The Pope received members of the Swiss Guard Corps who came with their families to attend the swearing-in ceremony for 34 new recruits on Monday afternoon. The Pope asked the members of the Swiss Guard to nourish community life with sports and outings in Rome, and to go “against the flow” regarding the habit of many young people of being “alone” with the computer or cell phone.
Mariangela Jajurappa – Vatican News
Pope Francis received members and families of the Pontifical Swiss Guard who celebrated, on Monday (06/05), the anniversary of the Sack of Rome, which occurred in 1527, when 189 Swiss Guards defended Pope Clement VII against the army of Charles. 5. On Monday afternoon, 34 new recruits will take the oath of office on the flag of the Swiss Pontifical Guard to protect and defend the current Pontiff and all his successors, even at the risk of their lives, just as their predecessors did.
The Pope began his speech by thanking the Swiss Guards for their “presence and service.” “A presence distinguished by its quality, by its gentle, attentive and even meticulous manner. And of course, with its daily service, always generous and diligent,” the Pope said, offering his gratitude “to the families of these young people.” “Because if they are there,” if they are well educated, it is above all because of the environment in which they grew up.
Pope Francis with the Swiss Guard
Relationship is the essential experience for a Christian
Afterwards, the Pope emphasized that there was “a positive and respectful atmosphere in the barracks, and courteous behavior towards superiors and guests, despite long periods of intense and tiring service, due to a slight lack of staff.” “You show a high level of motivation and desire to serve, and what I really like is the good relationship between you: you go on trips together, you spend holidays together, you often go out together, and it’s very nice!”
In fact, relationship is the fundamental experience for us Christians: Jesus revealed to us and bore witness to us that God is love, which is in itself relationship, and in this mystery we find the purpose and fulfillment of our existence.
Much of what defines our personality we learn through our relationships with parents, siblings, schoolmates, teachers, friends, co-workers, etc.
The Pope with the Swiss Guards and their families
“That is why life in the extended Swiss Guard family, during at least two years of service, is an important and formative period for you,” Francisco said.
This diversity and density of community and relationships among you in the daily environment of the barracks is an essential and qualifying aspect for you.
“From this perspective, the new barracks, which are currently in the planning stage, should make an important contribution to the reunification of the Revolutionary Guards and their families, who are currently forced to live somewhat dispersed due to lack of space, and therefore also to the support of the Revolutionary Guards.” And to strengthen this bond and family feeling within the Corps,” highlighted Francisco.
Francis with the Swiss Guard
Cultivating community life
Regarding the relational dimension, the Pope urged them to develop collective life effectively.
The Pope concluded his speech by assigning the Swiss Guards and their families to protect the Virgin Mary and her saints.
