The Holy Father’s prayer intention for August 2020 is:
The Maritime World: We pray for all those who work and live from the sea, among them sailors, fishermen and their families.
Life on the sea is difficult and dangerous. So many around the world depend on the oceans for food and livelihood, but they are at the mercy of the weather and the conditions at sea. They may be away from their families for long periods of times, and their lives are at risk as they work to support their families, transport goods, protect their country, or feed people across the world.
“The life of sailors or fishermen and their families is very difficult,” said Pope Francis in his monthly video. “Sometimes they are victims of forced labor or are left behind in distant ports. The competition of industrial fishing and the problem of pollution make their work even more complicated. Without the people of the sea, many parts of the world would starve.”
Fishermen are dear to our Lord’s heart. They are the first people he called to be his followers.
As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. – Matthew 4:18-20
Our Blessed Mother under the title of Our Lady, Star of the Sea (Stella Maris), is an intercessor for those who work as sailors and fishermen. “Fishermen are so dependent on the stars to find their way through the waters. And Our Lady, Star of the Sea became a way for people to think about how they’re getting where they need to go [in life],” explained John Feister, regular contributor to Morning Air.
Hail Star of the Sea
Hail, O Star of the ocean, God’s own Mother blest, ever sinless Virgin, gate of heav’nly rest.
Taking that sweet Ave, which from Gabriel came, peace confirm within us, changing Eve’s name.
Break the sinners’ fetters, make our blindness day, chase all evils from us, for all blessings pray.
Show thyself a Mother, may the Word divine born for us, thine Infant, hear our prayers through thine.
Virgin all excelling, mildest of the mild, free from guilt, preserve us meek and undefiled.
Keep our life all spotless, make our way secure till we find in Jesus, joy for evermore.
Praise to God the Father, honor to the Son, in the Holy Spirit, be the glory one. Amen.
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