Fr Rico celebrates first shipboard Mass

Fr. Rico Talisic, a new ship visitor in Cape Town, celebrated his first shipboard Mass for a group of seafarers on September 19. 
              Fr Rico, is a Scalabrinian priest from the Philippines and now ship visits for Catholic seafarers’ charity Apostleship of the Sea/Stella Maris in the Archdiocese. 
              He accompanied two other AoS ship visitors, Gerard Assam and Anthony Erispe, on board the bulk carrier MV Paulo U. 
              The ship had a crew of 21, all of whom are Filipinos. It was in port for five days to discharge grain. 

              Captain Joseph T. Balbido, the ship’s master requested Holy Mass on board as the crew would not get the chance to attend Mass for the several months now while they are at sea. 
              The seafarers were grateful for the chance to celebrate Mass, which would help sustain their faith during the long voyage. 
              Two Kenyan seafarers from another vessel were also present at Mass.