Painting with purpose: new mural brings Stella Maris’ mission to life

A Catholic charity in the centre of Melbourne is bringing its mission to the streets with a striking mural depicting the perils of life at sea. The work, painted by a Australian mural artist, now decorates the facade of the iconic Stella Maris Seafarers’ Centre, bringing to life the charity’s commitment to providing pastoral care, services and support for seafaring people.

For many of the approx. 65,000 seafarers who visit Melbourne’s port each year, Stella Maris is a home away from home. First established in 1895, the centre is now one of 300 around the world that underpin the Catholic Church’s missionary work to seafarers—a community of workers that centre manager Lee-Anne Diano says are often overlooked.

‘The role of seafarers is very much one that is neglected, yet without seafarers, the economy would cease,’ she says. ‘They are integral in keeping the world economy moving.’

In their work, seafarers can be isolated for months without seeing family and friends while facing harsh physical, mental and spiritual conditions. It is this reality that Ms Diano says was the inspiration behind the mural. ‘[We] wanted to communicate the dangers of life at sea, including rough seas, piracy and hazardous working conditions,’ she says.

The work of Stella Maris is part of a long tradition in the Catholic Church, inspired by Jesus Christ, of ministering to seafarers, catering to their physical and spiritual needs. St John Paul II summarised the inspiration for this apostolate when he wrote in his 1990 apostolic letter Stella Maris—On the Maritime Apostolate, ‘Jesus Christ, accompanied his disciples in their vessels, helped them in their work and calmed the storms. And so the Church accompanies seafarers, caring for the special spiritual needs of those who for various reasons live and work in the maritime world.’

The impact of the centre’s mission was not lost on the mural’s painter, Damien Mitchell, a world-renowned Australian mural artist. ‘After Damien completed the mural, and became aware of our work, he offered to volunteer at the centre,’ Ms Diano says.

The artwork has been warmly welcomed by the seafarers who visit the centre, as well as many members of the public who now stop to take photos of the mural, something that Ms Diano sees as fulfilling the purpose of the commission. ‘We wanted to showcase our centre to the passing public, so that they are made aware of the missionary work taking place in the heart of the city,’ she says.

This time of year is significant for the Stella Maris Centre as they celebrate Sea Sunday on 21 and 28 July. The annual appeal aims to support the mission both spiritually and financially, and raises awareness of the hardships faced by seafarers.

‘On Sea Sunday, faith communities have the opportunity to pray for seafarers and are encouraged to assist Stella Maris by volunteering as well as making donations,’ Ms Diano says.

The mural is only the beginning when it comes to new developments for the Stella Maris Seafarers’ Centre. In coming months, the centre will be installing a lift to enable injured seafarers to gain access to the mission’s accommodation when recuperating, and there are plans to create a garden for seafarers to enjoy when onshore.

‘We have commissioned Damien to once again paint a mural in our outdoor patio garden,’,she says. ‘The mural will depict Australian fauna and flora, and we feel that seafarers will really enjoy relaxing there.’