Stella Maris International Seafarers' Center
- Apostleship of the Sea (AOS)
Stella Maris (AOS) – Kaohsiung, Taiwan was established by an American Jesuit Chaplain, Fr. Joseph Donohue, SJ (1915- 1991). The mission started in 1971 catering to wearied American soldiers/servicemen in duty break from Vietnam War. After Fr. Donohue went back to America in 1991, he was replaced by the PIME Fathers. Fr. Gilberto Orioli, PIME started the ministry to distressed fishermen.
In 1993 the center was transferred to #37 Lainan St. Kaohsiung City (from its former place in Cishan Road). As more Asian seafarers and fishermen used its facilities, the PIME Fathers turned over to the Scalabrinian Missionaries (CS) the management of the center. Fr. Bruno Ciceri, CS took charge of the Stella Maris Mission in 1996 and was later joined by other Scalabrinian Missionaries. Fr. Roger Cortuna Manalo, CS is the present AOS Chaplain and Director of Stella Maris Seafarers Center.
Why is it called "Stella Maris - Apostleship of the Sea"?
Stella Maris(“The Star of the Sea”) has long been the favorite title by which people of the sea have called on Her in whose protection they have always trusted: the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her son, Jesus Christ, accompanied his disciples in their vessels, helped them in their work and calmed the storms. And so the Church accompanies seafarers, caring for the special spiritual needs of those who for various reasons live and work in the maritime world. -- Pope John Paul II
Today, there are AOS presence in various ports in 116 Countries and is striving to serve many millions of people who are involved in the international seafaring and coastal seafaring trades, in commercial fishing and in subsistence fishing communities, in the offshore oil industry or in the cruise shipping industry plus the many contract sailors employed in yachting around the world.
In 1993 the center was transferred to #37 Lainan St. Kaohsiung City (from its former place in Cishan Road). As more Asian seafarers and fishermen used its facilities, the PIME Fathers turned over to the Scalabrinian Missionaries (CS) the management of the center. Fr. Bruno Ciceri, CS took charge of the Stella Maris Mission in 1996 and was later joined by other Scalabrinian Missionaries. Fr. Roger Cortuna Manalo, CS is the present AOS Chaplain and Director of Stella Maris Seafarers Center.
Why is it called "Stella Maris - Apostleship of the Sea"?
Stella Maris(“The Star of the Sea”) has long been the favorite title by which people of the sea have called on Her in whose protection they have always trusted: the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her son, Jesus Christ, accompanied his disciples in their vessels, helped them in their work and calmed the storms. And so the Church accompanies seafarers, caring for the special spiritual needs of those who for various reasons live and work in the maritime world. -- Pope John Paul II
Today, there are AOS presence in various ports in 116 Countries and is striving to serve many millions of people who are involved in the international seafaring and coastal seafaring trades, in commercial fishing and in subsistence fishing communities, in the offshore oil industry or in the cruise shipping industry plus the many contract sailors employed in yachting around the world.