VERENA GORGE, SWITZERLAND — A Swiss town has appointed a divorced ex-policeman from southern Germany into the unusual job of 'Hermit'.
Michael Daum will start his new job on October 1st, after being selected from among 22 candidates.
The divorced father of four will be required to lead a solitary life in the hermitage located in the peaceful Verena Gorge just outside Solothurn.
Daum is a former policeman who, since leaving the force, has studied Catholic theology and the meditation practices of monks.
In doing so he will continue a tradition dating back to 1442 and follow in the footsteps of St. Verena, believed to have lived as a hermit in the area in the third century.
Daum will act as caretaker for the hermitage and nearby St. Martin's Chapel, which is used for weddings and blessings. In return he can live in the hermitage rent-free and will collect $24,000 a year plus a paid vacation.
Despite the solitary nature of his job title, Daum will be required to have some social skills. A previous hermit quit after complaining that tourists wanted to talk to her.