Apostleship of the Sea - Christmas On Board Ship in the Port of Tyne
Making the stranger welcome is always a great and true Christian deed, and you could argue that this is more so during the Christmas period, particularly when welcoming strangers who are away from their loved ones at this special time.
At Port of Tyne, like other ports in the north east region, seafarers from far off lands are made welcome all the year round by the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS), but especially so during Christmas; this applies to seafarers irrespective of faith or nationality.
On Christmas Day at port of Tyne, Mgr Ronnie Brown, (who is himself on the national board of AOS trustees), accompanied by Lay Chaplain Paul Atkinson, celebrated Mass on board the ‘King of Scandinavia’ one of the large passenger ferries which is a regular visitor to the Tyne. Over 100 crewmembers were able to participate in the Mass which represented a great start to their own Christmas celebrations. Mgr Brown and Paul were then able to distribute presents before staying on board and spending time with the crew.
Paul Atkinson, AOS Lay Chaplain, with crewmembers of the m/v Grand George, who were all in high spirits at Christmas after receiving their presents.
At the same time, Volunteer Ship Visitor, Neville Cresdee was visiting the m/v Grand George. Here too, after presents had been distributed, Neville was able to spend time with crewmembers, whose thoughts, not surprisingly, were with their family and loved ones back home.
Paul and Neville returned to the m/v Grand George on Boxing Day and quite appropriately took with them a DVD of the latest Manny Pacquiao (a well known Filipino boxing champion) fight from a few weeks previously. Paul says that this caused much excitement and a great atmosphere on board.
AOS Volunteer Ship Visitor at Port of Tyne, Neville Cresdee leaves the m/v Grand George after a very enjoyable visit on Christmas Day
Distribution of Christmas presents will continue throughout January until stocks are exhausted.
Tony McAvoy
AOS Lay Chaplain, &
NE Regional Co-ordinator
e-mail: teesportnorth@aposmar.net
See also Diocesan Societies-Apostleship of the Sea