FATHER THOMAS FREDERICK PRICE AND "THE STAR OF THE SEA" : Another Story from the Life of the Tarheel Apostle

This drawing is the latest in my ongoing project honoring the life and work of Father Thomas Frederick Price, North Carolina's first native born Priest, whose cause for sainthood is ongoing. The drawing illustrates an event that occurred when young "Freddie" Price was on his way to begin Minor Seminary studies in Baltimore. The drawing, while not historically accurate with regards to the type of vessel involved, hopefully captures the essence of Father Price's experience in some small way. Price travelled aboard the Rebecca Clyde, a steam ship, in the fall of 1876. The ship wrecked in high winds and treacherous waters just off of Ocracoke Inlet. You can read a great article about the wreck, in which Price's name is mentioned along with other survivors, at this site for the New York Times.

By a miracle, Fred (who could not swim) was saved. Later he confided to a friend that the Virgin had appeared to him, helping to ensure his rescue from a watery death. The event is described beautifully in the book Father Price of Maryknoll: The book tells of Price’s inability to swim and of his prayers for the Blessed Virgin’s intercession. The text continues: “At once he seemed lifted up, and as he rose to the surface he grasped a spar that floated near. Another survivor grasped the other end of it and began to curse most horribly. He was ordered [by the young Fred Price] to stop and to thank God for the chance to escape. Clinging to the plank, the two drifted for several hours. Then, when almost overcome with exhaustion, they were picked up. Young Price was believed to be dead, but restoratives brought him to, and he was able the next day to return to Wilmington and his family. The Star of the Sea, so fervently addressed in that hour of anguish, had come to the rescue of her loving son.”

The drawing depicts the young Price gratefully gazing heavenward, to his Heavenly Mother and intercessor. (As a rule, Father Price very rarely – if at all – spoke of this incident in his life, but he did confide to a friend in another account of the tale that he in fact saw the Blessed Mother, or at the very least believed that he did) This work is especially dedicated to my friend, Philip Gerard Johnson, whose devotion to Father Price has been strong from his youth. My prayer for him and for all who face dark times is that, as they are cast about in the violent sea of life, they may be able to gaze heavenward, and find that same providential care (and peace!) that young Freddie Price experienced on that fateful day in September of 1876.