Jacksonville, Fla. – Deacon Gjet Bajraktari, of the Diocese of St. Augustine’s Apostleship of the Sea Ministry, received the Maritime Samaritan Award last week from the Apostleship of the Sea, USA – the professional association of Catholic Maritime Ministers.

The award was presented by Father Sinclair Oubre, president of the national association, during its annual conference that was held in Jacksonville last week.

Appointed by Bishop Emeritus Victor Galeone, Deacon Gjet has served as director of the diocese’s Apostleship of the Sea ministry for nearly 12 years. Along with volunteers and others from the diocese, including financial support from Catholic Charities, the program offers counseling and spiritual support to mariners, fishermen, dock workers, workboat operators, cruise ships, and other waterway travelers, to help them maintain lasting ties with their faith and families.

Recognized for his unrelenting dedication to seafarers, Deacon Gjet was also cited for his outstanding work in opening two centers at Tallyrand Terminal and Blount Island Terminal that serve as a place of quiet refuge, for seafarers to call their family, receive counseling, and spiritual guidance.