May 29, 2007 / 10:08 am
Bishop Tom Burns, promoter of the Apostleship of the Sea in England & Wales, has dedicated a new cruise ship the Costa Serena to the protection of Our Lady.
The military prelate joined the president of Costa Cruises and the company's directors in the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde on a hilltop overlooking Marseilles last Saturday.
In his homily, Bishop Burns noted that for centuries seafarers sailing out of Marseilles had saluted Notre Dame de la Garde to ask for her protection while they were away at sea, separated for long months from their families and loved ones. On returning to the port, they would again salute Mary and thank her for bringing them home safely.