The European Priest Championship for the Austrian national team in Hungary will begin with a triple “Halleluja call” tomorrow. At the beginning of the tournament, a tough opponent is waiting for the Austrians: the often winner of Poland.
But at this tournament (February 10th to 14th), the focus is not on the will to win, but the fair play and above all the community. The 36-year-old Philipp Faschinger, Kaplan in Braunau, is particularly looking forward to this.
Faschinger is one of 14 priests from Austria and the only active Upper Austrian who will be on the field at the indoor tournament tomorrow. It is kicked out according to the futsal rules, Faschinger starts as a striker. A position that is not new to him, the priest also plays football regularly at home. “Sport combines people across cultures, languages and borders,” he says, speaks from experience: In Braunau, he regularly plays with representatives of different churches and religious communities in the Air area of football. After sport, the cozy get -together is on the agenda. Promoting the connecting and the community is a very special concern to the 36-year-old clergyman, so many new initiatives such as Bible rounds, hostel praying, pilgrimages and excursions in the Braunau parish carry his handwriting. Tomorrow he wants to show what he can do as a striker and at least come home with a few goals. “If we can all go home unharmed and had fun, then we are very grateful to God. If we also get a podium, then we can really cheer,” he says.
Exchange is encouraged
The aim of the European Priest European Championship is to strengthen the positive image of the Catholic Church and to promote pastoral exchange. The European Championship is held in another country every year, this year in Hungary. The team from Kosovo is also waiting for the Austrian national team in the preliminary round.
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Source: Nachrichten
