The following is the message sent by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, on behalf of the Holy Father, to the participants in the 24th World Congress of the Apostleship of the Sea on the theme: “Caught in the Net”, taking place in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, from 1 to 7 October 2017.

Message

President of the XXIV World Congress of the Apostleship of the Sea

His Holiness Pope Francis sends cordial greetings and prayerful best wishes to the participants in the twenty-fourth World Congress of the Apostleship of the Sea. In giving thanks to Almighty God for the many graces received through its work over many years, His Holiness prays that the bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful gathered for this significant Congress, will be strengthened in their support of all those who work at sea. As you address the particular needs of those who labour in the fishing sector, Pope Francis hopes that Christians may recognize the valuable lesson we can learn from them, “about a Church which makes room for God’s mystery; a Church which harbours that mystery in such a way that it can entice people” and attract them to himself (cf. Address to the Bishops of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, 27 July 2013). In entrusting all seafarers and their families to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Stella Maris and Stella Matutina, His Holiness gladly imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of peace and joy in the Lord.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State