Mount St. Mary's University President, Thomas H. Powell, announces the appointment of Father William B. Kauffman Chaplain for the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes located on the Mount?' campus in Emmitsburg.

?Father Kauffman is a great addition to our team here at the Grotto and the Mount.  His peaceful and welcoming way will make many pilgrims visiting the Grotto feel at home,? says Mount President, Thomas Powell.  ?We are excited to have him develop new ways to bolster the closeness of the Grotto with the campus community.?

Father Kauffman most recently served as the Chaplain in the Department of Veterans Affairs at the Medical and Regional Office Center in Wilmington Delaware and as the Chaplin of Port of Wilmington and Seamen's Center from 1996 to present. From 1995 to 2001 Father Kauffman was Rector of The Cathedral of St. Peter in Wilmington, Delaware.

?I have made many visits to the Grotto and the throughout my life and often come for prayer and reflection in a peaceful environment,? says Father Kauffman. ?I believe God has led me to this ministry. I am humbled, excited, and eager to serve at the Grotto and be involved in the larger university and seminary community?

Having grown up in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, Fr. Kauffman considers the Mount close enough to home, to be his home..  He is a graduate of Gettysburg College, Gettysburg Seminary and studied for the priesthood at St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore to serve Diocese of Wilmington.  Fr. Kauffman is an avid musician and loves playing the organ.

The National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is the oldest known replica of the revered French shrine, dating to about 1875. Fr. John Dubois found the Grotto in 1805 and it has been in use since as a quiet place of prayer and devotion.