- Title: Polish priest opens spiritual emergency service
- Date: 20th November 2016
- Summary: BOLESLAWOW, POLAND (NOVEMBER 16, 2016) (REUTERS) CHURCH CAR MARKED WITH SIGN READING (Polish): "PASTORAL EMERGENCY" CATHOLIC PRIEST, KRZYSZTOF KAUF, WALKING UP TO CAR KAUF ENTERING CAR KAUF INSIDE CAR BLINKING LIGHT IN FORM OF BIRETTA ON CAR ROOF EXHAUST PIPE CAR LEAVING (SOUNDBITE) (Polish) CATHOLIC PRIEST, KRZYSZTOF KAUF, SAYING: "(People) need the presence of a priest, who will be not locked up inside a church rectory, or in the office, but who will accompany them in everyday life, in the everyday life that today is sometimes difficult and hard." VARIOUS OF KAUF DRIVING CAR (SOUNDBITE) (Polish) PRIEST, KRZYSZTOF KAUF, SAYING: "In case of a tragedy there is not much to say, but you have to be with the person. People need it, because words cannot express everything as well as the presence of a priest, especially in difficult situations, when you are with them when they need this support." VARIOUS CAR ON ROADS VARIOUS OF KAUF ARRIVING AT KINDERGARTEN/VISITING WITH CHIDREN (SOUNDBITE) (Polish) KINDERGARTEN TEACHER, MAGDALENA WACLAWSKA, SAYING: "He is interested in human affairs. He doesn't care even if someone is a believer or not. He is here for everyone." KAUF TALKING WITH RESIDENTS ON STREET MOUNTAINS
- Embargoed: 5th December 2016 22:16
- Keywords: priest emergency Catholic
- Location: BOLESLAWOW, POLAND
- City: BOLESLAWOW, POLAND
- Country: Poland
- Topics: Human Interest/Brights/Odd News,Society/Social Issues
- Reuters ID: LVA00158Z1P2X
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text:Father Krzysztof Kauf wants to be close to his parishioners, even if it means driving a tiny Fiat down mountain roads at any time of day and night.
Kauf recently founded a spiritual emergency hotline for his parishioners in the small mountain village of Boleslawow in the southern Poland. He answers calls for assistance in a customised Fiat 126, which sports a blinking roof light in the shape of a biretta - just so you know a priest is approaching.
Kauf takes his duty very seriously, and says his aim is to bring a priest to every person in need.
"(People) need the presence of a priest, who will be not locked up inside a church rectory, or in the office, but who will accompany them in everyday life, in the everyday life that today is sometimes difficult and hard," he said while manoeuvring his car on a winding mountain road.
The priest says he gets phone calls at any time of day and night usually for help with resolving family disputes, but also in cases of the loss of loved ones, when just the presence of a priest appreciated.
"In case of a tragedy there is not much to say, but you have to be with the person. People need it, because words cannot express everything as well as the presence of a priest, especially in difficult situations, when you are with them when they need this support."
The small community's problems don't keep Kauf busy all day and night, but he jokes that he not only knows the names of every villager but, also their pets.
In exchange for his dedication, parishioners helped Kauf customise his car to make it look like a proper spiritual emergency vehicle.
In the future, Kauf hopes to build a facility where people can come to receive long-term spiritual support. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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