Faith in the Voyage of Filipino Seafarers

In 2021, Bishop Brendan J. Cahill led a Mass for the Filipino crew members of the Bow Star in Texas, an event captured in a photograph by Rhonda Cummins for The Catholic Lighthouse.

August 30, 2025 — Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines

An Article by Zildjian Rvynne Fernandez

Life at sea can be lonely and unpredictable, and for the Filipino seafarers, months away from home bring the challenge of missing family occasions and milestones – while also facing the ever-present risks of such delicate work. In such environment, one’s faith or belief becomes more than a tradition, rather, it may become an essential source of strength and safety.

A group of researchers describe this lived faith as a “working theology”—a personal, experience-based way of understanding God. For many seafarers, this theology centers on the Almighty as an eternal safeguard This belief is not always tied to regular church attendance or formal religious study. Even those who consider themselves “not very religious” often keep sacred objects close at hand, pray daily, and observe Holy Week wherever they are in the world.

Inside their ships, prayers become rituals as natural as the rising sun. Some seafarers begin their shifts with a silent plea for safety, while others carry religious items such as rosaries, scapulars, or prayer cards. These small symbols serve as reminders of divine protection, especially during dangerous voyages. For many, faith is not only about survival—it is about finding meaning in the vast, unpredictable sea.

This deep reliance on God reflects a broader Filipino cultural trait: the intertwining of spirituality and everyday life. Whether at sea or on land, many Filipinos naturally turn to faith when facing uncertainty. As one seafarer described in the study, the belief that “God will guide us home” becomes a source of courage in moments of fear.

Museo Maritimo celebrates this spirit through its exhibits, which honor not just the skills of Filipino seafarers but also their values and beliefs. Visitors will see objects that tell these faith-filled stories—religious artifacts carried aboard, photographs of shipboard prayer services, and mementos from ports around the world. These pieces remind us that for the men and women who cross oceans, faith is as essential as the compass.

Reference

Smith, G., N. Turgo, W. Cadge, S. Gilliat-Ray, and H. Sampson. 2021. “A Working Theology: An Evaluation of the Popular Beliefs of Roman Catholic Filipino Seafarers.” Practical Theology 14 (6): 506–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/1756073X.2021.1951945.