The Diocese of St. Augustine commemorated the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Mariners and People of the Sea on Sunday by providing parishioners with the text of a prayer by Pope John Paul II.

“0 Mary, Star of the Sea, light of every ocean, guide seafarers across all dark and stormy seas that they may reach the haven of peace and light prepared in Him who calmed the sea,” Pope John Paul II wrote, according to the diocese’s Facebook post. 

“As we set forth upon the oceans of the world and cross the deserts of our time, show us, 0 Mary, the fruit of your womb, for without your Son we are lost,” he continued. “Pray that we will never fail on life's journey, that in heart and mind, in word and deed, in days of turmoil and in days of calm, we will always look to Christ and say, ‘Who is this that even wind and sea obey him?’ Our Lady Star of the Sea, Pray for us.”

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) said the annual remembrance gives people the opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the service of seafaring types — from Merchant Marines to fishermen and beyond. 

The Catholic Church has provided port ministry services since 1920. The outreach program started after some Scottish Catholics raised concern about a lack of Church representation aboard ships, the USCCB said. This ministry today is known as Stella Maris, and it is committed to reaching out to those who work on the high seas, or in ports, and their families. Stella Maris locations offer a network of parishes for those who might not be able to maintain a relationship with their home parish due to their work. 

There are more than 20 Stella Maris locations throughout America, including sites in Florida, California, Washington state, Texas, Michigan, South Carolina and New York.