Each year on the second Sunday of July, Christian Churches around the world mark Sea Sunday-a day dedicated to praying for maritime workers and their families. In 2026, the day falls on July 12 and the theme is “Harbours of Hope: The Church alongside Seafarers”. Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, wrote a message for Sea Sunday with the title, “Beyond Cargo and Commerce: The Human Face of the Sea”.
In his message for Sea Sunday 2026, Cardinal Michael Czerny highlights the complex challenges maritime workers face today as the sea today is “increasingly marked by tension, insecurity, war, and fear.”
In his message, the Prefect highlighted how the world continues to rely on seas, lakes, rivers, and waterways. However, he made sure to place the emphasis on the faces behind the maritime businesses: the more than 1.8 million people whose work is tied to waterways. So many livelihoods, communities, and families rely on these men and women. “The crisis of the Strait of Hormuz has reminded the world of how deeply humanity depends on the sea and those who work upon it,” Cardinal Czerny explained.
Cardinal Czerny pointed out that maritime workers still face uncertainty as the sea, “which has long connected peoples and nations, is increasingly marked by tension, insecurity, war, and fear.” Not only do crews have to confront the dangers of the water, but now they also face the consequences of conflict—food shortages, their confinement, and fear for their own lives.
Cardinal Czerny highlighted how the sea can teach humanity that “we belong to one another. Oceans do not divide people; they connect them.” The Catholic Church is working to remind every maritime worker that they are never alone or forgotten.
Cardinal Prefect stressed, “When the oceans suffer, humanity suffers with them.” It is the responsibility of all to protect marine life, promote ethical and sustainable practices, defend dignity and safety of maritime workers, and develop spirit of global responsibility to care for our seas
