Father Thomas Byles, Martyr of the Titanic

You may have heard the 3rd class would dance
and many among them did not stand a chance
to be rescued out of the tragic Titanic disaster
but have you heard more of their heroic pastor

Who in 1912, 2nd Sunday of Easter, April 14th
raised lowly hearts Above, till sinking beneath
an ocean of mercy on Divine Mercy Sunday
bringing hope to those who couldn't get away

As I sail along life's disappointments and trials
from now on I will ask the prayers of Fr. Byles
a hero, buried in my grandpa's musty old book
a dear friend our Merciful Savior never forsook

I read of their "HEROES AT THE POST OF DUTY"
my eyes welled up to discover such holy beauty
Catholics, Protestants, & Jews together-- prayed
refusing to leave his own steerage flock, stayed

The priest who was even offered a lifeboat seat
would not abandon to despair his poorest fleet
as if God commanded his heart: Man your post
"Aye-aye, Captain!" he promised the Holy Ghost

As the unsinkable Titanic plunged, anguish aloud
was heard by lifeboats far from the madding crowd
unlike the comforted assembly Fr. Byles prepared
to trust the nearness of God, serenely less scared

While the survivors' traumatized lives resumed
Fr. Byles' crew lay too far down to be exhumed
I admit I feel inspired to offer a prayerful plea
for all these poor souls to Mary, Star of the Sea

Remember their lost lives, and unfollowed dreams
let us beg Divine Mercy of our God who redeems
Our God only knows how, where, or when we’ll die,
Let’s pray we’re prepared in His Peace, in His Heart rely! 

~~~
"O Jesus, eternal Truth, our Life, I call upon You and I beg Your mercy for poor sinners. O sweetest Heart of my Lord, full of pity and unfathomable mercy, I plead with You for poor sinners. O Most Sacred Heart, Fount of Mercy from which gush forth rays of inconceivable graces upon the entire human race, I beg of You light for poor sinners. O Jesus, be mindful of Your own bitter Passion and do not permit the loss of souls redeemed at so dear a price of Your most precious Blood..."(thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/pray-the-chaplet)


Based on:
Ch. XVI: HEROES AT THE POST OF DUTY, pages 119-121+183.
Nearer My God To Thee: Story of the Wreck of the Titanic, The Ocean's Greatest Disaster. Memorial edition, 1912. Edited by Marshall Everett.

Copyright © Michelle Smith | Year Posted 2022

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