Looking for hermits again for the Palfen
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In Saalfelden (Pinzgau), the municipality and the pastor are again looking for a new hermit for Palfen. The former hermit Matthias Gschwandtner retires to his private family life in Bad Ischl (Upper Austria).
You have already spoken to several candidates who did not get a chance in various selection processes, says Saalfelden Mayor Erich Rohrmoser (SPÖ). So far, no solution has emerged because previous applicants are now working elsewhere. With a wink, Rohrmoser adds that the job of the new hermit is out of the question for him because he has a lot to do in the valley every day.
Lots of hustle and bustle, rarely loneliness
There is no television, PC or central heating in the hermitage high above Saalfelden. The hermit must also be able to take care of himself with food and be in good physical condition as a bearer of food and drinking water. It is also emphasized that on many days it is anything but quiet on the Palfen, because the place is extremely popular as a destination for locals and guests – including the trainers and mountain runners who are also on their way to the Steinalm above.
According to Dean Alois Moser from the Catholic parish in the city, a “peaceful person” is still being sought: “He must be willing to have many conversations with hikers and have a connection to the Christian faith.”
Applications until February 20th
If you want to apply, you should send a classic letter to the rectory in Saalfelden as soon as possible – including your CV and photo. E-mails will not be accepted for this. And the hermit from Saalfelden has to be a man – following an ancient tradition of the Franciscans.
Logged out around the hermitage
In the meantime, woodworkers have cleared the Saalfelden hermitage of undergrowth and young trees that had grown rampant for years. In the Mitterpinzgau, many people are still waiting for the summer of 2021 when they drove from Zell am See in the direction of the Steinernes Meer: Where did the building, which was boldly built into the rock face, end up?
Pictures passed from summer…
For centuries, the white walls gleaming from the rock face could be seen far and wide. Then it was overgrown by deciduous trees on the east and south-east sides – more on that in salzburg.ORF.at (15.6.2021)
