Apostolic Letter Motu Propio Stella Maris on the Maritime Apostolate

Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Letter "Motu Proprio" Stella Maris on the Maritime Apostolate, January 31, 1997

“Stella Maris” (“Star of the Sea”) has long been the favourite 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 (1), helped them in their work and calmed the storms (2). 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.

In order to meet the requirements of special pastoral assistance for people involved in commercial shipping and in fishing - as well as their families, port personnel and all who travel by sea - we establish what follows, updating the norms issued earlier in this century and having heard the opinion of our Brother, the President of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and of Itinerant People.

Apostolic-Letter-Motu-Propio-Stella-Maris-On-the-Maritime-Apostolate.pdf