Father Herbert Fadriquela, our Port Chaplain in Felixstowe, has been appointed a Member of the Chapter of Canons of the National Cathedral in Manila, Philippines.

The appointment comes directly from the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (Philippine Independent Church), in recognition of his outstanding work with the Filipino community.

Father Herbert has been working with Mission to Seafarers since 2017 and has provided support to many seafarers in need. After receiving the honour, Father Herbert will continue his work in Felixstowe.

Father Herbert, said: “Seafarers contribute substantially to the economies of both the host and their home countries. The Seafarers take care of and manage the ships that transport most of the goods we eat, drink, use and wear.

The Mission to Seafarers and doing pastoral ministry to the seafarers is very important work of the church. Being with the seafarers, to make them feel that they are welcome, to listen to their stories, to share our stories with them, to sing with them, to pray with them and for them, is a task that I believe is very close to the heart of Jesus, who himself called people working in boats as his disciples.”