Dignified farewell: Karl Kowski is fighting for roommates in Maria Veen

Dignified farewell: Karl Kowski is fighting for roommates in Maria Veen

in the Caritas objectless facility in Maria Veen, a small town in the Borken district, has developed a special community initiative that meets the deceased residents with respect and dignity. Karl Kowski, who lives there himself, is a central player of this initiative. "Nobody can suddenly just be gone," says Kowski, who ensures a dignified accompaniment of the mourning cases.

Karl Kowski has been responsible for the voluntary accompaniment of funerals in the facility for many years. His simple but significant service includes the provision of funeral celebrations for its roommates. "I can't say how often I have prepared a funeral - maybe a hundred, maybe three hundred times," he explains. But not the number, but humanity behind it counts for him. The black outfit, consisting of a cap, pants and shirt, is always ready to accompany the deceased in her last trip.

Karl Kowski's personal trip

The 64-year-old tells of his own life path, which is characterized by numerous strokes of fate. After the loss of his mother and the end of his career as a miner, Kowski got into a difficult phase that led him to homelessness. "Life brought me here," he reflects. But in the Haus Maria Veen he not only found a roof over his head, but also a meaning. He took on various tasks in the community before finally came to organizing funerals.

Kowski emphasizes the importance of farewell: "We all know each other here. It would be sad if one of us just lacks." At least eight helpers come together at each funeral service to give the deceased an honorable farewell. They stand in the mourning hall trellis and carry the coffin to grave. "It is important to me that we come together," says Kowski, who never has difficulty finding enough helpers. This support creates a space for mourning and memory for the mourners.

appreciation in mourning

The atmosphere in the facility is also valued by Deacon Michael Koopmann. "In these moments there is an appreciation between the residents that many of them have not experienced in their lives," he explains. Every single funeral is much more than just a formal farewell; It becomes an act of community and healing. The noticeable pain and grief make it clear how much people value each other.

The reactions of the residents during the funerals are touching. Despite different personalities, it becomes silent in the event of a death; Many people who talk lively in everyday life will then become thoughtful. In these difficult moments, the roommates are like a family replacement for each other. "Often they don't have anyone to take care of them," says Koopmann. "That is why it is important that nobody goes their last way alone - no one should simply be forgotten."

Another aspect that makes the funeral important is the financial side. Often, without a safe home, people do not have the funds for socially acceptable burial, which is why the Kowski initiative is of great importance. It makes an indispensable contribution to the fact that the deceased in the facility also receive the recognition and respect they deserve.