The Tall Ships Races and Sea Sunday Celebration

On Sunday, 12 July, St. Paul's Church in Antwerp welcomed a large congregation for a special multilingual ecumenical prayer service celebrating both The Tall Ships Races and Sea Sunday.

Organised jointly by Stella Maris and its home parish St. Paul's, the celebration brought together seafarers, Tall Ships crews, port chaplains, volunteers, parishioners, and visitors from many different countries. The service reflected the international character of the maritime community and offered a moment of prayer for all those whose lives and work are connected with the sea.

The liturgy featured Scripture readings, prayers in several languages, and a moving candle-lighting ceremony, symbolising the shared hopes and prayers of the maritime world. The music, beautifully provided by organist Bart Rodyns and soprano Sara Van Mol, greatly enriched the celebration.

Following the service, guests enjoyed refreshments while meeting one another in a warm atmosphere of fellowship. Many members of the Tall Ships crews then took part in a guided tour of St. Paul's Church, discovering its rich history and learning about the ongoing restoration of this remarkable Antwerp landmark.

The celebration offered a fitting reminder that while the Tall Ships inspire admiration for our maritime heritage, Sea Sunday also invites us to remember and pray for the thousands of seafarers who quietly sustain our everyday lives through their work at sea.