24/03/2026
March 24, 2026 || Appointment of New National Director for Stella Maris-Philippines
Rev. Fr. Jose Conrado Estafia of the Diocese of Talibon, Bohol has received the Appointment from the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines as the new National Director of Stella Maris-Philippines. This appointment marks a significant leadership transition for the Church’s primary pastoral arm dedicated to the welfare of the people of the sea.
Fr. Estafia assumes the national director role following his predecessor, Fr. John Mission who also served as head of the Stella Maris Seafarers Center in the Archdiocese of Cebu. Fr. Estafia brings direct experience to the position, since he is serving as the chaplain of Stella Maris-Talibon. His appointment is for a standard term of three years, subject to renewal at the discretion of the CBCP.
As National Director, Fr. Estafia will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the nationwide ministry of Stella Maris (also known as the Apostleship of the Sea). He will work closely with Bishop Ruperto Santos of the Diocese of Antipolo, who serves as the CBCP’s Bishop-Promoter for Stella Maris-Philippines. His leadership will focus on guiding the organization’s mission to provide spiritual, pastoral, and welfare services.
Stella Maris is a global Catholic charity operating in ports worldwide. In the Philippine context, its ministry is vital, providing comprehensive pastoral care and service to:
• Seafarers (migrant and domestic)
• Fishers
• Maritime students
• Port personnel
• The families of all the above groups
The organization addresses the unique challenges faced by these communities, including isolation, unsafe working conditions, and family separation.
This leadership change ensures continuity and renewed focus for the maritime apostolate in the Philippines, a country that is a primary source of seafarers for the global merchant fleet. Fr. Estafia’s grassroots experience as a local chaplain is expected to inform his national strategy, emphasizing direct service and advocacy for the rights and well-being of maritime workers and their families.
The appointment of Rev. Fr. Jose Conrado Estafia as National Director of Stella Maris-Philippines represents a committed step by the CBCP to strengthen its outreach to the maritime sector. His leadership is anticipated to enhance the Church’s mission of accompaniment and care for the people of the sea, upholding their dignity and supporting their communities across the Philippine archipelago.
