Easter is the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This celebration takes place every year, most times in the month of April. It is usually celebrated by Christians in different parts of the world. It is also a good time for families and friends to get together.
However, seafarers at sea, who are far away from home and their loved are left with no choice but to celebrate with fellow crew members on board.
Realising the difficulties they face, some charities, including the Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) have been helping seafarers celebrate Easter in different parts of the world.
In Abidjan, Ivory Coast, an Aos port chaplain Father Celestin Ikomba celebrated Easter Mass on board M/V West Bay.
“We are very happy to see the Easter candle, to hold candles, to renew our baptism promises, Alleluia, Christ is risen!” the excited crew members said.
Also in Aberdeen Port, Scotland, three seafarers from a ship named Malaviya Seven, who have been on the vessel for more than a year, were delighted to attend an Easter Vigil Mass at St Peter’s Church, Aberdeen to celebrate the Lord’s resurrection.
An unidentified seafarer, narrating how he spent the Easter holiday on the sea with his colleagues, on board the HS Bruckner ship, said they decided to re-enact “home away from home”.
According to him, the crew celebrated Easter after one week of anchorage in the beautiful port of San Antonio Este, Argentina.
“The weather was nice and it allowed us have a barbeque outside with music sang by some of the crew members, good food and karaoke,” he said.
Another anonymous seafarer said he and his colleagues celebrated Easter on board the HS Onore in the South China Sea in the officers’ mess because of the unfriendly weather.
He said they had lots of food to eat, chocolate egg and good music.
Some of the crew members, however, stayed away from the celebration because of their different faiths.
This season, remember the seafarers in your prayers and show them love and support.