Josef Peruschitz

Josef Peruschitz (21 March 1871 - 15 April 1912) was a German Roman Catholic Benedictine priest who was killed during the sinking of the RMS Titanic on 15 April 1912.

Early life Josef (originally named Benedikt Peruschitz) was born to Mathias Peruschitz and Elisabeth Peruschitz, née Neudecker in Straßlach-Dingharting, district court Wolfratshausen in Bavaria. Josef and his family moved to Dorfen, administration district Erding. In 1912, Josef spent Holy Week at the Benedictine cloister St. Augustine in Ramsgate, after which he was en route to St. Cloud, Minnesota where he was to be employed at the Swiss Congregation's Benedictine School. He was apparently to be principal of their high school. Both priests aroused those condemned to die to say acts of contrition and prepare themselves to meet the face of God. They led the rosary and others answered. The sound of the recitation irritated a few passengers, and some ridiculed those who prayed and started a ring dance around them. The two priests were engaged continuously giving general absolution to those who were about to die. Those entering the lifeboats were consoled with moving words. Some women refused to be separated from their husbands, preferring to die with them. Finally, when no more women were near, some men were allowed into the boats. Father Peruschitz was offered a place which he declined. " Josef's body was never identified and he is remembered with a plaque in the cloister at the Scheyern Monastery.