It has dominated the news all week. In the early hours of tomorrow morning (2.20a.m April 15th) the Titanic sank 100 years ago with the loss of 1514 lives.

Thought on Saturday – April – 14/04/2012

‘Time may have dimmed the harrowing grief caused to the bereaved. But 100 years on those victims still occupy a special place in our hearts.’ ~President Michael D.Higgins

The Titanic has never been bigger. The story has brightened rather than faded with time. Most historical events turn into standard textbook stories but not with the Titanic. A century after the ship hit an iceberg late on the night of April 14, 1912, the story still captivates so many. The story has been written about extensively during the week. Not much more can be written. It is time to remember and pray. What came through strongly were all the human stories, how people ended up on the Titanic and how communities were devastated afterwards. Cobh was the last port of call on April 11th 1912. The story of Jeremiah Burke from Glanmire is particularly interesting. He boarded the ship at Cobh (Queenstown) with his cousin Nora. Both died and their bodies were never recovered. Thirteen months later a small bottle was found on a beach near Cork Harbour. Inside was a pencilled message “From Titanic. Goodbye all: Burke of Glanmire Co. Queenstown”. The bottle was brought to the local police station and later passed on to the Burke family. His mother had filled a bottle with holy water and had given it to him as he left the family home. The handwriting was unmistakably that of her son’s handwriting. For the Burke family it is one of their most treasured possessions today. Their story is one of so many that will never be forgotten. We remember all those who died. May they rest in peace. We pray for the safety of all those who travel today and in particular those who work or travel by sea.