EC Swiss Guards?

  • Thread starter Thread starter John_of_Patmos
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ByzCathCantor said:
To this day, use of the term remains an issue. I recently attended a family wedding in a Roman Catholic church (my mother’s side are all faithful RCs). My siblings went to parochial school there, and our family is well known in the parish (both sides). The long-tenured senior pastor of this parish is fully aware that we are Eastern Catholic and has always properly allowed us to receive Holy Communion.

Yet, at the wedding Mass, he made a big speech about how only Roman Catholics (with strongly pronounced vocal emphasis on the word “Roman”) could receive Holy Communion. Our side of the family nonetheless received the Blessed Sacrament, but with some discomfort following this announcement. At the reception, my brother asked the priest why he had made this announcement as he had, as opposed to simply saying “all Catholics”. He replied simply “Well, you are Roman Catholic too!”.

Perhaps, but first try finding an Swiss Eastern Catholic (and one who meets all the other requirements, as well)! 🙂
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Just a guess, but since many Episcopalians consider themselves “Catholic,” and indeed the term “Roman Catholic” arose in England to distinguish Romans from Anglicans, it’s possible he didn’t consider the issue vis-a-vis Eastern Catholics. It may have been a bit insensitive or ignorant, but I’d be tempted to give him a break on this one - though an explanation of why it was offensive may be appropriate at some time in the near future.
 
Where does the term “Swiss Guards” come from? It is my impression that they must be Swiss citizens. The honor comes from the protection that the Swiss gave to the Pope centuries before there were Swiss Guards.
 
jfmclaughlin said:
Where does the term “Swiss Guards” come from? It is my impression that they must be Swiss citizens. The honor comes from the protection that the Swiss gave to the Pope centuries before there were Swiss Guards.
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I believe the Pope originally hired swiss mercinaries.
 
ByzCathCantor said:
Nothing can profane that which is perfect.

Those who partake unworthily profane themselves.
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Off-topic, but it’s actually just the opposite. Only the good and perfect can be profaned. It means to treat something that is holy as if it were unholy.

Peace and God bless!
 
jfmclaughlin said:
Where does the term “Swiss Guards” come from? It is my impression that they must be Swiss citizens. The honor comes from the protection that the Swiss gave to the Pope centuries before there were Swiss Guards.
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The Swiss Guard originated with His Holiness Pope Julius II or “il Papa Terrible”. He required an army beyond that of the regular Pontifical Militia and hired the Swiss (I forget how many Companies he hired). He did this because at this time, the Swiss were two things: Catholic and poor. Because they were poor, theyw ere often sold as merceneries. This was the case in the Papal States, France, and plenty of other Kingdoms as well. In France, the Swiss Guard lasted until the fall of the Monarchy.

In the Papal State, they are around even until today and remain the only Military Corps of the Papal State. Before 1960 a visitor could regularly see the Palatine Guard and the Noble Guard. The former was made up of Roman citizens and were mostly militia - similar to a gendarmerie. While the Noble Guard were originally light cavalry, but evolved as a ceremonial corps for the express purpose of: A. Looking nice and B. Keeping alive the Black Nobility and finally, C. For carrying the Sedia Gestatore.

However in 1960, H.H. Paul VI disbanded the two leaving only the Swiss Guard to guard him.
 
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