Pope Leo has thanked a 110-year-old priest from the Diocese of Fulda, near Frankfurt in Germany, for his “long, faithful, and devoted priestly service.”
“I was delighted to learn that you will be celebrating your 110th birthday and send you my warmest congratulations and blessings,” wrote Leo.
EWTN News reports Father Bruno Kant is officially recognised as the oldest priest in the world and the oldest man in Germany.
FATHER BRUNO KANT’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
His 110th birthday celebration was attended by many of his faithful flock from the towns of Eichenzell and Löschenrod where he had served for decades, as well as by government and Church representatives.
The Bishop of Fulda, Michael Gerber, announced: “I received confirmation from the Vatican that Father Kant is the oldest priest in the world.”
“Pope Leo even sent him a birthday card.”
FATHER KANT’S TURBULENT START TO LIFE
Father Kant was born near Danzig, now known as Gdansk in present-day Poland.
He had wanted to be a priest from the age of nine.
But soon after he commenced his theological studies, the Nazi regime disrupted his plans by conscripting him for forced labour and making him a soldier.
He was wounded, but then sent back to the Eastern Front after his recovery.
He then spent four years as a prisoner of war in Russia before being reunited with his family, who had fled to western Germany.
66 YEARS OF PRIESTLY SERVICE
Father Kant was finally ordained as a priest in 1950.
He was active in the church for the next 66 years until he retired at the age of 100.
After his decades of priestly service, he can no longer carry out many tasks because of his advanced age.
“PRAYER KEEPS ME YOUNG”
He stopped driving at 102 years old and for the last few years, he has refrained from regularly celebrating holy Mass with his congregation on Wednesday evenings.
He continued visiting the sick as long as he was able, but that is no longer possible.
Father Kant acknowledges that he is not far from death, but in the meantime, he spends his days doing Sudoku puzzles, watching television, reading the newspaper, and, of course, praying.
“Prayer keeps me young,” he declared.
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