Prize for interreligious unity

Stella Maris Barcelona has received a prestigious award for its work in promoting interreligious unity

Deacon Ricardo displays the award

The Prize for Interreligious Unity and Dialogue has been awarded by the Permanent Working Group for Religions of Barcelona. The group is a meeting point for representatives of the major religions of the region of Catalonia. These include Jews, Muslims, Catholics, Anglicans, Orthodox and Protestants. The group was created in 2004 and is dedicated to "education in order to eliminate prejudice and stereotypes". It uses its network to promote peace and harmony among religions.

The prize was instituted to promote unity, understanding and dialogue among religions as a means of achieving peace. It has been awarded to Stella Maris Barcelona for promoting their values in assisting People of the Sea whatever their race, creed, belief or nationality, ensuring that every seafarer finds the services necessary for his or her welfare.

The prize was presented in February 2008 at a ceremony attended by numerous officials including the Director General of Religious Affairs of the regional government of Catalonia, the Officer for Civil Rights for the Council of Barcelona and the Director of the Port of Barcelona. Also present were representatives of the major religions.  

Deacon Ricardo Rodriguéz-Martos, port chaplain in Barcelona and director of the Stella Maris Centre, said

In our opinion, this prize is not only recognition of the work of the Apostleship of the Sea in Barcelona, but also of the Apostleship of the Sea in general. Basically, we all work with people of all races and religions and we try to bring a spirit of fraternity and solidarity to our work.

click here to read about an interreligious act of unity in Barcelona

click here for the contact details of the Barcelona Stella Maris Centre