The Pope received members of the Swiss Guard Corps who came with their families for the oath ceremony of 34 new recruits on Monday afternoon. The Pontiff asked members of the Swiss Guard to nourish community life with sports and outings in Rome, going “against the current” in relation to the habit of many young people of being “alone” with the computer or cell phone.
Mariangela Jaguraba – Vatican News
Pope Francis received in audience members and families of the Pontifical Swiss Guard who celebrated, this 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 V. On Monday afternoon, 34 new recruits will swear on the flag of the Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps to protect and defend the current Pontiff and all his successors, even at the risk of their lives, just as their ancestors did .
The Pontiff began his speech by thanking the Swiss Guard for their “presence and service”. “A presence that is distinguished by its quality, by its gentle, attentive and even scrupulous style. And of course, by its daily service, always generous and diligent”, said the Pope, extending his gratitude “to the families of these young people”, because, if they are there , “and if they are well educated, this is due, above all, to the environment in which they grew up.”
Pope Francis with the Swiss Guards
Relationship is the key experience for the Christian
Next, the Pope highlighted that there is “a positive and respectful atmosphere in the barracks, a courteous behavior towards superiors and guests, despite the long periods of intense and tiring service, due to the fact that they are slightly understaffed. You demonstrate a high level of motivation and desire to serve, and what I really like is the good relationships between you: you go on excursions together, you spend holidays together, you often go out together, and that is very beautiful”!
In fact, relationship is the key experience for us Christians: Jesus revealed and testified to us that God is love, is in itself relationship, and in this mystery we find the goal and fulfillment of our existence.
“Good relationships are the main road to our human and Christian growth and maturation.”
Much of what characterizes our personality we learn through our relationships with parents, brothers and sisters, schoolmates, teachers, friends, co-workers and so on.
The Pope with the Swiss Guards and their families
“That’s why life in the extended family of the Swiss Guard, during at least two years of service, is such an important and formative period for you,” said Francisco, adding:
“It is not just a period of work, but a time, a time of life and relationships, of intense communion in a diverse company.”
This diversity and intensity of community and relationships between you in the daily environment of the barracks is an essential and qualifying aspect for you.
“From this perspective, the new barracks, currently in the planning phase, should make an important contribution to the reunification of the Guards and their families, who are currently forced to live somewhat dispersed due to lack of space, and therefore also to the support and strengthening of this bond and the sense of family within the Corps”, highlighted Francisco.
Francis with the Swiss Guard
Cultivate community life
Within the theme of the relational dimension, the Pope urged them to actively cultivate community life.
“Today, the habit of spending free time alone with a computer or cell phone is widespread among young people. So I say to you, young Guardsmen: please go against the current! It is better to use your free time for common activities, to get to know Rome, for moments of fraternity in which to tell stories and share, to play sports. These experiences build you from within and will stay with you throughout your life.”
The Pontiff concluded by entrusting the Swiss Guard and their families to the protection of the Virgin Mary and her patron saints.
