Listen to audio for the full interview and below some of the essential elements:
ICMA: Father Edward, can you tell us a bit about why you work with the people of the sea? Who are the people of the sea?
Fr. Edward Pracz:
I work with the people of the sea because I have given my life to the deep. I’ve spent over 30 years with seafarers, and I remember that past with gratitude. I’m thankful to them because they helped educate me. I’ve grown stronger, more enthusiastic. These people shaped me. But I also ask myself, “Edward, what is your future?” I want to keep looking forward.
Now, as someone senior in the Apostleship of the Sea, and working ecumenically as well, I have two ideas. First, I want to welcome people from maritime employment through cultural events, sports, recreation—and to offer them human and spiritual support. We live in a secularized world where people sometimes lose sight of values and focus only on material goods. So I want to be present and offer something deeper. I have the possibility because I’ve built strong relationships over many years. Why should I leave them now? Without that connection, they’d be like ships without shepherds.
Second, I continue pastoral work on passenger ships. I serve as a chaplain on Holland America Line. When I go onboard, it’s for everyone—but especially for the crew. Often the technical crew are forgotten. I make a point to greet them, share coffee, smile, or offer something simple like chocolate I’ve brought from shore. They ask, “Are you a priest?” and when I say yes, they smile. This work continues—both in port and at sea. I hope someone takes over the management side of my role, but I want to continue doing what I do best: being present for others.
ICMA: This week the ICMA students were here for training in Kashewby. What are your hopes for the future, after having met them?
Fr. Edward Pracz:
I hope the students create a great family—a real sense of community. They come from different denominations, but this week they were one family. We visited different places and shared deeply with one another. They gave me postcards and words of gratitude. But it’s not about me—it’s about creating space where they feel welcome.
This was a very fruitful week. They learned a lot, professionally and personally. I want to thank you, Jason, for the great work you’ve done. From the first day at the center, you welcomed people, you taught them, and you helped hold them together as a group. I saw something special in them.
They created something new—through prayer, learning about seafarers, and even sports. Always together. This bodes well for the future. We need networking. It’s not good to be alone, as God said in the beginning. Here, we created something precious: real fellowship and networking among us.
We must follow seafarers—not just serve them in one port and forget about them. When they say, “I’m going to Hamburg,” we should say, “We have someone there.” This training gave us tools to stay connected and open ourselves more to the needs of seafarers. It’s a precious gift.
Most of these students are young, but they are open-minded and attentive. They will be great missionaries, because first of all, they are good listeners. If we want to serve, we must first listen. And they listened—with their hearts. That gives me great hope.
I am always realistic, but I am optimistic because of what I see. The future holds good people who will serve others well. We also created good facilities for them—important spaces. If we didn’t have that, it would be difficult to create an atmosphere of joy and togetherness.
Today, I say: what we’ve done here is not only for the people we serve, but also for ICMA. Welcome, all ICMA members. What we can do, we are doing—for others. God bless all ICMA members. Thank you.
Transcript has been lightly edited for clarity.