[RnMomof7]

A martyr is one that gives his life for the cause of Christ.. this priest was no martyr.. he was a victim of a horrible event.. he was going to die on that ship no matter where he was or what he was doing .
It is honorable for one to give comfort when they themselves are dying..but that does not make them a martyr

[boatbums]

That was also my impression when I read this article. This priest's actions were certainly heroic and admirable as were those of many, many others who put others safety before their own. There was also a minister who swam back and forth as best he could to share the gospel with those who were without Christ floating in that frigid and deadly watery grave. He wasn't a “martyr” either, and to use that word for anyone other than those who were put to death rather than deny the Lord is just not right. I think it is a word that is tossed around way too casually these days.

[marshmallow]

......he was going to die on that ship no matter where he was or what he was doing.

I have no desire to start a food fight over this but the above statement is inaccurate. He chose to die. If witnesses are to be believed, he was offered a spot in a lifeboat and refused. He therefore gave up his own life so that another might live, following the Gospel teaching ...."greater love hath no man.....".

Whether this makes him a "martyr" or not, I'll leave to the Almighty to decide.