"Stella Maris" has long been the favorite title by which seafaring people have called on her in whose protection they have always trusted: the Blessed Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, her Son, accompanies his disciples in their boat, helped them in their labors and calmed the storms. Thus the Church also accompanies seafarers, taking care of the specific spiritual needs of those who for various reasons live and work in the maritime world. (From the Apostolic Letter Motu Proprio "On the Apostleship of the Sea" by St. John Paul II, Pope; 31 Jan. 1997).