Messenger Publications has published a book to mark the 110th anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. The book, titled “Travelling on Titanic – with Father Browne”, contains a collection of photographs, memories, and letters taken by renowned photographer Francis Browne SJ (1880-1960). The book has been edited by Eddie O’Donnell SJ. It includes colourised photographs and updated text to provide a historically accurate account of the event.
Frank Browne, the photographer, was deeply influenced by his uncle Robert Browne, the Bishop of Cloyne. His uncle gifted him a new camera and a two-day cruise aboard the Titanic as it travelled to Queenstown, modern-day Cobh. Fr Browne’s photographs may have never been seen if he had not been ordered by his Jesuit Superior to leave the ship at Cobh, the last stop before crossing the Atlantic. Fr Browne obeyed the instruction and captured a rare and precious account of the Titanic’s journey before it sank, taking over 1,500 lives and the magnificent ship itself with it into the Atlantic Ocean.
