities

In Hawaii, where the ocean is integral to both life and livelihood, a unique ministry is reaching out to those whose work often goes unnoticed.

The Hawaii Apostleship of the Sea Ministry, launched late last year, is bringing the Church to fishermen, cruise ship crews, and other seafarers who are often called the “invisible part of the body of Christ.”

Building a Bridge to the Seafarers

This meaningful initiative was launched by Honolulu Bishop Larry Silva from the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa.

To lead the program, he appointed Deacon Marlowe Sabater, who had just been ordained in January 2024.

With Sabater at the helm, the ministry is providing spiritual support to a community that has long been overlooked.

“The seafarer is like an invisible part of the body of Christ,” Sabater said in an interview.

He drew inspiration from St. Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians 12:12: “As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ.”

Recognizing an Overlooked Community

Hawaii’s economy heavily relies on the work of seafarers, including foreign fishermen in the longline fishery industry and crew members aboard cruise and cargo ships.

Despite their significant contributions, their long hours and remote lifestyle often separate them from the broader community, including the Church.

The Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development highlights the need to advocate for the rights and dignity of seafarers, a mission the new ministry wholeheartedly embraces.

A New Chapter of Faith

Through the Apostleship of the Sea Ministry, Hawaii’s seafarers now have access to spiritual care, Mass, and other religious services.

On December 15, 2024, a special Mass was held in Honolulu to mark the ministry’s first steps.

By bridging the gap between the Church and these vital workers, this ministry reminds everyone of the interconnectedness of all members of the body of Christ.

As Deacon Sabater aptly stated, “No part of the body should be out of sight or out of mind.”

This innovative approach demonstrates how the Church can reach even the most remote and overlooked corners of society, offering support and fostering a sense of belonging among all its members.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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