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#Post#: 1180--------------------------------------------------
The Priest Who Went Down With the Titantic
By: Kerry Date: April 17, 2015, 6:54 am
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Is Father Thomas Byles a saint? Some Catholics in England
think maybe he was. From Huffington Post
HTML http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/13/titanic-priest-saint_n_7056284.html:<br
/>
Catholics in Essex, England, are working to give sainthood to a
priest who died in the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, recalling
his humility and sacrifice aboard the fated vessel.
Father Thomas Byles was among the 1,500 passengers who went down
with the ship that April morning.
"He's an extraordinary man who gave his life for others," Father
Graham Smith, the priest of St Helen's Church in Essex, where
Byles served as rector, told BBC. "We need, in very old
parlance, to raise him to the altar, which means that the
Vatican will recognize him as a martyr of the church. We are
hoping and praying that he will be recognized as one of the
saints within our canon."
Multiple sources report that according to survivors' accounts,
Byles refused several opportunities to escape into a lifeboat as
the ship was going down, preferring to stay on board to take
confessions, pray with passengers and help others into
lifeboats.
I heard about this on the BBC radio; and they have an article
about him
HTML http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-essex-17583535
too.
#Post#: 1182--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Priest Who Went Down With the Titantic
By: bradley Date: April 17, 2015, 9:46 am
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Although that was a wonderful thing to do, I wouldnt put that as
worthy of the recognition. I have no doubt he would recieve a
reward in heaven for it, but I tend to think something more
miraculous must be involved.
#Post#: 1183--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Priest Who Went Down With the Titantic
By: Piper Date: April 17, 2015, 11:39 am
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[font=trebuchet ms]Very brave and faithful. Very much an
inspiration. He could have left, but stayed with a sinking
ship, doing all he could to help and trusting God.
[/font]
#Post#: 1185--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Priest Who Went Down With the Titantic
By: Piper Date: April 17, 2015, 12:01 pm
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I think such courage is miraculous. Most people, when push
comes to shove, discover they are not so courageous and noble as
they thought they would be in such dire circumstances. Most
people take the easy way out and try to justify leaving. But,
really, times like this, when we are tested in the extreme, show
us what we are really made of. And God is watching. Father
Thomas did the right thing, although every instinct within him
told him to flee. He was truly Jesus to the people. Loved them
and did not forsake them, though it would have been easier,
perhaps, to do so.
But, yes, 'miraculous' has its own meaning to the Church, so
while Father Thomas is a martyr, I'll be surprised if he is made
a saint. Nonetheless, he is an inspiration to all of us.
Sometimes God deems we must stay, when we would rather leave.
To love as Christ loves demands sacrifice. This was a display
of the greatest love. Father Thomas gave all.
#Post#: 1207--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Priest Who Went Down With the Titantic
By: Kerry Date: April 18, 2015, 6:30 am
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[quote author=bradley link=topic=138.msg1182#msg1182
date=1429281995]
Although that was a wonderful thing to do, I wouldnt put that as
worthy of the recognition. I have no doubt he would recieve a
reward in heaven for it, but I tend to think something more
miraculous must be involved.
[/quote]The question is if he is in Heaven for sure. If so, he
should be able to intercede and have miracles performed now.
I believe that's how they determine things. [quote author=Piper
link=topic=138.msg1185#msg1185 date=1429290062]
I think such courage is miraculous. Most people, when push
comes to shove, discover they are not so courageous and noble as
they thought they would be in such dire circumstances. Most
people take the easy way out and try to justify leaving. But,
really, times like this, when we are tested in the extreme, show
us what we are really made of. And God is watching. Father
Thomas did the right thing, although every instinct within him
told him to flee. He was truly Jesus to the people. Loved them
and did not forsake them, though it would have been easier,
perhaps, to do so.
But, yes, 'miraculous' has its own meaning to the Church, so
while Father Thomas is a martyr, I'll be surprised if he is made
a saint. Nonetheless, he is an inspiration to all of us.
Sometimes God deems we must stay, when we would rather leave.
To love as Christ loves demands sacrifice. This was a display
of the greatest love. Father Thomas gave all.
[/quote]It could take years if it happens at all. I found the
story wonderful.
One article said he granted absolution to everyone. That could
pose a problem if there are naysayers who might argue against
sainthood saying he should not have done that.
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