Born 30 June 1920, Father Wilfred M. Dumm, OSB, passed away 23 Sept. 2011.
Father Dumm was a monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey, who joined Tybee Light Power Squadron in 1968, a year after being assigned to the Benedictine Military School in Savannah, Ga. At the school, Father Dumm taught physics, math and electronics; held leadership positions in the Benedictine Priory; and served as the school’s alumni director after his retirement.
In 1986, Father Dumm began his tenure as USPS national chaplain, a position he held until January 2002. He also served as District 26 chaplain and Tybee Light chaplain. Father Dumm’s poetic prayers were published in The Ensign magazine for many years, and many squadrons use his book A Beacon of Prayer for benedictions and invocations.
A Mariner’s Prayer
(Written by Father Wilfred M. Dumm)
Astride the rolling deck of life,
We find our posture, one of prayer.
The past elicits words of thanks;
The future begs a Father’s care.
We chart our course on life’s great sea,
Help hold our craft on even keel.
Though storms o’ertake us on the way,
Let us not falter at the wheel.
Grant peace to those who’ve crossed the bar
And hope to all who struggle still.
They always serve Your purpose best,
Who mold their way to Thine own Will.
