A BLESSING FROM HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS TO THE ALLIED MERCHANT NAVY ON MERCHANT NAVY DAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016
A BLESSING FROM HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS TO THE ALLIED MERCHANT NAVY ON MERCHANT NAVY DAY
SEPTEMBER 3, 2016
“Approaching the day of the commemoration of the sacrifices of the Canadian Merchant Navy, in the name of the Holy Father, I wish to assure you and all the present members, of a special remembrance in his prayers for the souls of the men and women who lost their lives serving their countries in the Allied Merchant Navy during the Second World War.
“Commemorating the 70th anniversary of that worldwide conflict, Pope Francis expressed the wish and the hope that the entire human family, learning from the tragedies of the past and faced with the current conflicts around the world "may persevere in the search for the common good and in promotion of a culture of peace" (General Audience - May 6, 2015).”
– His Holiness Pope Francis, The Vatican
OTTAWA, TODAY – Mr. Stéphane Ouellette, President and CEO, MNCTP, announced the first-year anniversary of the historic ‘Blessing’ received from His Holiness Pope Francis. On this special day of commemoration, His Holiness included a special remembrance in His prayers for the men and women of the Allied Merchant Navy that lost their lives during WWII.
In his letter of September 1, 2015, to the Rev. Dr. Brian Graham, Chaplain, MNCTP, Monseigneur Maurizzio Bravi, Chargé d’Affairs, from the Apostolic Nunciature in Canada, proclaimed, in the name of the Holy Father, this special benediction:
“Approaching the day of the commemoration of the sacrifices of the Canadian Merchant Navy, in the name of the Holy Father, I wish to assure you and all the present members, of a special remembrance in his prayers for the souls of the men and women who lost their lives serving their countries in the Allied Merchant Navy during the Second World War.”
“Commemorating the 70th anniversary of that worldwide conflict, Pope Francis expressed the wish and the hope that the entire human family, learning from the tragedies of the past and faced with the current conflicts around the world "may persevere in the search for the common good and in promotion of a culture of peace" (General Audience - May 6, 2015).”
During the Second World War, a total of 25,343 merchant ships, with 164,783,921 tons of cargo on board, sailed from North America to Britain. The Canadian Merchant Navy suffered the highest losses, losing one seafarer in eight of the 12,000 who served in the crews of the Canadian, British, and Allied merchant ships.
Also, out of the more than 250,000 American Merchant Marine that sailed, over 6,835 were killed. This is in addition to over 11,000 being wounded, and the taking of 604 prisoners of war, of whom 61 died in POW camps. These Canadian and American death statistics do not reflect global losses that were experienced by other Merchant Navy and Merchant Marine nations.
The MNCTP is a "Canadian driven" initiative dedicated to educating Canadians, Americans, and the international community about the sacrifices and contributions made by the Allied Merchant Navies and the American Merchant Marine as the mainstay of the Allied Forces victories in both World War I and World War II.
Through the Global Maritime Promotion Integration and Outreach Strategy (GMPIOS), intended to unify nations of the world under common veterans’ and maritime themes, the MNCTP promotes our Merchant Navy and Merchant Marine Veterans as part of Canada's, the United States of America’s, and indeed, the world's rich maritime heritage.
FATHER THOMAS CASSIDY, REPRESENTING THE APOSTOLIC NUNCIATURE IN CANADA,
ATTENDING THE MERCHANT NAVY VETERANS DAY COMMEMORATIONS
NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL (OTTAWA)
SEPTEMBER 2008
MERCHANT NAVY COMMEMORATION SERVICE, OFFICIATED BY THE REV. DR. BRIAN GRAHAM, MTH, DDIV, PRINCIPAL CHAPLAIN, MERCHANT NAVY COMMEMORATIVE THEME PROJECT (MNCTP)
CONVOY CUP, HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA
SEPTEMBER 8, 2019
"As an Island Nation, we in the United Kingdom still depend heavily on the great trade routes of the sea. … During the Second World War, that vital lifeline came very near to being severed. The stark courage of the sailors of the Merchant Navy should never be forgotten, and I write to assure you of my prayers of thankfulness for all that our forebears and elders achieved, despite their great suffering."
– The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury (21 July 2017)
“The Merchant Navy played a vital role in the Second World War, stepping up to deliver troops, ammunition, goods, tanks, airplanes, fuel, boots, and more to the Allied forces in Europe. Their contributions to the war effort came at a tremendously high cost; one in seven mariners serving aboard merchant ships died in the line of duty. We owe them a debt of gratitude and must never forget their heroism and their sacrifices.”
– Hon. Senator Joseph A. Day (Saint John-Kennebecasis, New Brunswick)
“The Canadian Merchant Navy played a remarkable role in the Battle of the Atlantic—the longest and one of the most important battles of the Second World War. Through Merchant Navy Day, we remember this piece of our history and honour the bravery and sacrifices of our veterans. The Convoy Cup Foundation is important because it commemorates this struggle, supports our veterans, and recognizes Halifax’s contribution to the lifeline to Europe.”
– Hon. Geoff Regan, Member of Parliament for Halifax West
“The men and women of the Canadian Merchant Navy showed tremendous bravery as they faced life-threatening conditions in support of the Allied forces in Europe. As we mark Merchant Navy Veterans Day we thank them, and encourage all Canadians to never forget the critical role the Merchant Navy played during the First and Second World Wars.”
– W.J. Natynczyk , General (Retired), Deputy Minister, Veterans Affairs Canada
HALIFAX, TODAY – Rev. Dr. Brian Graham, Principal Chaplain for The Allied Merchant Navy, in conjunction with Merchant Navy Veterans Day commemorations, delivered a Benediction to assembled Merchant Navy Veterans, officials, and organizers at the reception and dinner for the Convoy Cup, at the Dartmouth Yacht Club, in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
During the Second World War, a total of 25,343 merchant ships, with 164,783,921 tons of cargo on board, sailed from North America to Britain. The Royal Canadian Navy gave to the struggle over 2, 000 dead and 24 warships. More than 900 RCAF and Canadian Army personnel were also lost. Over 2,199 Canadian Merchant Navy Seaman were killed in both WWI and WWII. Moreover, more than 250,000 American Merchant Marine sailed the treacherous oceans of the globe. Over 6,835 American Merchant Marine were killed and over 11,000 wounded. In addition, 604 Merchant Mariners were taken prisoners of war, resulting in 61 casualties within POW camps.
On September 3, 1939, on the day that the United Kingdom and France declared war on Germany, the passenger ship the S.S. Athenia was torpedoed by U–30, while on patrol in the northwestern sector of Ireland. The ship was carrying 1,103 passengers, including approximately 500 Jewish refugees, 469 Canadians, 311 Americans, 72 British, along with 315 of her crew. However, 98 passengers and 19 crew members were killed. Fifty four were Canadian, 28 were American, including Canadian Stewardess Hannah Baird. The first casualties of WWII were Canadian and American civilians.
Quick Facts
- Every two years, the Convoy Cup Foundation organizes a weekend of yacht races and commemorative ceremonies for the veterans of naval and military conflicts. The Convoy Cup recognizes the historical contribution of the port of Halifax to the convoy lifeline to Europe during World War II, and perpetuates the memory of the courageous men and women of the merchant marine, navy and air force. In its 15 year history, the Foundation has raised more than $14-million to provide support and recognition for veterans, and to educate about Canada’s rich contribution to naval history.
- The Merchant Navy Veterans Day Act (S.C. 2003, c. 17), which received Royal Assent on 19 June 2003, established the third day of September each year as "Merchant Navy Veterans Day."
Associated Links
- Rev. Dr. Brian Graham, MTh, DDiv, Principal Chaplain, Allied Merchant Navy | MNCTP |
- Messages from the Faith Community | MNCTP |
- His Holiness Pope Francis Blessing for the Allied Merchant Navy | Letter from the Apostolic Nunciature (Ottawa) | September 1, 2015 |
- Original Request Letter to the Holy See | MNCTP | June 12, 2015 |
- Allied Merchant Navy
- American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV)
Contact Info
Convoy Cup Foundation
Steinar Engeset, Chair or Dana Briand
Tel: 1.902.471.0172 or 1.902.468.7100
Email: CCF@NFSL.CA
Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP)
The Rev. Dr. Brian Graham, MTh, DDiv Principal Chaplain
Email: rev.dr.b.d.graham@gmail.com
