Swiss Guard recruits take oath of loyalty

May 06, 2016

New Swiss Guard recruits took their oath of loyalty on May 6, the anniversary of the 1527 sack of Rome by the troops of Emperor Charles V.

The “heroic death” of 147 Swiss Guard members at the time “would not have been possible without faith in the Lord of Life,” Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, preached during a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.

“Sustained by this faith in the Risen Jesus and strengthened by the experience of joy that the Lord gives life in fullness, I invite you, dear Guards, to have the courage to be witnesses in the world today, despite the difficulties,” he continued, adding:

Be witnesses of Christ - even in your own homeland, Switzerland - and in a world that desires light and life but often does not have the courage to accept it, in the midst of your young peers, who hunger for meaning and fulfillment, so that you may tell them that it is worth proposing great and beautiful things, although this involves commitment, dedication and will require some toil.

 

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Further information:

• Swiss Guard attend Mass to mark anniversary of Sack of Rome (Vatican Radio)
• May 6th: The Recruits Take their Oath of Loyalty (Swiss Guard)
• Swearing in Ceremony of the Pontifical Swiss Guards - 2016.05.06 (YouTube Vatican)