Holy Father Pope Francis has sent a message to the 24th World Congress of the Apostleship of the Sea, which is taking place from October 1st -7th, 2017, in the Taiwanese port city of Kaohsiung, in which His Holiness conveyed his hope that the Congress will serve to strengthen all those who support people living and working at sea. The meeting is focused on challenges faced by the fishing industries, in particular, the plight of migrant fisherman.
As reported by Vatican radio, the message signed by His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, read that “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 harbors that mystery in such a way that it can entice people.”
His Holiness concluded the message by entrusting all seafarers and their families to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and gladly imparted his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of peace and joy in the Lord Almighty.
