The maritime industry has always been a central part of Port Arthur, and recently citizens gathered to give thanks for the seafarers who have helped build their community.
The 22nd Annual Maritime Memorial Service was held May 22 at the Seaman’s Memorial Sundial in Port Arthur.
Prayers of thanksgiving were offered for the safety of the crews of the U.S. flagged Maersk Alabama and the Liberty Sun. Both ships were involved in pirate attacks earlier this year.
“This area is so important to the maritime industry, and we all have to be thankful for the dedication and the sacrifice that this area has made over the years,” Father Sinclair Oubre, director of the Apostleship of the Sea, said.
A wreath was cast into the ship channel by crewmembers of the Father John Keller in remembrance of Beverly Picton, Carl Sanders, Paul Callais and Peter Callais.
Prayers were also offered for the 15 vessels and 231 crewmembers held by Somali Pirates.
After the memorial those in attendance relocated to the Seafarer Center for a special reception.
The foyer for the Seafarer Center was dedicated in honor of Peter and Paul Callais. The two brothers were big supporters of the Seafarer Center, and both died last year.
Two plaques were also put up in the center in honor of Beverly Picton and Carl Sanders. Picton was the treasurer for the Apostleship of the Sea, and Sanders gave the first donation to build the new center.
Two doors that formerly resided on the front of St. Mary, Port Arthur, were also dedicated as a permanent part of the center. The doors contain representations of saints and also of industries that have shaped Port Arthur such as the oil industry and agriculture.
