Building Chaplaincy Across Distance and Diversity

Across Central and South America and the Caribbean, The Mission to Seafarers is developing a network of vocationally driven chaplains committed to providing consistent, compassionate care.

There are currently just seven port chaplains working across the region, serving in Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica, Brazil and Argentina.

“We’re often working on a knife edge,” says Father Ian Hutchinson Cervantes, the Mission’s Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. “When governments change, port administrations can change too. Personnel move on, and we’re building relationships from scratch again.”

MORE THAN A PAYCHEQUE
That reality is being felt right now in Vila do Conde, a remote river port in northern Brazil, where chaplain Gabriel Souza is working to regain access following changes in port administration.

In locations like this, bulk carriers can remain offshore for up to two weeks, with strict security restrictions limiting visits.

When crews do reach shore, they often face high costs, exploitation by unscrupulous taxi drivers, and even physical danger, so chaplains work hard to protect and support exhausted crews.

“This is not something you do for the paycheque,” Fr. Ian says.

CONTINUITY OF CARE
In response, a new generation of chaplains is emerging, marked by a deep sense of calling.

“I take all new chaplains to the NAMMA (North American Maritime Ministry Association) conference in Houston,” Ian explains. “Then bring them back to Panama, where we train together –
working alongside our German Seaman’s Mission partners so they can see the ministry in action.”

At the heart of this collaborative approach is a commitment to “continuity of care”. Chaplains no longer see their role as ending when a ship leaves port. Instead, they work together across the region, and beyond, to ensure seafarers continue to receive support throughout their journey.

“If a ship leaves our port, we’re asking: who will see them next? How do we make sure they’re not forgotten?” Ian confirms.

INCREASING OPPORTUNITY
This vision is supported by regional collaboration and strong links with local churches.

With growing visibility and increased levels of trust in the Mission, ship visiting is increasing, as are opportunities to expand in new locations, particularly along the Pacific coast.

“If you look at the Pacific seaboard, there is only Panama at present,” Ian explains. “A lot of maritime traffic goes south from there, with final ports of call in Chile.”

Plans are being explored to establish chaplaincy in Valparaíso and Quintero in Chile, as well as in Rosario, Argentina’s key inland port for grain exports.

With vocationally motivated chaplains, supported and connected, there is real potential to build a ministry that ensures no seafarer is ever left without care.