Fr Josef Peruschitz

Who was Fr Josef Peruschitz?

Fr Josef Peruschitz was a German Catholic priest and Benedictine monk who heroically sacrificed his life during the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born as Benedikt Peruschitz on March 21, 1871, in Bavaria, he dedicated his life to religious service and education before meeting his untimely end at the age of 41 (forty-one) years old aboard the ill-fated ocean liner.

Early Life and Education

Bavarian Roots

Fr Josef Peruschitz was born in Straßlach-Dingharting, in the district court of Wolfratshausen, Bavaria. His parents were Mathias Peruschitz and Elisabeth Peruschitz (née Neudecker). From 1872, young Benedikt lived in Dorfen, in the administrative district of Erding, where he spent his formative years.

Academic Journey

Peruschitz’s educational path was marked by dedication and scholarly pursuit:

• 1882-1886: Student at Scheyern
• 1886-1890: Attended the Royal High School in Freising, graduating in August 1890
• 1890-1891: Studied philosophy at the Royal High School
• 1891-1894: Pursued theological studies

This rigorous academic background laid the foundation for his future roles in religious education and service.

Religious Life and Vocation

Entering the Monastery

Fr Josef’s calling to religious life became clear in his early twenties:

• April 16, 1894: Requested admission to the Scheyern monastery
• April 26, 1894: Admission granted
• August 14, 1894: Officially entered the monastery as Father Joseph

Ordination and Monastic Vows

The culmination of his religious training came in 1895:

• April 28, 1895: Ordained by Archbishop Antonious von Thoma of Munich-Freising at the parish church of Scheyern
• August 24, 1895: Professed as a monk

Roles within the Monastery

Fr Josef’s talents were put to use in various educational capacities within the monastery. He taught:

• Mathematics
• Music
• Physical education
• Shorthand

Additionally, he served as a prefect, demonstrating his leadership capabilities.

The Fateful Journey

Destination: Minnesota

In 1912, Fr Josef embarked on what would be his final journey. After spending Holy Week at the Benedictine cloister St. Augustine in Ramsgate, England, he was en route to Minnesota, USA. There, he was to take on a prestigious role:

• Employed at the Swiss Congregation’s Benedictine School
• Apparently slated to become principal of their high school

Boarding the Titanic

Fr Josef boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton as a second-class passenger. His ticket details were:

• Ticket number: 237393
• Fare: £13

Life and Ministry Aboard the Titanic

Daily Mass

According to second-class passenger Ellen Toomey, Fr Peruschitz, along with Fr Montvila and Fr Byles, celebrated Mass every day on board the Titanic. This dedication to spiritual duties showcased their commitment to serving the passengers’ religious needs during the voyage.

Observations from Fellow Passengers

Lawrence Beesley, a survivor, provided a vivid description of Fr Peruschitz in the second-class library:

“In the middle of the room are two Catholic priests, one quietly reading—either English or Irish, and probably the latter—the other, dark, bearded, with a broad-brimmed hat, talking earnestly to a friend in German and evidently explaining some verse in the open Bible before him…”

This account paints a picture of Fr Peruschitz as a studious and engaged spiritual leader, even during leisure time.

Heroic Actions During the Sinking

Comforting the Doomed

As the Titanic began to sink, Fr Peruschitz’s true character shone through. An eyewitness account published in the Catholic magazine “America” described the priests’ actions:

• Led passengers in reciting the rosary
• Gave general absolution to those facing death
• Consoled passengers entering lifeboats
• Aroused the condemned to say acts of contrition

Ultimate Sacrifice

In the face of death, Fr Peruschitz demonstrated remarkable bravery and selflessness:

• Declined an offered place in a lifeboat
• Chose to stay aboard to minister to those left behind

Legacy and Remembrance

Fr Josef Peruschitz perished in the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. While his body was never identified, his memory lives on:

• A plaque in the cloister at Scheyern Monastery commemorates his sacrifice
• The inscription reads: “May Joseph Peruschitz rest in peace, who on the ship Titanic piously sacrificed himself”

Fr Josef Peruschitz’s life and death serve as a testament to his unwavering faith and selfless dedication to others. His actions in the face of certain doom exemplify the highest ideals of his calling, ensuring that his legacy endures well beyond the tragedy of the Titanic.