SW News: For newly ordained French priest Fr Thibaud Varis, saving human lives is as important as saving souls. After performing his priestly responsibilities this young vicar of the diocese of Gap and Embrun in the Hautes-Alpes puts aside his Roman collar to don the uniform of a volunteer firefighter. Since the beginning of July, he has been a volunteer firefighter in the town.

Ordained on August 28, Fr Varis is the first priest from the Hautes-Alpes in six years and he is serving as the vicar of Embrun. Ordained to serve and to give his life for the flock, the priest believes that volunteering for the fire brigade is another way of serving the People of God. Little wonder that he handles the aspergillum and fire hose with equal ease. His unique charism came to be known after a local television channel interviewed him last month.

The 31-year-old priest’s unique service is appreciated by local residents, including non-believers. They believe that a priest is not only there for those who come to Mass but for all people of the locality. Parishioners are also happy that the presence of the young priest will attract the youth and bring them to Mass.

There is yet another priest in France who serves as a firefighter. Fr Pierre Fouquier of the Diocese of Tours has been a volunteer firefighter for the past three years. Like Fr Varis, he too got the call to serve the Lord at a young age. In his 30s, Fr Fouquier too sees the two missions as an opportunity to serve the community.