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POPE-SWISSGUARDS May-5-2008 (360 words) xxxi
Swiss Guards show that loyalty to church does not change, pope says
By Cindy Wooden
Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In a world of constant change, the Swiss Guards with their colorful traditional uniforms are a sign that loyalty and dedication to the church never go out of fashion, Pope Benedict XVI said.
The pope met May 5 with 33 young Swiss Catholic men who had joined the 110-man corps over the past 12 months. They were to take their official oaths of office the next evening.
Pope Benedict said the corps, formed 502 years ago, was always small, but always dedicated to protecting the pope and his residence.
"After five centuries, the spirit of faith that pushes young Swiss men to leave their beautiful land in order to serve the pope at the Vatican has remained unchanged," he said.
In addition, he said, "the love for the Catholic Church to which you witness with your persons more than with your words" also has remained unchanged.
"Your historic uniforms speak to pilgrims and tourists from all over the world of something that despite everything does not change, that is, they speak of your commitment to serve God by serving the 'servant of his servants,'" the pope told the young men.
Pope Benedict asked the new guards to act as Christians in everything they do and to cultivate a life of prayer.
"Be open, simple and loyal," he said. "Learn to appreciate the differences of personality and character that exist among you because beneath the uniform each of you is a unique and unrepeatable person called by God to serve his kingdom of love and peace."
Pope Benedict told the guards that the corps is not simply a professional military organization, but also is "a school of life" that can help the young men discover their vocations as Christian husbands, priests or religious.
And, in fact, he said he was particularly pleased that long-serving Swiss Guards came to the audience with their wives and children, "who are the most beautiful flowers of your families and remind us of the special love that Jesus had for little ones."
END
Copyright (c) 2008 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed.
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