Deacon Philip Yuson (centre) became the Diocese of Victoria's first-ever chaplain to seafarers Sept. 15. He is pictured with Apostleship of the Sea national director Father Andrew Thavam (left) and Vancouver port chaplain Deacon Dileep Athaide. (Photo submitted)
A Victoria man has been appointed to serve the hard-working fishers and boat crews that arrive to ports on Vancouver Island.
Deacon Philip Yuson is the first person to bring the Apostleship of the Sea ministry to the Diocese of Victoria.
"Deacon Philip's appointment will further galvanize our ministry of reaching out to people who work at sea," said Deacon Dileep Athaide, a permanent deacon and a chaplain to seafarers in the neighbouring Archdiocese of Vancouver.
Bishop Gary Gordon chose to appoint a chaplain for those who work at sea after celebrating Mass himself on board a ship just before Christmas in 2017.
"From his time on board, Bishop Gordon learned about the lives of seafarers and some of the conditions they might sometimes face, including loneliness, non-payment of wages, poor working conditions, stress, and fatigue," said Father Andrew Thavam, national director of Apostleship of the Sea Canada.
Chaplains provide spiritual support, including prayer, guidance, and bringing Communion.
Deacon Yuson and his wife, Marie, live in Victoria, B.C.