Unique Catholic mass held in the high seas off Mombasa coast

Rev Father Harrisson Yaa (right) , of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa under the Apostleship of the Sea Ministry sprinkles holy water on board the MV Nordic Hong Kong Ship after offering prayer services on board the container vessel . PHOTO: MAARUFU MOHAMED/STANDARD

KENYA: Mombasa's Port berth number 17 on Wednesday afternoon was the scene of a special Catholic mass held aboard a container vessel, MV Nordic Hong Kong.

The mass conducted by Fr Harrison Yaa of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa was necessitated by requests from the ship's Superintendent Mr Stanslav Viryytsky after one of the crew had fallen sick while the ship was in the high seas heading to Mombasa and required airlifting to India for treatment.

According to Mombasa Archdiocesan coordinator of the Apostleship of the Sea (ministry within the Catholic Church), Mr George Sunguh, the ship's bridge was temporarily turned into a church where the full mass was conducted.

The bridge of a ship is the room or platform from which the ship can be commanded.

When a ship is underway the bridge is manned by an Officer on Watch (OOW) aided usually by an able seaman acting as lookout.

During critical maneuvers the captain will be on the bridge supported, perhaps, by an OOW as an extra set of hands, an Able seaman (AB) on the wheel and sometimes a pilot if required.

''Following a request from the ship's management for a special mass to among others pray for quick recovery of the ill sailor, a mass was conducted complete with full rights here,'' Sunguh said.

The Apostleship of the Sea or Stella Maris is a Catholic charity supporting seafarers worldwide.

They provide practical and pastoral care to all seafarers, regardless of nationality, belief or race.

Port chaplains and volunteers welcome seafarers, offer welfare services and advice, practical help, care and friendship.