“I always look forward to this day with pleasure, because it gives me the opportunity to publicly thank the presence and service of the Swiss Guards,” the Pope said on May 6, the Guard’s holiday.
Inese Steinert – Vatican
The Holy Father also thanked the parents of the young people, saying that the fact that their sons are in the Vatican and are well brought up is proof of the favorable environment in which they have grown up. Francis praised Guard Commander Christoph Graf, his associates, as well as the chaplain, noting that he was a “proper Benedictine.”
“There is a good team spirit among you in the barracks, a positive atmosphere and a kind attitude towards your superiors and visitors, despite the often long, intense and difficult service time, which is explained by the fact that there are slightly fewer of you than should be, ” said the Pope.
Francis praised the Swiss Guards’ high level of motivation and will to serve, as well as their good relations with each other. They manifest themselves in joint excursions, often organizing trips to nature. The Pope affirmed that it is very beautiful and noted that relationships are essential experiences for Christians. Jesus has revealed and testified that God is love and that He is relationship within Himself. In this mystery is found the purpose and fulfillment of our existence. Good relationships are the path to our growth and human and Christian maturity. Much of what defines our personality comes from our relationships with parents, siblings, schoolmates, teachers, friends, work colleagues, etc.
“This is why living in the wider Swiss Guard family for at least two years of service is such an important time for your formation,” the Pope said. He pointed out that it is not only about the work period, but also about life and relationships, about the time of intense togetherness and diverse company. The diversity and intensity of this community, as well as the interrelationships, constitute an essential and qualifying aspect.
Francis noted that in this perspective, the new barracks of the Swiss Guards, which is currently in the design stage, should provide a significant contribution to the unification of the Guards and their families, as they are currently forced to live scattered due to the lack of space, as well as to strengthening ties within the Guards. Continuing to talk about the dimension of mutual relations, the Pope called for active nurturing of community life, because today it is a common habit among young people to spend their free time alone with computers and smartphones. Therefore, the Pope said to the youth of the Swiss Guard: “Go against the current! Please go upstream! It is better to invest your free time in community activities, moments of fraternity in which to tell and share, get to know Rome together, do sports…. These experiences make a person grow and accompany him throughout his life.
The Pope wished the Swiss Guards a happy holiday and entrusted them to the protection of the Virgin Mary and their heavenly guardians. “I know you are praying for me, I know! I thank you very much for that and please continue to do it,” Francis asked in conclusion.
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