Sea Sunday

The week-end of 15-17th September was observed, both at the Cathedral and at our sister Church in Awali as “SEA SUNDAY” week-end, thanking God for seafarers and all that they do for us. With seafarers in mind the children had brought with them items connected with sea and nautical life such as toys in the shape of -ships/boats, pirate boats, and we also had an anchor, life-buoy, life jacket, sexton, compass and fog horn, items to do with seafarers or the sea. Some children wore costumes of sailors and Pirates. Members of the congregation even baked a cake in the shape of a ship. Thanksgiving and intercessory prayers were offered for seafarers, their families and all who work for the welfare of the seafarers. Children at Friday & Saturday services led the congregations in intercessory prayers offering special prayers for seafarers. I had an opportunity to share with the congregations about the work of Mission to Seafarers, as we celebrate the Mission’s 150th anniversary of it’s worldwide mission and also my ministry here in Bahrain.

Fr. Alan in his address highlighted the importance of a ship’s anchor, recalling the story of St. Paul’s voyage to Roma and shipwreck. (Acts 27:29, 30, 40). He then preached the sermon on a verse from the Letter to the Hebrews “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain” (Ch 6:19) – linking the ship’s anchor and Jesus Christ as our ‘anchor’ emphasizing how we are dependant on Christ as the anchor for our souls, and the one who leads us into the very presence of almighty. Symbolically Fr. Alan set up a cloth in front of the altar representing ‘The Curtain’ and the children were pulled through the curtain while holding on to the ‘anchor chain’, symbolizing the following of Jesus into eternal life.

On Thursday 21st our week long celebrations concluded with the Annual Seafarers Dinner & Dance which was attended by members of our congregations and guests. The event was a great success and my sincere thanks to all for your participation and support in so many and varied ways.

I also take this opportunity to THANK YOU ALL for your support in the Mission’s work in Bahrain in the past and especially since my move back to the Cathedral in January 2006 in the role of the Assistant Chaplain and Mission to Seafarers Chaplain.

The Most Rev’d. Dr. Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury at the International Anniversary service said :- “At a time when the pressures and dangers of sea travel in a competitive world are ever increasing, I give thanks for the vital work of the Mission as its Chaplains, staff and volunteers offer moral, physical and spiritual support and encouragement to seafarers around the world. The Mission to Seafarers’ presence, ministry and care are needed more than ever and it deserves our prayers and support.”

We all depend on seafarers for much of our daily life – please remember them in your prayers, for their well being and safe return to their families and loved ones as they await their return.

With my prayers for God’s Blessings. Victor Salve.

The Awali Anglican Church congregation celebrating "Sea Sunday"