VATICAN CITY, MAY 6, 2004 (VIS) - This morning the Holy Father received 33 new recruits of the Pontifical Swiss Guard who will be sworn in this afternoon in the presence of family members and other members of the Corps.
In his speech in German, Italian and French, the Holy Father expressed his gratitude to the members of the Swiss Guard for their "service to the Successor of Peter and to his collaborators here in the Vatican. "It is a demanding commitment," he said, "and perhaps sometimes tiresome but God will reward you."
"Always be faithful," he continued, "to your mission, carefully cultivating the ideal of love for Christ and the Church which your families and Christian communities in Switzerland strive to constantly nourish. As you know, on June 5 and 6, I will participate in Bern, God willing, in a meeting with Swiss youth, and I will also have a meeting with members of the association of former Swiss Guards. I count on your prayers and spiritual support."
John Paul II told the guards he hoped that the people whom they encounter every day during "their humble service, members of the Roman Curia and pilgrims, will be stimulated to embrace the true meaning of our life: to discover and make known God's love for each one of us!"
AC/SWISS GUARD/... VIS 20040506 (230)
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