A priest who moves hitchhiking. This is the story of Pascal Burnel, parish priest of Canisy in the Manche department, who had his license withdrawn in May after 10 speeding tickets in three years.
“I didn’t watch my speed limit too much on the roads, especially on Sunday afternoon”admits the priest, who must now hitchhiking to church in order to officiate in the 10 communes of his sector of Saint-Lois. “People recognize me, some even turn around to pick me up”he says.
Unexpected encounters
And if having to rely on the generosity of motorists to get to baptisms, weddings and funerals can sometimes be restrictive, Pascal Burnel still retains the positive : “I meet people I would never have met. Some say to me, ‘Oh, that’s good, we didn’t baptize our child, so we’ll get in touch with you!'”he says. “Another told me that his grandmother was sick, and that she would have liked a visit from a priest… It’s not wasted time, on the contrary, it’s daily closeness .”
And for Pascal Burnel, his license withdrawal proves that it can happen to everyone: “People told me ‘Your good God has forgotten you, let you down’ but I say no. I am a priest, okay, but I am first a man with his faults and I am a citizen like everyone. If I made a mistake, I have to measure it”says the one who says “live well” his life without a car.
At 65, the priest of Canisy must therefore go over the highway code before regaining his license, probably next November.