On May 6, 1936, the Hindenburg made its maiden voyage. As you may remember, the Hindenburg was the first airliner to provide regularly scheduled service between Europe and North America.
An interesting tidbit of modern Church History is that on this aerial maiden voyage a Roman Catholic Mass was said by Father Paul Schulte, OMI (1869-1975). This newspaper article provides a firsthand account of this newsworthy item. Click here for a video of Father Schulte, filmed at Lakehurst after he stepped of the Hindenburg.
Father Schulte, a German priest and missionary, was known as the “Flying Priest”. He founded the MIVA (Missionary International Vehicular Association) to provide automobiles, boats and airplanes for the service of missions throughout the world. To learn more about this interesting missionary read here.
This 1938 newsreel shows Father Schulte in action as the “Flying Priest”.
Father Schulte’s story doesn’t end with the Hindenberg. He was responsible for bringing devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of the Snows to America. During World War II, the U.S. government interred Father Schulte, a German citizen, at Saint Henry’s Seminary in Bellville, IL. He was kept under FBI surveillance.
I don’t know what I find more impressive, the first aerial Mass or Father Schulte’s life. Without question, it’s Father Schulte. The next time I feel overwhelmed with projects and work I will think of Father Schulte flying into the Artic winds bringing relief and medical supplies with his tireless zest and zeal.
[quote]Lord Jesus Christ, watch over your missionaries – priests, religious, and lay people – who leave everything to give testimony to Your word and Your love. In difficult moments, sustain their energies, comfort their hearts, and crown their work with spiritual achievements. Let the adorable image of you crucified on the Cross, which accompanies them throughout life, speak to them of heroism, generosity, love and peace. Amen [/quote]