Leonard LaRue, or, Benedictine Brother Marinus LaRue O.S.B., had his cause officially opened for sainthood in June 2021.This incredible man was born in Philadelphia on January 14, 1914, and died on October 14, 2001, at the age of 87.

While captaining the 7,600-ton U.S. Merchant Marine ship, the SS Meredith Victory, during the Korean war, Leonard led the largest humanitarian rescue operation by a single vessel in history, whether during war or civilian conditions. Under his leadership, his crew and he evacuated 14,000 Korean refugees, including women and children, to safety. To accomplish this, he swiftly unloaded all cargo from the freighter and allowed as many refugees as could possibly fit into the five empty cargo spaces and onto the deck. Despite the extreme cold, lack of adequate food and water, the fact that the crew didn’t know Korean, and the refugees didn’t know English, communist submarines hunting for them, and constant shelling and fighting nearby, he managed to transport all 14,000 refugees 490 miles southeast to safety. They arrived at Geoje Island on Christmas day with no injuries along with 5 additional people added to their numbers as 5 women gave birth during the treacherous two-day ordeal.

LaRue’s successful deliverance of those under his protection spoke volumes of his bravery and love of those who were victims of war and violence. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration, his mission is remembered as a Christmas miracle and “One of the greatest marine rescues in the history of the world.” Captain LaRue remained in command of the Meredith Victory until it was decommissioned in 1952.

Inspired by the Benedictine monks, Leonard entered St. Paul Benedictine Abbey in New Jersey as a monk in 1954 shortly after the decommissioning of his ship. There, he lived out the rest of his life as Brother Marinus LaRue in prayer among the brothers of his religious community. He was the Abbey’s dishwasher, bell ringer, and gift shop attendant.

Leonard LaRue, or, Benedictine Brother Marinus LaRue O.S.B. died on October 14, 2001, at the age of 87 and had his cause officially opened for sainthood in June 2021.