Fr Juozas Montvila - Titanic Universe

Who was Fr Juozas Montvila?

Fr Juozas Montvila was a Lithuanian Catholic priest and passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on January 3, 1885, in Gudinė, near Marijampolė, Lithuania, Montvila was known for his dedication to his faith and his heroic actions during the Titanic’s sinking. He was 27 (twenty-seven) years old when he perished in the disaster on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Education

A Calling to Priesthood

Fr Juozas Montvila’s journey to becoming a priest began in his hometown of Gudinė. He was born to Kazys Montvila and Magdalena Karalevičius, growing up in a time of significant political and social change in Lithuania.

Attended the advanced School (Gimnazia) in Marijampolė
Studied at the Seminary of Sejny (Seinai) in northeastern Poland
Ordained as a priest on March 22, 1908

Early Ministry and Challenges

Serving the Uniates

After his ordination, Fr Montvila was assigned as a vicar in Lipskas. It was here that he faced his first major challenge as a priest.

Secretly ministered to the Uniates, a religious group banned by the Czarist regime
Arrested by the Russian government for his actions
Sentenced to lose his position as vicar and denied his pastoral vocation

Finding a New Path

Unable to continue his pastoral work, Fr Montvila found alternative ways to serve his faith and community:

Worked for a Catholic newspaper in Seinai
Wrote sermons for the publication “Vadovas” (The Leader)
Utilized his artistic talents to create illustrations for newspapers and books published in Vilnius

Journey to America

Preparations for a New Life

As the prospect of returning to pastoral work in Lithuania dimmed, Fr Montvila made the decision to emigrate to the United States.

Planned to visit his brother Petras, who was already living in America
Stayed in London, England to work at a Lithuanian church in Hackney
Studied English to prepare for life in America
Booked passage on the RMS Titanic, embarking at Southampton

Conflicting Accounts of His Destination

There is some uncertainty about Fr Montvila’s exact plans upon arrival in America:

According to a friend of his sister in Brooklyn’s “Little Lithuania,” he was to head a parish in that community.
The Jackson (Miss.) News and Worcester Evening Gazette reported he was en route to Worcester, Massachusetts.
The Encyclopedia Lituanica states he was invited to be pastor of the new St. Francis’ Lithuanian Parish in Athol, Massachusetts.

Aboard the Titanic

Fr Montvila’s Presence on the Ship

Fr Montvila’s time on the Titanic was brief but impactful. He was a second-class passenger, traveling under ticket number 211536.

Celebrated Mass daily with Fr Peruschitz and Fr Byles, according to passenger Ellen Toomey
Observed by Lawrence Beesley in the Second Class library, described as “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”

Heroic Actions During the Sinking

As the Titanic began to sink on the night of April 14-15, 1912, Fr Montvila demonstrated extraordinary courage and dedication to his calling:

“…young Lithuanian priest, Juozas Montvila, served his calling to the very end”

Refused a place on one of the ship’s lifeboats
Chose to administer his priestly duties to fellow passengers
Offered solace and comfort to those facing certain death

Legacy and Recognition

A Hero Remembered

Fr Juozas Montvila’s selfless actions during the Titanic disaster have secured his place in history:

Considered a hero in Lithuania
Currently under consideration for canonization by the Roman Catholic Church
His story continues to inspire discussions about faith, duty, and sacrifice

Support for His Family

In recognition of Fr Montvila’s sacrifice, his family received financial support:

His parents and grandparents were granted £130 from the Titanic Relief Fund (case P. 511)

Fr Juozas Montvila’s life, though cut tragically short at the age of 27, serves as a testament to the power of faith and the depths of human compassion in the face of unimaginable tragedy. His story remains an integral part of both Lithuanian history and the enduring narrative of the Titanic disaster.