May 7, 2010. The pope’s line of defense, the Swiss Guard, is celebrating. Traditionally, this swearing in ceremony would take place at the San Damaso courtyard inside the Vatican, but because of bad weather, it was moved to Paul VI’s Hall. Nonetheless, the ceremony was just as exciting.
Donning their shiny new uniforms, these 31 men stood before the guards flag, their parents and loved ones as they swore to defend the pope with their lives.
With one hand place on the flag and the other raising three fingers, which symbolizes the Trinity, the new recruits committed themselves to the oath.
The chaplain of the Swiss Guards spoke to the spirit of the service and devotion that characterizes the defense corps.
He also warned them of the danger of vanity. The chaplain told the new Swiss Guards that God is also behind the armor and uniform, so they must be humble and know their mission is to serve God and the pope.
The Swiss who wish to be part of the pope’s security team must be at least 5’8 and a half feet tall, single, under the age of 30 and Catholic. And who knows, perhaps the future of the Swiss Guard is standing among the youngest faces in the crowd.
BR/MC
AM
JM
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