Stella Maris - Batangas

25/05/2026

𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐎𝐅 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘, 𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐔𝐑𝐂𝐇

Today, we celebrate the 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘆, 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵. We remember the profound moment on the cross when Christ entrusted His mother to us, and us to her:

"𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑱𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒔 𝒔𝒂𝒘 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒎 𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅, 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓, '𝑾𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏, 𝒃𝒆𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅, 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒐𝒏.' 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒍𝒆, '𝑩𝒆𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅, 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓.'" — 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝟏𝟗:𝟐𝟔-𝟐𝟕

Mary stands radiant and watchful over the universal Church, symbolized by the model of the basilica beside her. Gathered at her feet are saints and children from different nations and backgrounds, beautifully reminding us that her spiritual motherhood embraces the entire, diverse human family.

Given to us by Jesus Himself, Mary is the mother of us all. She continues to gather, protect, and intercede for her children, constantly guiding the Church closer to her Son.

𝑨 𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝑷𝒓𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒚, 𝑴𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒉:

O Mary, Mother of Christ and Mother of the Church, we entrust ourselves to your maternal care. Just as you gathered with the first disciples, walk with us today. Protect our families, unite us in peace, and lead us always to the loving heart of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

Blessings from Stella Maris Batangas to you and your loved ones on this beautiful memorial.

23/05/2026

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐒𝐓!

Today we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit. We recall the profound words of Christ:

"𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔, 𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎, '𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒚 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒕.'"
- 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝟐𝟎:𝟐𝟐

The dove of the Holy Spirit descends with radiant golden rays, and an immense, powerful fire sweeps through the scene. A small tongue of fire rests above Mary and each of the apostles, symbolizing the Spirit's transformative presence.

Today is also considered the 'birthday of the Church'—the Birth of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. Like the first disciples, we are called to be filled with the Spirit and sent forth on mission.

𝑨 𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝑷𝒓𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑷𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒕:

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love. Breathe your new life into us today, that we may be bold witnesses of your peace and grace to the world. Amen.

Blessings from Stella Maris Batangas to you and your loved ones on this great feast.

16/05/2026

"𝑨 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝒏𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒄𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍."

Equipping our future seafarers with both a steadfast spirit and a resilient mind, 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀 - 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘀 recently held a vital seminar at the 𝗟𝘆𝗰𝗲𝘂𝗺 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝘆 (𝗟𝗜𝗠𝗔) last 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟰, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 NN. Entitled "𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗬 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗩𝗢𝗬𝗔𝗚𝗘: 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵, 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, & 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗮," the seminar aimed to prepare our students for the unique emotional and psychological challenges of life on the ocean. We were deeply privileged to learn from our expert guest speakers, 𝗠𝗿. 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝘇 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗣. 𝗔𝗹𝗯𝗮𝘆, 𝗥𝗣𝘀𝘆, who spoke on cultivating inner resilience, and 𝗠𝗿. 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗱𝗼 𝗜𝗜𝗜, 𝗥𝗡, who shared invaluable insights on health, wellness, and addiction prevention. The event was also graced and supported by the officers of Stella Maris, led by Director 𝗥𝗲𝘃. 𝗙𝗿. 𝗝𝘂𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗼𝘀 𝗕. 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗼 and Coordinator 𝗦𝗿. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗜𝗹𝗮𝗼, 𝗠𝗖𝗦𝗛.

A voyage is never made alone, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the LIMA maritime students, dedicated faculty, and staff members who actively engaged in this activity. Your presence and openness to these crucial discussions prove that you are preparing to be not just competent mariners, but emotionally strong leaders of the deep blue. As you prepare to navigate the vast oceans, always remember that a strong mind and a faithful heart are your ultimate anchors. No matter how turbulent the waves may become, you are equipped, you are supported, and you are ready.

14/05/2026

13/05/2026

A MESSAGE OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO SEAFARERS
from Bp. Ruperto Cruz Santos

My dear seafarers, our modern-day heroes,

Peace be with you.

In these difficult and uncertain times, I wish to reach out to all of you who remain stranded in the Middle East because of the tensions and conflict affecting the region. Though miles separate us, please know that you are close to our hearts, our prayers, and our thoughts every day.

I understand that many of you are carrying heavy burdens, fear for your safety, anxiety for your future, loneliness from being far from your families, and emotional exhaustion caused by uncertainty. Some of you may feel helpless, worried, or even forgotten. But please remember this: you are not alone.

God is with you in every wave of fear, every silent night, and every anxious waiting. The Lord who calmed the stormy seas continues to hold you in His loving care. Hold firmly to hope. Never allow despair to overcome your spirit.

As a Bishop and as your brother in faith, I assure you that here in the Diocese of Antipolo, we continue to pray fervently for your protection, safety, and sound mental and emotional health. We pray that peace may soon prevail and that the violence and war may come to an end. Every human life is precious, and we continue to ask the Lord to touch the hearts of leaders and nations with wisdom, compassion, and justice.

Please also be at peace knowing that your loved ones here at home are not forgotten. The Church continues to care for them spiritually and sacramentally. We journey with your families in prayer, accompany them in their worries, and strengthen them through the grace of the sacraments and the presence of our faith communities.

You have sacrificed so much for your families and for our nation. Your hard work, courage, and perseverance are deeply valued and appreciated. Continue to support one another, encourage one another, and pray together whenever possible. Even in the midst of uncertainty, kindness and faith can become light for each other.

May Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, the loving patroness of all travelers and seafarers, wrap you in her mantle of protection and guide you safely through every danger.

Keep faith alive in your hearts. Better days will come. God never abandons His children. We continue to pray for your safe return home.

Pagpalain kayo ng Poong Maykapal at ingatan sa lahat ng oras.

+ Most Rev. Ruperto C. Santos, D.D.
Bishop of Antipolo
CBCP Bishop Promoter of Stella Maris – Philippines

13 May 2026

13/05/2026

Happy birthday po, Ma'am Charry!

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫, 𝐃𝐢𝐫. 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨 𝐂. 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐠!🎉

Sa likod ng matatag na pamumuno ng OWWA IV-A ay isang pusong tunay na mapagkalinga — isang lider na hindi lamang gumagabay bilang Regional Director, kundi nagsisilbi ring ina sa loob at labas ng aming tanggapan.

Maraming salamat po sa inyong kabutihan, malasakit, at walang sawang pag-unawa sa bawat isa. Sa bawat hamon at tagumpay ng ahensya, ramdam namin ang inyong suporta, pagmamahal, at inspirasyong nagbibigay-lakas sa amin araw-araw.

Kayo po ay hindi lamang isang mahusay na pinuno, kundi isang ilaw na nagbibigay pag-asa at inspirasyon sa buong OWWA IV-A Family. Nawa’y masuklian ng Diyos ang lahat ng kabutihang inyong ibinabahagi sa iba.

Hangad namin ang inyong mabuting kalusugan, mas maraming biyaya, at tunay na kaligayahan kasama ang inyong mga mahal sa buhay.

𝗠𝘂𝗹𝗶, 𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗸𝗮𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗼, 𝗥𝗗 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆!🥳

09/05/2026

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑'𝐒 𝐃𝐀𝐘! 💙

May 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗮, continue to guide and protect 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 as they navigate the tides of life. Just as she is a beacon of hope for every traveler, may our mothers be blessed with strength, grace, and calm waters.

Wishing a blessed day to the guiding lights of our homes!

𝑨 𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝑷𝒓𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝑴𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔

O Mary, Stella Maris, be the guiding star for all mothers as they navigate the vast seas of life. Just as you guide the sailor through the storm to a safe harbor, grant them the strength to be an anchor for their families and a light in times of darkness. May your steady hand lead them with patience and love, keeping them safe under your maternal protection now and always. Amen.

08/05/2026

Several Filipino seafarers have been detained by the United States’ Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in San Diego and brought back to the Philippines, the consulate general in Los Angeles said.

Link to full story in the comments section.

08/05/2026

𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐏𝐎𝐏𝐄 𝐋𝐄𝐎 𝐗𝐈𝐕

Today, 𝟴𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, marks the 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗼𝘀𝘁’𝘀 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟲𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗲. Having taken the name 𝗟𝗲𝗼 𝗫𝗜𝗩, he initially addressed the faithful from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with the words, “Peace be with you”—a fitting Easter greeting for a world in search of serenity.

He also used his inaugural moments to pay tribute to the late Pope Francis. As he continues his ministry, we offer prayers for Pope Leo, asking that God grant him wisdom, courage, humility, and health to shepherd the Church in faith, peace, and charity.

𝑷𝒓𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑷𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝑳𝒆𝒐 𝑿𝑰𝑽

O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful,
look favorably on your servant Leo,
whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd;
grant, we pray, that by word and example
he may be of service to those over whom he presides
so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care,
he may come to everlasting life.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

05/05/2026

STELLA MARIS BATANGAS | MARITIME NEWS UPDATE

𝗗𝗠𝗪 𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗣𝗧𝗦 ‘𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗗 𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗞’ 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗢 𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗪 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗠𝗜𝗗𝗗𝗟𝗘 𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗦

In a high-stakes policy shift, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has issued Advisory No. 23, granting a "managed risk" window for limited crew changes in Middle East war zones following a breakthrough ceasefire and safety guarantees from Iran. While the ban is being eased for the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, the safety of Filipino seafarers remains the top priority: manning agencies must now conduct rigorous risk assessments, and replacement crews are required to sign notarized risk waivers before deployment. Most importantly, the DMW maintains that the "right to refuse sailing" is still in full effect, with a "kill switch" provision to immediately suspend all crew movements the moment hostilities reignite.

READ MORE:
https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/05/04/business/maritime/dmw-allows-limited-crew-change-for-filipino-seafarers-in-middle-east-conflict-zones/2334579

29/04/2026

𝐍𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐇, 𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑

"𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝑺𝒕. 𝑷𝒂𝒖𝒍, 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒘𝒆 𝒃𝒆 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒋𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒚; 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝑳𝒂𝒅𝒚, 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒂, 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒘𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑮𝒐𝒅."

A momentous day of grace unfolded at the heart of the Verde Island Passage as the maritime community gathered for a dual celebration of faith and protection. Yesterday, 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟴, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, the 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁. 𝗣𝗮𝘂𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗲 became a sanctuary for those who roam the deep.

The 𝗣𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁. 𝗣𝗮𝘂𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲 was made even more significant with the 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝘆, 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗮 (𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀). Just as St. Paul tirelessly crossed the seas to spread the Gospel, our future seafarers and maritime workers are called to be witnesses of faith across the horizons, guided by the maternal light of Mary.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by 𝗛𝗶𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲, 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘃. 𝗚𝗶𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗔. 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗮, 𝗗.𝗗., 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗯𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝗽𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗕𝗖𝗣, joined by several priests from the Archdiocese of Lipa and visiting clergy from Bulacan. The solemn occasion was also attended by the dedicated officers of Stella Maris – Batangas and the devout parishioners of the island.

As we blessed the image of our Mother, we prayed for her mantle of protection over all who work at sea. May the missionary zeal of St. Paul ignite our hearts, and may the Stella Maris be the constant beacon that leads every voyager safely through the most turbulent waves.

𝑺𝒕. 𝑷𝒂𝒖𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒍𝒆, 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒖𝒔!
𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝑳𝒂𝒅𝒚, 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒂, 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒖𝒔!