Stella Maris Mass and Prayer Vigil for Galaxy Leader crew by Catholic Church of England and Wales / Flickr
CV NEWS FEED // Catholics in London gathered to offer prayers and support for the crew of the Galaxy Leader, who remain in captivity after Houthi forces hijacked their vessel in late 2023.
The Houthis, an Islamist political and military Yemeni rebel group backed by Iran, have recently escalated attacks aimed at commercial shipping, raising concerns about maritime security in the region.
The rebels hijacked the Galaxy Leader while it was en route to India. The crew, which includes 17 Filipinos, two Bulgarians, three Ukrainians, two Mexicans, and one Romanian, is currently being held hostage off the coast of Yemen.
The special Mass and vigil, organized by the global maritime charity Stella Maris, took place at the Church of St. Anselm and St. Cecilia in the Holborn area of London Nov. 19, commemorating the anniversary of the crew’s capture and supporting crewmembers’ families, the Bishop’s Conference of England and Wales reported.
Father Francisco Cruz, CM, the chaplain for Filipinos in London, led the prayers for the safe return of the crew.
“We trust in God to bring those who are in captivity home, to be united with their families,” he said during his homily.
About 60 people, including members of the London Filipino community and Stella Maris employees, trustees, supporters, and volunteers, attended the Mass, as did representatives from maritime organizations and seafarer welfare services. Special prayers were offered not only for the Galaxy Leader crew but also for other seafarers and their families affected by conflict, coinciding with the 1,000th day of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
Tim Hill, CEO and national director of Stella Maris, reflected on the emotional impact of the gathering, emphasizing the importance of supporting seafarers who play a vital role in global trade, often facing dangerous conditions at sea.
“It was very moving to see people coming together to pray for the Galaxy Leader crew’s safe release,” Hill said, “for their families and for all seafarers operating in war zones around the world.”
