HOLY FATHER RECEIVES NEW SWISS GUARDS

VATICAN CITY, MAY 6, 1999 (VIS) - At 7 last evening the Holy Father welcomed the new members of the Pontifical Swiss Guards, along with their friends and relatives, and addressed them in three of Switzerland's four languages, German, Italian and French.

"Dear Guards," John Paul II greeted them, "I would like to encourage you to give witness with joy and youthful vigor to the love of God in Jesus Christ, This witness is especially expressed in two areas: By joining the Swiss Guard Corps, you show that your intention is to dedicate your service in a special way to the Holy Father, to whom the pastoral care of the entire flock is entrusted.

"In addition, through your commitment in the diverse areas of the Corps' work, you give witness in the eyes of men as to who your Lord is, and what the motives are which inspire you."

"I would like to take this occasion," the Pope remarked, "to wish you a happy life in the Eternal City. I ask those guards who have been in the service of the Corps for some time, such as the command leaders, to favor bonds of trust which can support and encourage all members of the Swiss Guard, even in difficult moments.

"I also hope," concluded the Holy Father, "that during your service in Rome you keep in close touch with your parents, your relatives and with the friends you have in your country. That way everyone can rejoice with you in the extraordinary occasion which has been given to you to have new experiences which will bear fruit."

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